Mexican cuisine is some of the best in the world. It combines bold flavors, spicy notes, and incredible textures. Of all the Mexican dishes, tacos are one of the most popular. And what could be better than turning those delicious flavors into a cozy, comforting soup? That’s right – taco soup!
Taco soup gives you all the beautiful tastes, flavors, and smells that you associate with your favorite taco but in a warm soup that can keep you going on the coldest of days. It is the perfect thing to make in the dead of winter when you want to remind yourself of a nice summer day.
Taco soup also has the benefit of being packed with the nutrients and minerals you need to live a healthy lifestyle, and since it is easy to customize, you can keep everyone happy.
This easy taco soup recipe combines all your favorite taco ingredients like ground beef, beans, corn, and tomatoes with broth and seasonings to create a filling and tasty meal. Keep reading to learn how to make the best taco soup you have ever had.
What Is Taco Soup?
Taco soup is a spin on traditional taco flavors and ingredients, like ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and corn, turned into a comforting bowl of soup. It is easy to customize and add your favorite toppings, just like with tacos.
Taco soup has been around for decades but gained popularity in the 1990s as part of the Southwestern cuisine trend. It has since become a staple in American households, and many people serve it at potlucks and parties.

Easy Taco Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 1 Onion diced
- 2 Cloves of garlic minced
- 1 can Diced tomatoes
- 2 cups Beef broth
- 1 package Taco seasoning
- 1 Tbsp Chili powder
- Salt and pepper
- 1 can Corn drained
- 1 can Black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can Kidney beans drained and rinsed
- Shredded cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips for topping (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat with the diced onion and garlic. Mix the beef and crumble it until it is well browned. If there is excess fat, drain it by pouring it out or soaking it with a paper towel before proceeding to the next step.
- Once you cook the beef, add in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, taco seasoning, and chili powder—season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer. Cover and let cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add in the corn, black beans, and kidney beans and cook until all the ingredients are well incorporated and warm. If the soup is too thick, you may need to add some water to thin it out.
- Serve hot with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Tips & Tricks for Taco Soup Recipe
- For extra flavor and heat, feel free to add other ingredients like bell peppers, green chilies, or diced jalapenos.
- I prefer to use canned tomatoes with chili peppers. It adds a beautiful depth of flavor and an extra kick to this dish.
- If you are using ground beef, it is better to use lean 90/10 beef instead of high-fat beef. You must turn off the fat during step 1; high-fat beef can mess up the flavor.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans.
- If you want to make this Mexican soup in the slow cooker, brown the ground beef and cook the onions and garlic before adding everything to the slow cooker and cooking on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- If you have leftovers or want to make huge batches at once, this taco soup recipe freezes well. You can freeze it in jars or individual servings for a quick meal.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of meat. Ground turkey, pulled pork, steak, or chicken all work well in taco soup.
- Another tip is to add a powdered ranch packet and a chili seasoning package. This addition will take your taco soup to the next level, and all your friends will wonder what your secret ingredient is.
- Don’t be afraid to make your own taco seasoning. You can make taco seasoning by mixing one tablespoon of chili powder, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon of onion powder, ¼ teaspoon of cumin, â…› teaspoon of paprika, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust these measurements to suit your personal preference.
- Some other great toppings for taco soup are red onions, lime wedges, cilantro, and avocado slices.
- Low-sodium beef broth is also a great substitution. It is easy to over-salt this dish, so reducing the sodium here gives you more control. You can always add salt to taste.
- You can use fresh or frozen corn as an alternative to canned corn. These two corn options give you a more crunch and fresh final product.
- If you prepare this for picky eaters, only cook the meat, tomatoes, and onions. Cook everything else separately, and then let people assemble their bowls.
Nutrition Information of Taco Soup Recipe
Per serving (without toppings), this taco soup recipe has approximately 250 calories, 14 grams of fat, 20 grams of protein, and 13 grams of carbohydrates. It is also a good source of fiber and iron.
Conclusion
Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight meal or want to impress at your next potluck, this easy taco soup recipe is sure to please. Make it your own by adding different toppings or ingredients to fit your preferences and dietary needs.
So what are you waiting for? This yummy taco soup is ready to be made in just a few steps. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious taste of taco soup on a chilly day.
What is your favorite topping for taco soup? Let us know in the comments below.
Bon appetite!
I cooked this
This was AMAZING! My family could not stop raving about it.
Yummy!