Taco Soup Recipe (Easy, Hearty One-Pot Meal)
This taco soup recipe is a warm, comforting one-pot meal made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and homemade taco seasoning. Easy to make in 30 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Servings: 6 bowls
Calories: 320kcal
Equipment
- 1 Large pot or Dutch oven Use a heavy-bottomed pot for even heat distribution and better flavor development while simmering the soup.
- 1 Wooden Spoon or Spatula Ideal for breaking up ground meat and stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
- 1 Knife Use a sharp knife for quickly chopping onion, garlic, and any toppings like cilantro or avocado.
- 1 Cutting Board Provides a stable surface for prepping vegetables and keeps your workspace organized.
- 1 Measuring spoons Helps ensure accurate seasoning, especially when making homemade taco seasoning.
- 1 Can Opener Needed to open canned beans, tomatoes, and tomato sauce used in the recipe.
- 1 Ladle (Optional but Recommended) Makes it easier to serve the soup neatly into bowls.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground chicken/turkey
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 can 8 oz tomato sauce
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn fresh, frozen, or canned
- 2 cups beef broth or chicken broth
Taco Seasoning:
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp Optional: Cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Avocado slices
- Fresh cilantro
- Tortilla chips or strips
- Lime wedges
- Jalapeños
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add taco seasoning and stir well to coat the meat evenly. Cook for 1 minute to enhance flavor.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, black beans, kidney beans, corn, and broth. Stir everything together.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Use 2 tablespoons taco seasoning per pound of meat for best flavor
- Swap beef with shredded chicken for chicken taco soup
- Add cream cheese for a creamy taco soup variation
- For slow cooker: cook on low for 6–8 hours
- Add lime juice before serving for extra freshness
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 6g