Taco Soup Recipe

Imagine everything you adore about a loaded taco, but cozy, warm, and cradled in a bowl.

That’s the magic of taco soup, a deconstructed masterpiece that’s somehow even more than the sum of its delicious parts.

It’s the ultimate comfort food with a fun, fiesta twist that absolutely everyone adores.

Why This Soup is a Forever Favorite

Honestly, if you love chili and you love tacos, this recipe feels like it was made just for you.

It’s incredibly quick to throw together on a busy weeknight, yet it tastes like it simmered for hours.

And the best part? It’s a complete meal in one pot, with minimal cleanup required. What’s not to love?

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to soup success. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 onion, finely chopped (brown or yellow)
• 500 g / 1 lb ground beef (mince), lean
• 400 g/ 14 oz can black beans (1 can), drained and rinsed
• 400g / 14oz can corn kernels (1 can), drained and rinsed
• 120 g / 4.5 oz canned green chili
• 800 g / 28 oz canned crushed tomato
• 2 cups beef broth

Homemade Taco Seasoning

• 1 tsp EACH garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne pepper
• 2 tsp EACH dried oregano and paprika
• 2 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Toppings (Don't skip these!)

• Shredded cheese (essential!)
• Sour cream or yoghurt (essential!)
• Fresh coriander/cilantro leaves or shallots/scallions, finely sliced
• Corn chips
• Other options: diced avocado, squeeze of lime juice

The Great Topping Debate: Why They Matter

Let’s be perfectly clear: the toppings are not a suggestion, they are the main event.

They provide cool, creamy, crunchy, and fresh contrasts that elevate the soup from great to truly unforgettable.

Skipping them is like eating a taco without the shell—you’re missing the full, glorious experience.

How to make Taco Soup?

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating the oil in a large pot over a medium-high heat.

Add your chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook them until they’re beautifully softened and fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Crumble the ground beef into the pot, turning the heat up to high.

Cook it thoroughly, breaking it up with your spoon as it goes, until it’s all changed from pink to a lovely brown.

Step 3: Combine Everything

This is where the magic starts! Add all the remaining Soup ingredients and your Taco Seasoning.

Give it a really good stir, making sure everything is perfectly combined in the pot.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Bring your creation to a lively simmer, then reduce the heat to a happy medium.

Let it bubble away for about 10 minutes, just to let all those incredible flavours get to know each other.

Step 5: The Grand Finale - Serving

Here’s my favorite way to do it: place a handful of corn chips right in the bottom of the bowl.

Ladle the hot soup over the top, then finish with a glorious crown of cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh coriander.

Choosing Your Beans and Substitutions

While black beans are fantastic here, don’t feel limited if that’s not what you have in the pantry.

Pinto beans, kidney beans, or even a can of mixed beans will work beautifully in this forgiving recipe.

It’s all about using what you love and what you have on hand to make it your own.

Tips

For a deeper, richer flavor, try browning the ground beef in batches to get a good sear on it.

If you find your soup is a bit too thick for your liking, simply thin it out with a splash of water or extra broth.

This soup tastes even better the next day, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for meal prep.

What to Serve With Your Fiesta in a Bowl

This soup is a hearty meal all on its own, but it’s always nice to have something on the side.

A simple, crisp green salad with a lime vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.

Or, warm up some soft flour tortillas for dipping and scooping—it’s a truly delightful experience.

Storing and Reheating Your Leftovers

This soup stores like an absolute dream, making it a lunchtime hero later in the week.

Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheat it gently on the stove over medium heat, or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until piping hot.

Always add your fresh toppings *after* reheating for the best texture and flavor.

A Final Word from Kelsey

This recipe is one of those rare gems that manages to be both incredibly simple and wildly impressive.

It’s the kind of food that brings people together, sparking joy with every single spoonful.

So grab your pot, gather your toppings, and get ready for a flavor fiesta. You’ve absolutely got this.