Description
This Easy Taco Soup is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Made with lean ground beef, a medley of beans, corn, tomatoes, and classic taco seasonings, it’s simmered to perfection and served with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips. A comforting, Mexican-inspired soup that’s both simple and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 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) 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
Seasonings
- 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 (Optional)
- 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 over medium-high heat, cook the lean ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the beef or chicken broth, drained 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 the heat to medium-low. Let the soup simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors. For a richer taste, you can simmer longer as desired.
- Serve: Ladle the taco soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, cilantro, tortilla chips, and lime wedges for added freshness and texture.
- Slow Cooker Option (Alternate Method): Place raw ground beef at the bottom of a crockpot, breaking it into small chunks. Add all other ingredients except toppings and mix well. Cover and cook on high for 4-6 hours or low for 8-10 hours. Serve hot with desired toppings.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper for heat preference or omit for mild flavor.
- For thicker soup, simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
- Make ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days; flavors improve overnight.
- Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months in airtight containers.
- Serve with warm tortillas or cornbread for a complete meal.
