Spicy taco soup is a comforting, one-pot dish made from ground beef, beans, vegetables, and a mix of spices like taco seasoning and chili powder. It’s a quick and easy recipe that packs a punch of flavor with every spoonful. The soup gets its spicy kick from cayenne pepper, while the combination of ranch seasoning and taco seasoning makes it incredibly savory and satisfying.
Preparing spicy taco soup usually takes around 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. Start by browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, followed by a short simmer to blend the flavors together. You can also make this soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to three days for an even more flavorful meal the next day.
Many find that spicy taco soup is a go-to meal when seeking something quick and tasty. Its easy preparation and customizable flavors make it ideal for busy nights or casual gatherings. The layers of flavor from the seasonings and beans create a comforting meal that’s always well-received. It’s not only filling but also versatile—whether served with chips or a side salad, it never fails to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Taco Soup
- Bold Flavor in Every Spoonful: The spicy taco soup is packed with bold flavors that kick up your taste buds. From zesty taco seasoning to the perfect mix of veggies, every bite is bursting with delicious heat and savory goodness.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this spicy taco soup is a breeze to prepare. Just toss everything into the pot, and let the flavors meld together for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Customizable to Your Taste: This recipe is perfect for making it your own. You can adjust the spice level, swap ingredients, or add toppings like cheese or sour cream to suit your taste, making it the perfect customizable dish.
Ingredient Notes for Spicy Taco Soup
- Ground Beef: This hearty protein adds richness and flavor to the soup. Choose lean beef for a lighter version.
- Onion: A key base flavor, onions provide a savory depth. Sauté them for a few minutes to bring out their sweetness.
- Bell Pepper: Adds a crunchy texture and a hint of sweetness that balances the heat in the soup. Any color will work.
- Kidney Beans: These beans bring a smooth texture and a mild flavor. They also make the soup more filling.
- Black Beans: Black beans add a slightly earthy taste and boost the protein content. They pair well with the other beans.
- Corn: Sweet corn enhances the flavor and gives the soup a slight crunch. It also adds a pop of color.
- Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are perfect for this soup. They provide acidity and freshness, balancing the richness of the beef.
- Taco Seasoning: The star of the flavor profile, taco seasoning brings a blend of spices like cumin and paprika. It gives the soup a bold taste.
- Ranch Seasoning Mix: This adds a creamy, tangy flavor that contrasts nicely with the spices from the taco seasoning.
- Beef Broth: Beef broth is the base for the soup. It gives a savory, rich flavor that complements the beef and spices.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a savory, aromatic depth to the soup. It’s an easy way to infuse flavor.
- Chili Powder: Chili powder provides heat and a smoky flavor that takes the soup to the next level.
- Cayenne Pepper: If you love spice, cayenne pepper is your friend. It brings heat and a subtle peppery kick.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning. Salt enhances the overall flavor, while pepper adds a mild heat and depth.
Spicy Taco Soup Variation
While the basic version of spicy taco soup is already delicious, there are many ways to switch things up. You can easily customize the soup by adding different ingredients or changing up the protein. Here are a few variations to try:
- Vegetarian Taco Soup: Replace the ground beef with more beans (like kidney beans, pinto beans, or black-eyed peas) and add extra vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers.
- Chicken Taco Soup: Swap the ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter, quicker option.
- Spicy Beef Taco Soup: Add a bit of hot sauce or extra chili powder for even more heat.
- Cheesy Taco Soup: Stir in cream cheese or Velveeta for a creamy, cheesy texture that takes the soup to the next level.
- Taco Soup with Avocado: Top your soup with diced avocado for a cool, creamy contrast to the spice.
These variations allow you to experiment and find the version of spicy taco soup that best suits your taste.
How to Serve Spicy Taco Soup
Spicy taco soup is best served hot and can be paired with various sides to make the meal even more satisfying. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:
- Toppings: Offer a variety of toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced onions, and crushed tortilla chips. These toppings enhance the flavor and add texture to the soup.
- Sides: Serve with warm, buttery cornbread, a simple side salad, or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
- Bread: A slice of toasted bread or a warm baguette is perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Drinks: A cold drink like iced tea or a soda can balance the heat of the soup. For something extra, try serving it with a margarita for a fun twist.
The versatility of spicy taco soup makes it easy to create a meal that fits your mood and preferences.
Storage Options
If you happen to have leftovers, spicy taco soup stores well for future meals. Here are some tips on storing and reheating:
- In the fridge: Store leftover soup in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- In the freezer: You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it into a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up on the stove or in the microwave.
- Reheating: When reheating the soup, add a splash of broth if the soup has thickened too much during storage. Stir occasionally to ensure it heats evenly.
FAQs About Spicy Taco Soup
How do I make spicy taco soup spicier?
You can increase the heat in spicy taco soup by adding extra jalapeños, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper. Experiment with different spice levels until you find the perfect balance for your taste.
Can I make spicy taco soup in advance?
Yes, spicy taco soup tastes even better when made ahead of time as the flavors have more time to meld together. Simply store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
Can I make spicy taco soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily make a vegetarian version of spicy taco soup by using beans, vegetables, and plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. This way, you can enjoy the flavors without meat.
What do I serve with spicy taco soup?
Spicy taco soup pairs well with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple side salad. You can also top it with sour cream, cheese, or avocado for extra creaminess.
Easy Spicy Taco Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
- Add the Seasonings: Stir in the taco seasoning, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well, allowing the spices to coat the vegetables.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add the cooked ground beef back into the pot. Then, pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), beans, and corn. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The flavors will meld together, and the soup will thicken slightly.
- Season to Taste: Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or chili powder if desired.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, like shredded cheese, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, and fresh cilantro.
