Hearty Taco Soup Recipe

The Coziest Hearty Taco Soup Recipe for Chilly Evenings

Nestled in the world of comfort foods, our taco soup brings zesty Mexican-inspired flavors that dance across your palate with remarkable ease.

Warm spices and robust ingredients create a robust culinary experience perfect for chilly evenings.

Tender ground beef mingles with vibrant vegetables and aromatic seasonings, promising a bowl packed with incredible depth.

Beans and corn add delightful texture to each spoonful, making this dish both satisfying and nutritious.

Cooking becomes an adventure when you blend these simple ingredients into a delectable meal that feels like a warm hug.

Simple yet sophisticated, this recipe welcomes even novice cooks to create something extraordinary.

Prepare to savor every incredible bite of this soul-warming soup that transforms an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast.

Hearty Taco Soup: Your New Go-To for Cozy Comfort

  • Crush Kitchen Complexity: Perfect for beginner cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques, this taco soup delivers maximum flavor with minimal cooking skills.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Packed with versatile toppings and easy protein swaps, the recipe adapts beautifully to personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Speed Meets Satisfaction: One-pot wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty meal faster than traditional cooking methods, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Champion: Guaranteed to satisfy multiple generations, from kids to adults, with its rich, bold flavors and customizable serving options.

All the Ingredients That Make Hearty Taco Soup a Winner

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: A flavorful and hearty meat that forms the foundation of this delicious soup.
  • Ground Turkey: A lean alternative to beef that provides similar protein and taste.
Beans and Vegetables:
  • Black Beans, Kidney Beans: Nutritious legumes that add texture and plant-based protein to the soup.
  • Corn: A sweet vegetable that brings color and mild sweetness to the dish.
  • Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: A zesty ingredient that adds tanginess and a slight kick of heat.
Liquid and Seasoning Components:
  • Beef Broth: A rich liquid that creates the soupy base and enhances overall flavor.
  • Tomato Sauce: Provides depth and helps thicken the soup's consistency.
  • Salsa: Adds extra layers of flavor and spice to the recipe.
  • Taco Seasoning Mix: A blend of spices that gives the soup its classic Mexican-inspired taste.
Garnish Options:
  • Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Chopped Cilantro, Diced Avocado, Tortilla Chips: Optional toppings that allow personalization and add extra texture and flavor to the soup.
Aromatics:
  • Onion: A foundational vegetable that provides a subtle sweetness and depth to the soup's flavor profile.

Foolproof Instructions to Make Hearty Taco Soup from Scratch

Step 1: Sear Ground Protein

Cook ground beef or turkey in a large pot over medium heat, breaking it into crumbly pieces. Toss in diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft.

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation

  • Taco seasoning mix
  • Black beans
  • Kidney beans
  • Corn kernels
  • Diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • Tomato sauce
  • Beef broth
  • Salsa

Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat and stir thoroughly. Add all listed ingredients and mix completely until well combined.

Step 3: Develop Rich Soup Base

Allow the mixture to reach a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently. Let the soup bubble softly for 20-30 minutes, allowing flavors to dance and merge beautifully.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the steaming soup into warm bowls. Top with optional garnishes like:
  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Diced avocado
  • Crunchy tortilla chips

Pro Tips to Unlock the Full Flavor of Hearty Taco Soup

  • Optimize Meat Browning: Use a cast-iron skillet for even, flavorful browning and develop rich caramelization on the ground beef or turkey before adding to the soup.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Toast the taco seasoning briefly in the pot to release its aromatic oils and intensify the overall taste profile of the soup.
  • Enhance Texture Variety: Add a handful of crushed tortilla chips directly into the soup while simmering to create a thicker, more substantial consistency.
  • Control Spice Level: Adjust the heat by selecting mild, medium, or hot salsa and taco seasoning to match your personal spice preference.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: This soup tastes even better the next day, so prepare it in advance and let the flavors develop overnight in the refrigerator for maximum deliciousness.

Tasty Twists to Reinvent Hearty Taco Soup Your Way

  • Vegetarian Bean Bonanza: Replace ground meat with extra beans like pinto or white beans, adding plant-based protein and keeping the hearty texture.
  • Chicken Fiesta Soup: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or diced chicken breast for a lighter protein option.
  • Slow Cooker Southwest Style: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, allowing flavors to develop deeply without constant monitoring.
  • Gluten-Free Green Chile Version: Use gluten-free taco seasoning and verify all canned ingredients are certified gluten-free, making the recipe safe for those with wheat sensitivities.

