Taco Soup
Enjoy all the classic flavors of a beef taco in a hearty, comforting soup. This one-pot wonder is loaded with seasoned ground beef, beans, and corn, making it a perfect, quick-fix meal for any busy weeknight. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a guaranteed family favorite.
For 6 servings
Sauté Aromatics and Brown Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until fully browned, about 6-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Season and Deglaze
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning, salt, and pepper over the beef mixture. Stir continuously for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
- Pour in about 1/2 cup of the beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pot with your spoon to release any flavorful browned bits (deglazing).
Combine Ingredients and Simmer
- Add the remaining beef broth, the undrained can of diced tomatoes with green chiles, the rinsed kidney and black beans, and the drained corn.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve and Garnish
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Ladle the hot soup into individual bowls.
- Set out bowls of toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, and diced avocado for everyone to customize their own serving.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and ground chorizo.
- 2To make a creamier soup, stir in 4 ounces of softened cream cheese during the last 5 minutes of simmering until it's fully melted.
- 3Don't skip draining the grease from the beef. This step is crucial for a clean, non-greasy soup broth.
- 4This soup is an excellent meal prep option. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
- 5Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter version.
Vegetarian/VeganVegetarian/Vegan
Omit the ground beef and add an extra can of beans (like pinto beans) or use a plant-based ground meat substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and skip cheese/sour cream for a vegan option.
Spice It UpSpice It Up
For extra heat, add a chopped jalapeño along with the onion, or stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Add More VeggiesAdd More Veggies
Bulk up the soup with more vegetables like diced bell peppers (add with the onion) or stir in a cup of frozen cauliflower rice during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The combination of ground beef and beans provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function. Protein also helps you feel full and satisfied.
High in Dietary Fiber
With two types of beans and corn, this soup is rich in dietary fiber. Fiber aids in digestion, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and supports a healthy gut microbiome.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
This soup is a good source of essential nutrients like iron from the beef, potassium from the tomatoes and beans, and B vitamins, which are crucial for energy production.
Frequently asked questions
A 1.5-cup serving of this Taco Soup, without toppings, contains approximately 420-480 calories. The final count will vary based on the leanness of your ground beef and the type and amount of toppings you add.