Easiest Taco Soup Recipe

The Easiest Taco Soup Recipe That Warms Your Soul

Whipping up a delightful taco soup recipe doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.

Comfort meets convenience in this crowd-pleasing dish that comes together in minutes.

Hearty ingredients mingle to create a robust flavor profile sure to satisfy hungry bellies.

Packed with protein and zesty seasonings, this soup delivers a knockout meal without requiring complex cooking skills.

My kitchen has seen countless iterations, but this version stands out for its simplicity and bold taste.

Curious cooks can master this recipe with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Jump in and let your taste buds celebrate this southwestern-inspired culinary adventure.

Tasty Spins On Easiest Taco Soup

  • Vegetarian Bean Bonanza: Replace ground beef and turkey with plant-based crumbles or extra firm tofu, maintaining the protein-rich profile while creating a meat-free version.
  • Spicy Southwest Kick: Increase jalapeños, add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and incorporate cayenne pepper for those craving intense heat and bold flavor profiles.
  • Instant Pot Speed Feast: Transfer all ingredients to instant pot, pressure cook for 10 minutes instead of simmering, reducing total preparation time while preserving robust taste.
  • Low-Carb Zucchini Bowl: Substitute corn and beans with riced cauliflower and zucchini chunks, creating a lighter meal suitable for ketogenic and low-carbohydrate dietary needs.

What Goes Well With Easiest Taco Soup

  • Boost Mexican Protein Soup Pairings
  • Crunch Fresh Tortilla Chips: Crispy corn tortilla chips provide perfect textural contrast, breaking up soup's smoothness while adding traditional Mexican crunch.
  • Pair Zesty Margarita: Bright lime and tequila cocktail complements soup's spicy profile, cutting through rich meaty flavors with refreshing citrus notes.
  • Serve Cilantro-Lime Rice: Light, fluffy rice with fresh cilantro and tangy lime juice creates a delightful side that enhances the soup's southwestern essence.
  • Select Cool Avocado Salad: Creamy avocado chunks with lime and red onion offer a cool, smooth counterpoint to the warm, hearty soup, balancing temperature and flavor complexity.

Keeping Your Taco Soup Fresh And Tasty

  • Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors and maintain freshness.
  • Preserve soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum flavor retention.
  • Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
  • Pour soup into a saucepan, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying.

Questions About The Easiest Taco Soup

  • Is this soup spicy?

The soup has a mild to moderate heat level from taco seasoning. If you want more spice, add jalapeños or use a spicier seasoning mix.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace ground meats with additional beans or plant-based meat alternatives like crumbled tofu or textured vegetable protein.

  • How nutritious is this soup?

High in protein from meats and beans, rich in vegetables, and packed with essential nutrients like iron, fiber, and vitamins from corn, tomatoes, and beans.

  • Do I need special cooking skills to prepare this?

No, it’s a beginner-friendly recipe with simple steps and basic ingredients that anyone can easily follow and prepare.

Why The Easiest Taco Soup Deserves A Spot On Your Table

  • Boost Nutrition: Packed with protein from ground beef and turkey, plus fiber-rich beans and vegetables, this soup delivers a balanced, wholesome meal that supports healthy eating.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows personalized toppings like cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and jalapeños, making it adaptable to individual taste preferences and spice levels.
  • Simple One-Pot Wonder: Minimal dishes and straightforward cooking steps mean less cleanup and stress, perfect for busy home cooks seeking a satisfying meal without complicated techniques.
  • Quick Comfort Food: Hearty soup comes together rapidly, providing a warm, filling dinner that feels like a comforting hug on any evening, especially during chilly weather or when craving something substantial.

