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; Diced avocado; Chopped green onions; Tortilla chips; Fresh cilantro

Easy Taco Soup is the kind of comfort food you crave on busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or any time you want a hearty bowl bursting with flavor but not fussy in prep. Imagine everything you love about tacos transformed into a cozy, one-pot wonder—richly seasoned, loaded with beans, corn, and tomatoes, and ready in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding your family or looking for a meal-prep hero, this recipe is reliable, flexible, and such a crowd-pleaser. Easy Taco Soup truly lives up to its name: it’s easy, delicious, and destined to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Taco Soup is in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that pack a punch. Each item on this list brings something special—bold flavors, satisfying textures, or bright pops of color—to create a soup that’s endlessly craveable.

Lean ground beef: Adds heartiness and a savory base; opt for lean so the soup isn’t greasy.
Small onion, chopped: Builds sweetness and depth into every spoonful.
Fresh garlic, minced: Punches up the flavor for that irresistible taco aroma.
Beef or chicken broth: Keeps things rich and comforting—use your favorite!
Canned corn, drained: Adds sweetness and gorgeous yellow color.
Black beans, drained and rinsed: Creamy texture and protein to keep you full.
Chili beans in chili sauce: The secret weapon for spice and body—don’t skip them!
Crushed tomatoes: Lends acidity and rounds out the soup’s base.
Chopped green chiles: Brings just enough gentle heat and Southwestern flair.
Chili powder: The flavor backbone—choose a blend you love.
Cumin: Earthy, smoky notes make this taste unmistakably taco-inspired.
Dried oregano, onion powder, garlic powder: Layered seasoning for classic taco soup vibes.
Salt, pepper, cayenne pepper: Adjust to taste to make things perfectly spiced for you.

How to Make Easy Taco Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions

In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, add your lean ground beef and chopped onion. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat, until it’s no longer pink and the onions are soft and golden. This step is key for building deep, savory flavor at the base of your Easy Taco Soup.

Step 2: Stir in the Garlic

Add the minced garlic and keep stirring for about 2 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when everything smells absolutely mouthwatering! Garlic cooks fast, so don’t wander away—this short sizzle unlocks maximum flavor without any bitterness.

Step 3: Add the Main Ingredients

Pour in the broth, then add corn, black beans, chili beans (with their sauce), crushed tomatoes, and green chiles. This is where the soup starts to come together, becoming thick, colorful, and inviting. Pour everything in and give it a good stir to blend the tasty layers.

Step 4: Season and Simmer

Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a little cayenne if you like a kick. Stir well, cover with a lid, and lower the heat to let the soup bubble gently for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally—that’s really all it takes for the flavors to come alive.

Step 5: Taste and Serve

Uncover, give your Easy Taco Soup a taste, and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into big bowls and get ready for a flavor-packed meal that’s hot and ready in half an hour flat!

How to Serve Easy Taco Soup

Garnishes

The fun of Easy Taco Soup is piling on your favorite taco toppings! Try a sprinkle of cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, a dollop of sour cream, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, avocado chunks, green onions, or a squeeze of lime. Tortilla chips or crunchy strips are always a winning finish.

Side Dishes

Serve your Easy Taco Soup with warm cornbread, cheesy quesadillas, or a crisp green salad to round out the meal. If you love dipping, tortilla chips or even soft flour tortillas make perfect soup companions and help scoop up every last bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or family-style dinner, set up a taco soup bar with bowls of all the toppings so everyone can DIY their bowl. Serve in bread bowls for something different, or try mini servings in mugs with a topping tray for a cozy appetizer spread. Easy Taco Soup easily adapts to whatever you have in mind!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Easy Taco Soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Let the soup cool, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate. The flavors mingle and deepen—it’s even better the next day!

Freezing

This soup is freezer-friendly, making it a meal-prep superstar. Cool completely, then ladle into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags (leave a little room for expansion). Freeze for up to three months for a super quick, easy dinner anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the soup gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until piping hot. From frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or use your microwave’s defrost feature, then heat on the stove or in the microwave as usual. Add a splash of broth if it’s too thick!

FAQs

Can I make Easy Taco Soup with ground turkey or chicken?

Absolutely! You can swap ground beef for turkey or chicken to lighten things up or use what you have on hand. The flavor will still be wonderful, thanks to all the spices and beans.

Is Easy Taco Soup spicy?

It’s as spicy as you make it! The recipe has gentle warmth from chili powder and green chiles, but feel free to scale up or down on cayenne pepper and add hot sauce to taste for more heat.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, Easy Taco Soup is totally crockpot-friendly. Just brown your beef (or add it raw for even less fuss), toss in all the other ingredients, give it a good stir, and cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 4–6 hours. Then serve with toppings!

What if I don’t have chili beans in chili sauce?

If chili beans aren’t available, substitute another can of black or pinto beans and a tablespoon or two of your favorite taco sauce. It’ll be a bit different but still delicious.

How can I make this vegetarian?

Super easy—just swap the beef for plant-based crumbles or add extra beans, and use vegetable broth instead of meat-based stock. The result is a satisfying, protein-packed vegetarian version of Easy Taco Soup!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a mealtime hero, look no further than Easy Taco Soup. It’s the kind of cozy, easy, flavor-packed recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Gather your favorite toppings, invite your loved ones, and get ready for rave reviews—your next favorite soup awaits!