Easy Taco Soup Recipe
If you’re searching for a meal that’s deeply satisfying, incredibly flavorful, and utterly unfussy, this Easy Taco Soup is bound to become a regular in your kitchen. Picture everything you love about tacos—hearty meats, bright veggies, plenty of savory spice—all simmered into a comforting, soul-warming bowl of goodness that comes together in just over half an hour. Whether you’re cooking for busy weeknights, meal prepping for the week, or simply need a family-friendly crowd-pleaser, this Easy Taco Soup delivers maximum flavor with minimum fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy Taco Soup lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Each item packs a punch, working together for layers of taste and hearty texture. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each ingredient matters:
- Olive oil: Adds a smooth, rich base for sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Ground beef or ground turkey: Provides hearty, savory protein; choose your favorite for the flavor you love most.
- Onion (diced): Brings essential aromatic sweetness and depth to the soup.
- Garlic (minced): Lends that irresistible, garlicky aroma that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing.
- Black beans (drained & rinsed): Add fiber, creaminess, and earthy flavor.
- Kidney beans (drained & rinsed): Offer color, heartiness, and a classic chili vibe.
- Corn (drained): Pops of sweetness and a lovely golden hue.
- Diced tomatoes: Contribute juicy tang and a rustic tomato backbone to the soup.
- Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies): Delivers a gentle heat and a hint of Southwest flair; swap for mild diced tomatoes if desired.
- Taco seasoning packet: Your shortcut to big, bold taco flavor with no measuring required.
- Chili powder: Bumps up the deep, smoky spice that everyone loves in Mexican-inspired recipes.
- Cumin: Infuses an unmistakable earthiness that anchors all the other flavors.
- Beef or chicken broth: Adds depth and brings the whole soup together; use your favorite or what’s on hand.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing all the flavors—taste and adjust as needed!
- Optional toppings—shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, green onions: Don’t skip these; they transform each bowl with texture and freshness!
How to Make Easy Taco Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Start by heating a splash of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, cooking until it softens and turns translucent—about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for another 30 seconds, releasing all that wonderful aroma. This simple step is key for building a flavor-packed foundation for your Easy Taco Soup.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Meat
Now it’s time for the main protein: add your ground beef or turkey straight into the pot. As it cooks, break it up with a spoon and keep stirring until it’s browned throughout. If there’s any excess grease, go ahead and drain it off. This extra step keeps your soup hearty but not heavy.
Step 3: Add the Veggies, Beans, and Tomatoes
Here comes the magic! Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, corn, regular diced tomatoes, and that punchy can of Rotel with green chilies. Each one brings its own thing—be it texture, color, sweetness, or tang. These pantry staples come together quickly and easily with no prep work required.
Step 4: Sprinkle in Seasonings and Pour in Broth
Sprinkle the taco seasoning, chili powder, and cumin over everything. Give it all a good stir, making sure to coat those veggies and beans. Then pour in your beef or chicken broth to bring the soup to its perfect consistency. Stir again to combine, and the vibrant scent of taco seasonings will start filling the air!
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Crank up the heat and bring the whole pot to a gentle boil. Once boiling, turn it down and let it simmer uncovered for about 20 to 25 minutes. This is where all the flavors mingle and intensify, making each spoonful of your Easy Taco Soup rich and full of character. Taste a little and add salt or pepper if needed.
Step 6: Serve and Top
Ladle the piping hot soup into bowls and top with your pick of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, crisp green onions, and a handful of crushed tortilla chips. Now you’re ready to enjoy the coziest taco-inspired experience, all in a single bowl!
How to Serve Easy Taco Soup
Garnishes
The toppings are where Easy Taco Soup comes alive with color, crunch, and creaminess. Try a blanket of shredded cheese, a spoonful of tangy sour cream, a scattering of sliced green onions, and some crushed tortilla chips for an irresistible textural contrast. Feeling adventurous? Add sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, or a few sprigs of fresh cilantro for extra flair.
Side Dishes
While this soup stands tall all by itself, it’s even better alongside a basket of warm cornbread, classic quesadillas, or a crisp side salad. For a weeknight dinner, pair it with tortilla chips and salsa for dipping—your family will be racing to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make dinnertime extra special? Serve Easy Taco Soup in a big, rustic bread bowl for a wow-worthy presentation, or set up a toppings bar so everyone can personalize their bowl. This is a fantastic idea for parties, potlucks, or casual game-day gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Taco Soup tastes even better the next day! Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container; it’ll keep in the fridge for up to four days. Give it a good stir before serving again, as the flavors just keep deepening.
Freezing
This soup is a meal prep superstar! Pour leftovers into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (lay them flat for stackable storage). It will keep beautifully in the freezer for up to three months, making it easy to grab a homemade dinner on busy nights.
Reheating
To reheat, simply transfer your soup to a pot and warm it gently over medium heat until steaming hot, stirring occasionally. If microwaving, reheat individual portions in short increments, stirring in between. Add a splash of broth if you’d like to thin it out as it heats.
FAQs
Can I make Easy Taco Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the ground meat for an extra can of beans or your favorite plant-based crumble, and use vegetable broth. The flavor is still robust and totally satisfying.
What can I use if I don’t have Rotel?
No Rotel on hand? Just use another can of diced tomatoes and a small can of mild diced green chilies—or skip the chilies for a kid-friendly, milder taste.
Will this recipe work in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the meat and sauté onions and garlic first, then toss all ingredients into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. It’s a fantastic, hands-off way to make Easy Taco Soup.
How can I make it spicier?
To kick up the heat, use hot Rotel, add extra chili powder, or stir in sliced jalapeños. You can also offer hot sauce at the table for everyone to spice their own bowl to taste.
Is Easy Taco Soup gluten-free?
It can be! Just be sure to use a gluten-free taco seasoning mix and check your broth; most other ingredients in Easy Taco Soup are naturally gluten free.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Easy Taco Soup enough—it’s rich, zesty, and friendly to cooks of any skill level. This is the kind of recipe that brings people together, warms you from the inside out, and begs to be made again and again. Grab your favorite toppings, gather around the pot, and get ready to fall in love with dinner all over again!
Print
Easy Taco Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make taco soup that is perfect for a comforting meal. Packed with savory flavors and customizable toppings, this hearty soup is a family favorite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Beans and Veggies:
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
Seasonings and Broth:
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Tortilla chips
- Green onions
Instructions
- Saute Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a pot, sauté onion until soft, then add garlic.
- Brown Meat: Cook ground beef or turkey until browned.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in beans, corn, tomatoes, Rotel, seasonings, and broth.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20–25 minutes.
- Adjust Seasoning: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with desired toppings.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite beans and adjust spiciness to taste.
- Freezes well for meal prep convenience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 760 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