What Goes Into The Easiest Taco Soup

For the Protein:
  • Ground Beef, Ground Turkey: A combination of lean meats that provide rich flavor and protein to the soup.
For the Aromatics:
  • Onions, Garlic: Essential ingredients that build a deep, savory base and add aromatic complexity to the soup.
For the Beans and Vegetables:
  • Black Beans, Kidney Beans: Hearty legumes that add texture, fiber, and additional protein to the dish.
  • Corn Kernels, Diced Tomatoes: Vegetables that contribute sweetness, moisture, and vibrant color to the soup.
For the Liquid Base:
  • Chicken Broth, Water: The foundational liquids that create the soup's consistency and help blend all flavors together.
For the Seasonings:
  • Taco Seasoning Mix, Ranch Seasoning Mix: Premixed spice blends that provide a zesty and tangy flavor profile to the soup.
For the Optional Toppings:
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream, Chopped Cilantro, Sliced Jalapeños: Garnishes that add extra layers of flavor, creaminess, freshness, and optional heat.
For the Cooking Fats:
  • Olive Oil: Used to brown the meats and provide a smooth cooking base with a subtle fruity undertone.
For the Finishing Seasonings:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for final flavor adjustment and balancing the overall taste of the soup.

How To Make The Easiest Taco Soup Ever

Step 1: Brown The Meaty Base

Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and combine ground beef and turkey. Break the meat into tiny crumbles, cooking until all pink disappears and meat looks perfectly browned, stirring frequently for about 6-8 minutes.

Step 2: Enhance With Aromatic Vegetables

Toss diced onions and minced garlic into the browned meat. Sauté the mixture until onions become soft and release a delightful fragrant aroma, typically 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Liquid

Pour in chicken broth and water, then sprinkle both taco and ranch seasoning mixes. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients blend seamlessly and distribute evenly.

Step 4: Add Hearty Beans And Vegetables

Drain and rinse black and kidney beans. Add these protein-rich legumes to the pot along with diced tomatoes and corn kernels. Mix everything together to create a vibrant, colorful mixture.

Step 5: Simmer And Develop Deep Flavors

Reduce heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the soup simmer gently. Allow ingredients to meld and develop a rich, complex taste profile for 20-25 minutes.

Step 6: Taste And Perfect The Seasoning

Sample the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Sprinkle salt and pepper to enhance and balance the overall flavor experience.

Step 7: Prepare Delicious Toppings

Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls. Customize with tempting garnishes:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Sliced jalapeños

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Serve the soup immediately while piping hot, offering a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

Top Tips For Easy Taco Soup Success

  • Boost Meat Flavor: Brown ground beef and turkey thoroughly to develop deep, caramelized flavors that enhance the overall taste of the soup.
  • Quick Sauté Technique: Cook onions and garlic just until translucent to release their aromatic oils without burning, creating a robust flavor base.
  • Bean Preparation Hack: Always drain and rinse canned beans to reduce sodium content and remove excess starch, ensuring a cleaner taste and texture.
  • Perfect Simmering Secret: Cover the pot while simmering to lock in moisture and allow seasonings to fully infuse into the soup, creating a more harmonious blend of flavors.
  • Customizable Toppings Trick: Offer a variety of garnishes like cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and jalapeños so everyone can personalize their bowl and enjoy their ideal flavor combination.
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Easiest Taco Soup Recipe

Easiest Taco Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Mexican-inspired “Easiest Taco Soup” brings robust southwestern flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. Quick ingredients blend seamlessly, delivering comfort and zest in one satisfying bowl you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 lb ground turkey

Vegetables and Beans:

  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Optional Toppings:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 sliced jalapeño

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then brown ground beef and turkey together, breaking meat into small crumbles until no longer pink, approximately 6-8 minutes.
  2. Add diced onions and minced garlic to the meat, sauté for 2-3 minutes until onions become translucent and fragrant.
  3. Pour in chicken broth, water, and stir in both taco and ranch seasoning mixes, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
  4. Drain and rinse black and kidney beans, then add them to the pot along with diced tomatoes and corn kernels.
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer the soup for 20-25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and develop a rich, robust profile.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste.
  7. Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls and garnish with optional toppings: sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, add a dollop of sour cream, scatter chopped cilantro, and include sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
  8. Serve immediately while soup is steaming hot, perfect for a comforting and quick meal.

Notes

  • Customize meat choices by swapping ground beef and turkey with lean ground chicken or plant-based protein crumbles for dietary preferences.
  • Enhance protein content and texture by adding quinoa or diced zucchini during the simmering process for extra nutrition.
  • Control sodium levels by using low-sodium broth and seasoning mixes, ensuring a healthier version without compromising flavor intensity.
  • Make soup freezer-friendly by storing in airtight containers for up to 3 months, perfect for meal prepping and quick weeknight dinners.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 10 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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