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Yields:
6 - 8 serving(s)
Prep Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
30 mins
Next time you crave tacos, make taco soup instead! This is one of the quickest, easiest Tex-Mex-inspired meals you can make for dinner. It's loaded with hearty ingredients like ground beef, beans, corn, and tomatoes, plus all the toppings you can dream of! Speaking of the toppings, they're completely customizable, so everyone can dress their bowls as they please with tasty things like cilantro, sour cream, cheese, avocado, a dash of hot sauce, and maybe some crunchy chips. Add this to your list of cozy soup recipes to make for easy weeknight family dinners. Or you can even stir up a big batch and set up a bar of toppings at the next tailgate party! It only takes 30 minutes to whip up, and everyone will beg for a second bowl.
What's in taco soup?
It's filled with ground beef, pinto beans, black beans, corn, fire-roasted tomatoes, and green chiles, plus some onion, garlic, and jalapeño. The fire-roasted tomatoes plus a packet of taco seasoning give it a Tex-Mex flavor boost.
Can you use ground turkey in taco soup?
Sure! For a lighter take on taco soup, 1 1/2 pounds of ground turkey can be used in place of the ground beef.
Can you make taco soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, but you'll need to do a little prep on the stove. Brown the beef and onion, then transfer the mixture, along will all of the other soup ingredients, to a slow cooker. Cook on low for four to six hours, and serve with your favorite toppings.
Is taco soup spicy?
It depends who you ask, but most agree this soup's subtle spice isn't at all overwhelming. If you're worried it'll be too hot, skip the jalapeño. You can always serve the soup with sliced fresh jalapeño and/or hot sauce on the side to please any heat fanatics at the table.
What's the difference between fire roasted tomatoes and regular tomatoes?
Fire roasted tomatoes are tomatoes that are charred over a flame before they're diced and canned. They bring a subtle smoky flavor to taco soup that is simply delicious! Of course, if you can't find them or want to use what you already have on hand, regular ol' diced tomatoes work just fine.
Is taco soup different from chili?
Yes! While chili and taco soup share many of the same ingredients, taco soup has a thinner consistency than traditional, long-simmering chili recipes. Taco soup comes together quickly and doesn't need as much time on the stove to achieve a flavorful, hearty dinner.
Are taco soup and tortilla soup the same?
Taco soup isn't exactly the same as tortilla soup either! Tortilla soup is typically lighter and more broth-y than hearty taco soup and often contains chicken whereas taco soup uses beef.
How do you thicken taco soup?
Taco seasoning is the secret ingredient to thickening this soup. Most taco seasoning packets contain cornstarch, a common thickening agent. This recipe uses a whole packet of seasoning, which thickens the soup slightly—and fast! The whole meal comes together in under 30 minutes.
How long does taco soup last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, this soup will stay fresh for up to four days. If you'd like to keep it longer, store it in the freezer. More on that below!
Can you freeze taco soup?
Yes, this is a great soup to store in the freezer! It'll keep for up to two months. After step 3, let the soup cool. Then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and place it in the freezer. Let the soup thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it on the stove over medium-low heat. Add your favorite toppings, and enjoy!
What is a good substitute for taco seasoning?
When there's no taco seasoning in the pantry, use a mix of spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt to create a similar combination. A single 1-ounce package of taco seasoning is about 4 tablespoons of dried spices. Mix as you like, to customize to your taste.
What do you eat with taco soup?
Taco soup can be enjoyed much like actual tacos. Dress it up with toppings like cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, and lime wedges, or throw in some crushed corn chips for added crunch. Feeling ambitious? Taco soup pairs perfectly with skillet cornbread or easy guacamole with tortilla chips.
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Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb.
ground beef
- 1
yellow onion, chopped
- 3
cloves garlic, minced
- 1
jalapeño, chopped
- 2
(14.5-oz.) cans fire roasted tomatoes
- 1
(1-oz.) packet taco seasoning
- 1
(4-oz.) can green chiles
- 1 qt.
chicken broth
- 1
(15-oz.) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1
(15-oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1
(15-oz.) can of corn, drained
Kosher salt, to taste
Sour cream, for serving
Cilantro, for serving
Grated cheddar cheese, for serving
Avocado, for serving
Directions
- Step 1Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the beef and onion and cook, stirring to break the beef into small pieces, until it is no longer pink and the onion is softened, 6 to 8 minutes.
- Step 2Stir in the garlic and jalapeño, if using, and cook, stirring, for two minutes.
- Step 3Stir in the tomatoes, taco seasoning, green chiles, chicken broth, corn, pinto beans, and black beans. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low, partially cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld, about 20 minutes. Season with salt to taste.
- Step 4Serve, topped with sour cream, chopped cilantro leaves, cheddar cheese, and avocado, if you like.
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