Pairing Suggestions to Complete Your Hearty Taco Soup Meal

  • Pair with Crisp Mexican Lager: Enjoy a cold Corona or Modelo Especial to balance the soup's rich, spicy flavors and cleanse the palate with its light, refreshing taste.
  • Serve with Zesty Cornbread: Bake a batch of jalapeño cheddar cornbread to provide a slightly sweet and spicy accompaniment that soaks up the soup's delicious broth.
  • Top with Fresh Lime Salad: Create a tangy side salad with mixed greens, lime vinaigrette, and diced tomatoes to add brightness and cut through the soup's hearty texture.

How to Store Hearty Taco Soup So It Stays Delicious Longer

  • Store leftover taco soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label container with date and contents.
  • Pour desired portion into microwave-safe bowl. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Pour soup into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of broth if soup seems too thick.

Answers to Your Most Asked Questions About Hearty Taco Soup

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, replace ground beef with plant-based meat or extra beans like black and pinto beans. You can also add diced zucchini or bell peppers for more texture.

  • Is this soup spicy?

The spice level depends on your taco seasoning and salsa. Use mild versions if you prefer less heat, or choose a spicier salsa and seasoning for more kick.

  • How nutritious is this soup?

This soup is protein-packed from beef and beans, rich in vegetables, and provides essential nutrients like iron, fiber, and vitamins. It’s a balanced one-pot meal.

  • Can I freeze taco soup?

Absolutely! Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to maintain consistency.

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Hearty Taco Soup Recipe

Hearty Taco Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 35-45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Savory Mexican-inspired Hearty Taco Soup delivers a robust blend of ground beef, beans, and zesty spices that dance across your palate. Comforting and quick to prepare, this soul-warming dish promises a delicious meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced

Canned Ingredients:

  • 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can corn, drained
  • 1 (10 ounces / 283 grams) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can tomato sauce

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1 packet taco seasoning mix
  • 1 1/2 cups beef broth or water
  • 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot)

Instructions

  1. Sizzle ground meat in a large pot over medium heat, crumbling and browning thoroughly for about 7-8 minutes.
  2. Incorporate diced onions into the meat, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat mixture, stirring continuously to distribute evenly and activate the spices for 2 minutes.
  4. Pour in black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, beef broth, and salsa, mixing ingredients comprehensively.
  5. Elevate heat to trigger boiling, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to harmonize and develop depth for 25-30 minutes.
  6. Transfer steaming soup into serving bowls, creating a canvas for creative toppings like shredded cheese, dollops of sour cream, fresh cilantro sprigs, creamy avocado cubes, and crispy tortilla chip garnishes.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version that maintains the hearty texture and protein content.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium broth and homemade taco seasoning, controlling salt levels without compromising flavor intensity.
  • Prep ingredients ahead of time and store in refrigerator for quick weeknight meal assembly, making dinner preparation effortless and stress-free.
  • Freeze leftover soup in individual portions for convenient lunches, ensuring a delicious meal is always within reach during busy weeks.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 224 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 530 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 19 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Enthusiast

Expertise

  • Making healthy, comforting meals that fit into real-life schedules
  • Planning balanced, single-serving meals for individuals and small families
  • Writing clear, practical food content with a focus on wellness and ease
  • Using seasonal ingredients to bring variety and freshness to everyday meals

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College – Asheville, NC

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Trained in the basics of professional cooking, with a strong focus on home-style meals, seasonal recipe development, and time-saving kitchen techniques for everyday use.

American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Online

  • Program: Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Certification
  • Focus: Studied how to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable, and accessible

Sarah’s passion for food was sparked by weekend trips to the farmers’ market and her belief that healthy meals should never feel boring.
After earning her culinary diploma and becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, she set out to help others fall in love with simple, wholesome cooking.
She’s all about celebrating the small wins in the kitchen: a colorful yogurt bowl, a new twist on a classic dish, or a homemade snack that feels just a little extra special.
Outside the kitchen, Sarah is a gardener at heart, a yoga enthusiast, and a believer that fresh herbs can brighten any meal, and any day.

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