Name: Easy Taco Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 pound (500g) lean ground beef; 1 small onion, chopped; 4-5 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups (946ml) beef or chicken broth or stock; 1 (15 oz) (432g) can corn, drained; 1 (15 oz) (425g) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (15 oz) (425g) can chili beans in chili sauce; 1 (28 oz) (793g) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (4 oz) (113g) can chopped green chiles; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 2 teaspoons cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste; Shredded cheese; Sour cream; Chopped cilantro; Diced avocado; Tortilla chips; Sliced jalapeños

If you’re on the lookout for a go-to dinner that packs loads of flavor, warmth, and comfort into every spoonful, Easy Taco Soup is about to win you over. Imagine everything you love about tacos—zesty seasonings, hearty beans, fresh veggies—all in one cozy bowl. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or hosting friends for a casual gathering, this soup delivers BIG on taste with minimal fuss. The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, ready in 30 minutes, and sure to become a family favorite you’ll crave year-round.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the beautiful things about Easy Taco Soup is how the lineup of pantry and fresh staples come together to create something magical. Each ingredient adds a layer of flavor, a pop of color, or a satisfying bite—making this soup the flavorful, fuss-free wonder that it is.

Lean ground beef: Choose 80-90% lean for plenty of savory flavor without too much grease; turkey or plant-based crumbles work beautifully, too.
Onion (small, chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the base—yellow or white varieties are best.
Garlic (4-5 cloves, minced): Don’t skimp! Fresh garlic makes the broth pop and rounds out the spices.
Beef or chicken broth (4 cups): Both are delicious, so use whichever you have—homemade or store-bought.
Canned corn (15 oz): Brings sweetness and a delightful crunch to each bite.
Black beans (15 oz): Always rinse and drain; they add protein and a creamy texture.
Chili beans in sauce (15 oz): This shortcut delivers tons of Tex-Mex flavor in one scoop.
Crushed tomatoes (28 oz): Form the hearty, tangy backbone of the soup’s broth.
Chopped green chiles (4 oz): For subtle warmth and a splash of Southwest character.
Chili powder (1 tablespoon): Don’t be shy—this is what gives the soup its classic taco personality.
Cumin (2 teaspoons): Earthy, smoky flavor that deepens the whole dish.
Dried oregano, onion powder, garlic powder (1 teaspoon each): These give the soup savory herbaceousness and round out the spice mix.
Salt, pepper, cayenne pepper: Adjust to taste, adding a dash of heat or seasoning as you go.

How to Make Easy Taco Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Aromatics

Start by setting a large dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and chopped onion together; break up the meat as it cooks. The goal is to get the beef nicely browned and the onions soft and fragrant, about 4-6 minutes. Sprinkle in the minced garlic and stir. Let it cook for another 2 minutes—the combination will make your kitchen smell incredible.

Step 2: Add the Rest of the Ingredients

Once the beef is cooked through and the onions are translucent, it’s time to toss in everything else: both beans, corn, crushed tomatoes, green chiles, broth, and all your spices (chili powder, cumin, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, plus salt, pepper, and a little cayenne for kick). Give everything a big, hearty stir—that vivid, chunky mixture is exactly what you want.

Step 3: Simmer to Blend Flavors

Reduce the heat and cover your pot. Let your Easy Taco Soup gently simmer for about 15 minutes. This is where the magic happens—all those spices and savory flavors mingle, thickening the broth just right. If you’ve got a few extra minutes, feel free to simmer longer for an even richer flavor; just stir now and then.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

When your soup is piping hot and wonderfully fragrant, ladle it into bowls and top it off with all your favorite taco-inspired garnishes. Each bowl is an invitation for creativity—think shredded cheese, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, sliced avocados, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

How to Serve Easy Taco Soup

Garnishes

Garnishes can really transform Easy Taco Soup from a simple stew into a spectacular meal. Pile on shredded cheddar, a scoop of sour cream, freshly chopped cilantro, jalapeño slices, diced tomatoes, or some crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch. Let everyone customize their own bowl—the toppings bar is half the fun!

Side Dishes

While Easy Taco Soup is hearty enough to stand alone, it pairs splendidly with a few simple sides. Try it with warm, crusty bread or cornbread to scoop up every drop. A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette balances the richness, or add a handful of nachos for a Tex-Mex feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the bowl! For parties, serve Easy Taco Soup in mini mugs or baked tortilla cups for adorable appetizers. Hosting kids? Let them pile their toppings high at a DIY topping station. Or, for a fun dinner, offer the soup alongside a tray of tortillas to make “soup tacos” for dunking and scooping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Taco Soup stores like a dream. Just let any extras cool to room temperature, then stash in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, making it a fantastic grab-and-go lunch or second night dinner.

Freezing

This soup is freeze-friendly, meaning you can always have a batch on hand for busy nights. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers (leave a little space for expansion), seal tightly, and freeze for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Reheating

To reheat Easy Taco Soup, simply microwave a bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, or warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of broth if it has thickened in storage, and top with fresh garnishes to bring everything back to life.

FAQs

Can I make Easy Taco Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or additional beans, and use vegetable broth. All the delicious flavors will still shine through.

Does Easy Taco Soup work in a slow cooker?

Yes! This soup is slow cooker-friendly. You can cook it on high for 4-6 hours or low for 8-10 hours, starting with raw ground beef broken up (or use pre-browned for extra flavor). It’s set-it-and-forget-it comfort food.

Is this soup spicy?

Easy Taco Soup has a gentle kick, but the heat is easy to control. Omit the cayenne and use mild chili beans and chiles for a milder version, or add extra spices and jalapeño for more heat.

How do I thicken or thin the soup?

If you want a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered a little longer so the liquid evaporates. Prefer something brothy? Just add a splash more broth until it’s the perfect spoonable consistency for you.

What toppings should I try?

Some crowd-pleasing toppers for Easy Taco Soup are shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, radishes, lime wedges, and tortilla chips. Don’t be afraid to mix and match for new flavor combinations!

Final Thoughts

Easy Taco Soup is that rare find—fast, filling, and full of flavor—perfect for hectic nights or lazy weekends. I can’t wait for you to scoop up your first bowl, and I just know it’ll become a regular in your kitchen, too. Give it a try, share it with people you love, and make it your own!