Quick, easy, and packed with flavor, this taco soup is a guaranteed family favorite! Whether you’re short on time or looking for a hearty, satisfying meal, this recipe is perfect. It’s been a long-time staple and has recently made a comeback due to its unbeatable combination of simplicity and bold flavors. Taco soup is versatile and can be made using store-bought shortcuts or, if you’re feeling adventurous, homemade seasonings. With a rich, spiced tomato-based broth and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to become your go-to meal!
Table of Contents
What is Taco Soup?
Taco soup is a simple yet flavorful soup made with ground beef, beans, and a mix of vegetables such as onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, and corn. All of these are simmered in a spicy, tangy tomato broth that’s reminiscent of your favorite taco flavors. It’s a customizable dish, so feel free to adjust it to your taste. Add your favorite taco toppings, from cheese and sour cream to cilantro and lime, and you’ve got a meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Best of all, it’s a one-pot wonder that makes clean-up a breeze!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this one-pot taco soup:
- Ground beef: The classic choice for taco soup, though you can substitute it with ground turkey, or even vegetarian options like extra beans and vegetables.
- Beans: The recipe calls for pinto and black beans, but feel free to mix in other beans like kidney beans or garbanzo beans.
- Vegetables: You’ll need onion, garlic, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and corn. These provide the hearty base of the soup and add texture and flavor.
- Seasonings: Taco seasoning and ranch seasoning bring the soup to life. You can opt for store-bought packets for convenience, or make your own homemade blends (which we’ll dive into later!).
- Tomato paste: A little tomato paste thickens the broth and intensifies the tomato flavor.
- Water: To create the base for the broth. You can also use beef broth for a richer flavor.
The exact measurements for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post!
Seasoning Options
While store-bought taco seasoning and ranch packets are an easy way to add flavor, they can be high in sodium. If you prefer a more health-conscious option, you can make your own seasoning blends. Our homemade taco seasoning and ranch seasoning recipes are simple and delicious .
If you’re adjusting the spice level, be mindful of the cayenne pepper in the taco seasoning. Start with a smaller amount if you prefer a milder soup and add more if you love a bit of heat.
Helpful Recipe Tips
To ensure your taco soup turns out just right, here are some handy tips:
- Drain excess fat: If you’re using high-fat ground beef, drain the fat after browning it to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
- Adjust spice levels: If you’re sensitive to spice, consider using mild taco seasoning and reducing the cayenne pepper. You can always add more heat later!
- Rinse canned beans: Always drain and rinse canned beans before adding them to the soup. This removes excess salt and prevents the broth from becoming too salty.
Serving Suggestions
Taco soup is a meal on its own, but there are plenty of delicious sides you can serve alongside it. Consider cornbread or cilantro lime rice for a perfect pairing. If you want to elevate your soup even further, try adding a variety of toppings such as:
- Tortilla chips for crunch
- Avocado for creaminess
- Sour cream for a cooling effect
- Green onions for a fresh bite
- Pickled red onion for tang
- Shredded cheddar cheese for richness
- Fresh cilantro for brightness
- Lime wedges for a zesty kick
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Taco soup is perfect for meal prep. Not only does it store well in the fridge, but the flavors actually improve the longer it sits. Here’s how to store it:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
- Freezer: You can also freeze taco soup for up to 3 months. Be sure to let it cool completely before moving it into freezer-safe containers.
To reheat:
- Microwave: Heat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until warm.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Alternative Cooking Methods
If you prefer not to cook your taco soup on the stovetop, you have a couple of great alternatives:
- Slow Cooker: Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then transfer it to the slow cooker. Add the rest of the ingredients and cook on low. This is perfect for meal prep or a no-fuss dinner.
- Instant Pot: Sauté the ground beef, onion, and garlic using the sauté function on your Instant Pot. Add the remaining ingredients, secure the lid, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for the best texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 4 cups water or beef broth
Instructions:
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes).
- Drain any excess fat if needed (especially if using high-fat beef).
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add the Remaining Ingredients:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chiles, pinto beans, black beans, corn, tomato paste, taco seasoning, and ranch seasoning.
- Pour in the 4 cups of water (or beef broth for more flavor), and stir everything together to combine.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil.
- Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer a little longer until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat or a pinch of salt if the soup needs more flavor.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with your favorite taco toppings like tortilla chips, cheddar cheese, sour cream, avocado, green onions, cilantro, and lime wedges.
Optional: Make Homemade Seasonings
If you’d like to make your own taco seasoning and ranch seasoning, here are simple recipes:
Homemade Taco Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Homemade Ranch Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
- To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 3 months.
And there you have it—an incredibly simple and delicious One-Pot Taco Soup that’s perfect for those busy nights, meal prep, or any occasion that calls for a satisfying, hearty meal. With its blend of wholesome ingredients, bold spices, and easy-to-follow instructions, this soup is sure to become a new staple in your kitchen. Whether you use store-bought seasonings or take the time to make your own, this recipe offers endless possibilities for customization.
Not only does this taco soup deliver great flavor, but it also keeps well for leftovers, making it a smart choice for meal planning. Pair it with a side of cornbread or rice, and enjoy it throughout the week. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for a busy week, this soup is both comforting and convenient.
So go ahead, give this taco soup a try, and feel free to get creative with your toppings and variations. It’s a meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Enjoy cooking and savor the flavors!
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