Description
This easy taco soup recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Made with lean ground beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, and a blend of classic taco spices, it simmers into a comforting soup that tastes just like your favorite taco fillings. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, and fresh herbs for a satisfying and family-friendly dinner that comes together in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound (500g) lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
Soup Base and Vegetables
- 4 cups (946ml) beef or chicken broth or stock
- 1 (15 oz) (432g) canned corn, drained
- 1 (15 oz) (425g) canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) (425g) canned chili beans in chili sauce
- 1 (28 oz) (793g) canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 (4 oz) (113g) canned chopped green chiles
Spices
- 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
Toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Sliced green onions
- Cilantro
- Tortilla chips
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Aromatics: In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the beef or chicken broth, drained canned corn, black beans, chili beans, crushed tomatoes, chopped green chiles, chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, and season with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste.
- Simmer the Soup: Cover the pot with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Let the soup simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a deeper, richer flavor, you can simmer the soup longer, up to 30 minutes.
- Serve the Soup: Ladle the hot taco soup into bowls and add desired toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, cilantro, tortilla chips, and lime wedges for garnish and extra flavor.
- Slow Cooker Option: Place the raw ground beef in the bottom of a crockpot and break it into small chunks. You may choose to brown it beforehand for enhanced flavor. Add all remaining ingredients except toppings, mix well, cover, and cook on high for 4-6 hours or low for 8-10 hours. Serve with preferred toppings.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
- Simmering longer rather than shorter develops deeper, richer flavors.
- Serve with warm tortilla chips or crusty bread for added texture.
