Easy Taco Soup – Bold, Hearty, and Family-Favorite

If you’re looking for a fast, flavorful dinner that satisfies everyone at the table, this easy taco soup is the answer.

Packed with ground beef, beans, corn, and the zesty seasoning of classic tacos, it’s everything you love about Taco Tuesday—served up in a warm, comforting bowl.

The best part? It comes together in just 30 minutes using pantry staples. Weeknight win!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Taco Soup

Quick to make – ready in 30 minutes or less

One pot = minimal cleanup

Bold Tex-Mex flavors – like a taco in soup form

Kid-friendly and customizable

Perfect for meal prep or freezer meals

Top it your way – cheese, sour cream, chips, avocado, and more

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Ground beef – rich and hearty protein base

Taco seasoning – adds classic Southwest flavor

Onion and garlic – aromatic base for the soup

Black beans and kidney beans – protein-packed and filling

Corn – adds sweetness and color

Tomato sauce and diced tomatoes with green chilies – creates a flavorful base

Beef broth – brings everything together

Salt and pepper – to season to taste

Pro Tips Before You Start

Drain and rinse canned beans to reduce sodium

Use homemade taco seasoning for full control over flavor

Add more broth if you prefer a thinner consistency

Brown the beef well before adding other ingredients

Let it simmer for 10–15 minutes to blend flavors

How to Make Easy Taco Soup

Brown the beef

In a large soup pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned.

Break it apart as it cooks.

Add aromatics

Stir in the chopped onion and garlic.

Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Season and build the soup

Add taco seasoning, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, both beans, corn, and beef broth. Stir everything together.

Simmer

Bring the soup to a gentle boil.

Reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Taste and serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Ladle into bowls and add your favorite toppings.

What to Serve It With

Tortilla chips – for crunch and scooping

Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese – for melty goodness

Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt – to cool the spice

Avocado or guacamole – adds creamy richness

Cornbread or crusty bread – perfect for dipping

Variations / Substitutions

Use ground turkey or chicken – for a leaner version

Make it vegetarian – skip the meat and double the beans

Spice it up – add jalapeños, cayenne, or hot sauce

Add rice or quinoa – for extra bulk

Make it creamy – stir in cream cheese or heavy cream before serving

Storage & Leftovers

Fridge: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days

Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months

Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or microwave. Add broth if it thickens

Meal prep tip: Portion into jars or containers for easy grab-and-go lunches

FAQs

Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?
Yes! Or make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano.

Should I drain the beans and corn?
Definitely—draining helps control the texture and salt level.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients and cook on low for 4–6 hours.

What broth is best?
Beef broth offers the richest flavor, but chicken or vegetable broth works too.

Can I freeze taco soup?
Absolutely! Just leave off any toppings and store in freezer-safe containers.

Is it spicy?
Mild if using standard taco seasoning, but you can adjust heat to your taste.

How do I thicken taco soup?
Let it simmer uncovered, or stir in a bit of cream cheese or shredded cheese.

Final Thoughts

This easy taco soup is everything I love in a dinner recipe—fast, flavorful, and filling.

It’s one of those meals I turn to again and again, especially when I want to clean out the pantry and still impress the family.

It’s hearty, cozy, and tastes even better the next day. Definitely a keeper!