The Best Taco Soup Recipe – Hearty, Zesty, and One Pot Delicious
When comfort meets crave-worthy, spicy meets hearty, and tacos meet soup… you get the Best Taco Soup Recipe ever. This one-pot wonder is packed with bold flavor, loaded with beans, ground beef, tomatoes, corn, chilies, and topped just like a taco — with avocado, cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips. 🌮🍲
It’s a weeknight winner that’s quick to make, freezer-friendly, and easy to double for feeding a crowd. Whether you're meal-prepping, cooking for the family, or cozying up on a chilly night, this recipe will become a regular in your rotation.
Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, endlessly customizable, and ready in under 40 minutes — with all the zest of taco night in soup form.
Love taco flavors? Don’t miss these favorites: Taco Casserole with Rice and Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas.
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven (5–6 qt)
- Cutting board & knife
- Can opener
- Colander – for rinsing beans
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Ladle – for serving
- Bowls & spoons – for loading up those toppings!
Ingredients
Meat:
- 1 lb ground beef
Produce:
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 jalapeño diced (optional, for heat)
- 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 4 oz can green chilies
- 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 10 oz can tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 avocado diced (for topping)
- 1 lime cut into wedges
- Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
- Canned Goods:
- 2 cups beef broth
- Oils & Vinegars:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Baking & Spices:
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- Salt & pepper to taste
Dairy (Toppings):
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
Other:
- Tortilla chips or strips for topping
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until beef is browned and onion is soft.
- Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Add Everything Else
- Stir in:
- Black beans, kidney beans, and corn
- Diced tomatoes and tomatoes with green chilies
- Green chilies, jalapeño (if using)
- Beef broth
- Taco seasoning and ranch dressing mix
- Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Simmer
- Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Ladle into bowls and serve with avocado, cheddar cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, cilantro, and lime wedges.
- 🍋 Tip: A squeeze of lime juice right before eating brightens up the entire bowl!
Notes
🔁 Variations
1. Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Brown beef and onion, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. 2. Chicken Taco Soup
Replace beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or ground chicken. 3. Vegetarian Version
Skip the meat and double the beans, or add chopped zucchini and bell pepper. 4. Spicy Style
Add more jalapeños, a chipotle pepper in adobo, or extra cayenne. 5. Creamy Taco Soup
Stir in 4 oz cream cheese or ½ cup heavy cream after simmering. 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Fridge:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days. Freezer:
Freeze in individual or family-size portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheating:
Reheat in a pot over medium heat or microwave in 60–90 second intervals, stirring in between. ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is taco soup spicy?
It can be! Keep it mild or add extra spice based on your preference. 2. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes — the flavor actually improves the next day! 3. What’s the best meat substitute?
Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles all work great. 4. Do I need both taco seasoning and ranch mix?
Yes — taco seasoning brings the zest, while ranch adds a savory, herby balance. 5. Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
Definitely! A mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano will do the trick. 6. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes — just make sure your seasoning packets and broth are labeled GF. 7. Can I use dry beans instead of canned?
Yes, but cook them ahead of time — canned is faster and easier for weeknights. 8. Can I add rice or pasta?
Sure! Add cooked white rice, quinoa, or small pasta for an even heartier bowl. 9. What are the best toppings?
Cheese, sour cream, avocado, tortilla strips, jalapeños, cilantro, lime, and even hot sauce! 10. How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 5 days in a sealed container. ✅ Conclusion
This Best Taco Soup Recipe is a flavor-packed, belly-warming favorite that deserves a spot in your weekly meal rotation. With bold taco seasoning, hearty beans, sweet corn, and rich broth — it’s everything you love about tacos in cozy, comforting soup form. Make it mild or spicy, serve it with crunchy tortilla chips and creamy toppings, and watch it disappear fast. It’s the kind of recipe that’s as easy as it is impressive — and always a hit! Try next: Creamy White Chicken Chili Enchilada Soup with Ground Turkey Beef & Bean Chili Mac
1. Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Brown beef and onion, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. 2. Chicken Taco Soup
Replace beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or ground chicken. 3. Vegetarian Version
Skip the meat and double the beans, or add chopped zucchini and bell pepper. 4. Spicy Style
Add more jalapeños, a chipotle pepper in adobo, or extra cayenne. 5. Creamy Taco Soup
Stir in 4 oz cream cheese or ½ cup heavy cream after simmering. 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Fridge:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days. Freezer:
Freeze in individual or family-size portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheating:
Reheat in a pot over medium heat or microwave in 60–90 second intervals, stirring in between. ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is taco soup spicy?
It can be! Keep it mild or add extra spice based on your preference. 2. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes — the flavor actually improves the next day! 3. What’s the best meat substitute?
Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles all work great. 4. Do I need both taco seasoning and ranch mix?
Yes — taco seasoning brings the zest, while ranch adds a savory, herby balance. 5. Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
Definitely! A mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano will do the trick. 6. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes — just make sure your seasoning packets and broth are labeled GF. 7. Can I use dry beans instead of canned?
Yes, but cook them ahead of time — canned is faster and easier for weeknights. 8. Can I add rice or pasta?
Sure! Add cooked white rice, quinoa, or small pasta for an even heartier bowl. 9. What are the best toppings?
Cheese, sour cream, avocado, tortilla strips, jalapeños, cilantro, lime, and even hot sauce! 10. How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 5 days in a sealed container. ✅ Conclusion
This Best Taco Soup Recipe is a flavor-packed, belly-warming favorite that deserves a spot in your weekly meal rotation. With bold taco seasoning, hearty beans, sweet corn, and rich broth — it’s everything you love about tacos in cozy, comforting soup form. Make it mild or spicy, serve it with crunchy tortilla chips and creamy toppings, and watch it disappear fast. It’s the kind of recipe that’s as easy as it is impressive — and always a hit! Try next: Creamy White Chicken Chili Enchilada Soup with Ground Turkey Beef & Bean Chili Mac