Best Beef Taco Soup Recipe

Beef Taco Soup is a savory and flavorful soup made with seasoned ground beef, beans, tomatoes, corn, and taco spices. The soup takes inspiration from classic tacos but offers a warming, comforting twist. It’s the perfect blend of hearty protein and vegetables, making it filling yet refreshing. Ideal for chilly days, this dish provides all the bold flavors of tacos in a more convenient soup form.

This Beef Taco Soup comes together in just under 45 minutes, making it a quick and easy meal option for busy nights. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, while the soup simmers and develops its flavor for an additional 30 to 35 minutes. In no time, you’ll have a rich and satisfying meal ready to serve.

When preparing Beef Taco Soup, the aroma of the spices fills the kitchen, setting the stage for a flavorful meal. The mix of beans, beef, and corn adds texture to each spoonful, while the taco seasoning brings a comforting yet bold flavor. This soup is a crowd-pleaser and a great choice when looking for a simple, satisfying meal. Each time, the balance of flavors feels just right.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Taco Soup

• Quick and Easy to Make: This beef taco soup is perfect for busy days. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s ready to serve in just 30 minutes. You’ll love how quickly you can get a delicious meal on the table without stress.
• Packed with Flavor: Every spoonful is bursting with savory taco seasoning, beef, and veggies. This soup offers the rich flavors of a classic taco, but in a hearty and comforting bowl of soup that everyone will enjoy.
• Customizable to Your Taste: You can easily adjust the heat and toppings in this recipe. Add more chili for spice or top with your favorite cheese, sour cream, or tortilla chips. This taco soup lets you personalize it however you like.

Ingredient Notes for Beef Taco Soup

• Ground Beef: This is the main protein in the soup. Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. It adds flavor and richness to the soup base.
• Onion: Adds a savory flavor and aromatic depth. You can use yellow, white, or red onion based on your preference. It’s important to chop it finely to blend well with the other ingredients.
• Bell Pepper: Adds a sweet crunch to the soup. You can use red, green, or yellow bell peppers. They provide a mild flavor that balances the spices in the soup.
• Garlic: A key ingredient for a robust and aromatic taste. Mince or finely chop the garlic to ensure it infuses well throughout the soup.
• Tomatoes: Use diced tomatoes, either fresh or canned. They provide moisture and a tangy flavor that balances the richness of the beef.
• Black Beans: These beans are a great source of fiber and protein. They add texture and depth to the soup, making it heartier.
• Corn Kernels: Corn adds a natural sweetness and slight crunch. You can use frozen, canned, or fresh corn depending on availability.
• Beef Broth: This serves as the liquid base for the soup, enhancing the beef flavor. You can use low-sodium beef broth to control the saltiness.
• Taco Seasoning: The blend of spices in taco seasoning brings the soup its signature taste. It includes ingredients like paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Ground Cumin: This spice adds a warm, earthy flavor. Cumin is a must-have for the authentic taco soup taste.
• Chili Powder: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor. Adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to taste. These help to balance all the flavors in the soup and bring everything together.

Beef Taco Soup Variation

While the classic beef taco soup is already tasty, there are several variations to spice things up and suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• Spicy Taco Soup: Add extra jalapeños or a pinch of chili powder to give the soup a spicy kick. You can also use spicy diced tomatoes or hot taco seasoning.
• Vegetarian Taco Soup: Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or extra beans for a vegetarian version. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added texture.
• Cheesy Taco Soup: For a creamy, cheesy twist, stir in some cream cheese or shredded cheddar cheese. This will make the soup rich and comforting.
• Slow Cooker Taco Soup: If you prefer a hands-off approach, cook the beef and onions first, then transfer all the ingredients to a slow cooker. Let it cook on low for 4-6 hours for an easy, slow-cooked version.

How to Serve Beef Taco Soup

Beef taco soup is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways to make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some great ideas for serving:

• With Tortilla Chips: Crush some tortilla chips and sprinkle them on top of your soup for added crunch. You can also serve the soup with a side of crispy tortilla chips for dipping.
• As a Taco Salad: For a lighter twist, serve the soup over a bed of lettuce to create a taco salad. Add some sour cream and shredded cheese on top for extra flavor.
• With Warm Cornbread: Pairing the soup with a warm, fluffy cornbread muffin can make for a satisfying meal. The slightly sweet cornbread complements the savory soup perfectly.
• With Sliced Avocado or Guacamole: Adding fresh avocado slices or a scoop of guacamole on top will enhance the creamy texture of the soup and add a delicious burst of flavor.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, storing beef taco soup is easy! Here’s how you can store and reheat it:

• Refrigerator: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it cool before transferring to the container. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
• Freezer: Beef taco soup freezes well. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.
• Tip: If you plan to freeze the soup, it’s best to leave off any toppings (like cheese or sour cream) until after reheating to maintain the best texture.

FAQs About Beef Taco Soup

Can I make Beef Taco Soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can easily make Beef Taco Soup ahead of time. It actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together.

Is Beef Taco Soup spicy?
Beef Taco Soup can be spicy depending on the seasonings you use. You can adjust the heat level by adding or omitting chili peppers or spicy taco seasoning.

Can I make Beef Taco Soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Beef Taco Soup is easy to make in a slow cooker. Just brown the beef and then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker for a few hours on low.

What can I serve with Beef Taco Soup?
Beef Taco Soup is great with toppings like sour cream, cheese, and tortilla chips. You can also serve it with cornbread or a side of Mexican rice for a complete meal.

Best Beef Taco Soup Recipe

Beef Taco Soup is a savory and flavorful soup made withseasoned ground beef, beans, tomatoes, corn, and taco spices. The soup takesinspiration from classic tacos but offers a warming, comforting twist. It’s theperfect blend of hearty protein and vegetables, making it filling yetrefreshing. Ideal for chilly days, this dish provides all the bold flavors oftacos in a more convenient soup form.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Course: Soup

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef lean or regular, depending on preference
• 1 onion diced
• 1 bell pepper green, red, or yellow, diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, with juice
• 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can 15 oz corn kernels, drained
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade if preferred
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil for sautéing

Equipment

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven
• Wooden Spoon
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Knife and Cutting Board
• Can Opener
• Ladle

Method

 

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, making sure to crumble it well. Drain any excess fat if needed.
3. Add Seasonings and Broth: Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, cumin, and chili powder. Stir everything together to coat the beef and vegetables in the spices. Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Stir well to combine.
4. Simmer: Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Season to Taste: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.

Notes

For best results, let your Beef Taco Soup simmer for a little longer than the suggested 20 minutes if you have the time. This will allow the flavors to meld together even more, creating a richer and more complex taste. If you want to make this soup ahead of time, it can easily be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage. Just reheat it before serving!