Hearty Taco Soup Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a meal that delivers comfort, flavor, and a sense of home in every spoonful, look no further than Hearty Taco Soup. This vibrant soup combines all your favorite taco flavors—savory beef, two kinds of beans, sweet corn, and punchy seasonings—into one steaming bowl. It’s quick enough for busy nights but delicious enough to feel like you’ve treated yourself. The real magic? You can customize it endlessly, making it the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again, whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a cozy game-day gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Hearty Taco Soup is refreshingly simple, but every single item plays an important role. Each ingredient contributes something special, whether it’s the meaty richness, the fresh color, or the Mexican-inspired spice that brings this bowl to life.
- Olive oil: A touch of olive oil starts us off for sautéing and brings out the aromatics in the beef and veggies.
- Ground beef or ground turkey: Go classic with beef for richness, or keep it light with turkey—either way, you’ll have a deeply flavorful base.
- Onion (diced): Adds sweet, savory undertones and a hint of crunch when freshly cooked.
- Garlic (minced): Just two cloves give a subtle but unmistakable aromatic lift to the entire pot.
- Taco seasoning packet: Your shortcut to layers of bold, taco-spiced flavor—pick your favorite store-bought or a homemade mix.
- Ground cumin: A little extra cumin deepens the Mexican flavors and adds warmth to every bite.
- Black beans (drained and rinsed): They add creaminess and boost the protein, making the soup extra filling.
- Kidney beans (drained and rinsed): These beans bring color, texture, and earthiness to balance the mix.
- Corn (drained): The burst of sweetness from corn kernels plays perfectly with the savory broth.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies: These add color, tang, and a gentle kick to keep things interesting.
- Crushed tomatoes: This creates a rich, thick base that lets all the other flavors shine through.
- Beef or chicken broth: Use your favorite—either gives the soup depth and helps everything simmer together beautifully.
- Optional toppings: Shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and crunchy tortilla chips—each one adds its own charm so you can customize your bowl any way you like!
How to Make Hearty Taco Soup
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef or turkey, breaking it up with your spoon as it browns. This step is all about building that first layer of flavor, so take your time and make sure there’s a little color on the meat. If there’s extra fat, go ahead and drain it so your final soup isn’t greasy.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add your diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Let them cook with the meat for about 3 to 4 minutes, until they soften and become wonderfully fragrant. This simple step draws out the sweetest, most savory flavors from the onion and garlic, which anchor the whole dish.
Step 3: Spice It Up
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning packet and ground cumin, stirring everything really well. Cooking the spices for just a minute helps bloom all those taco-inspired notes, making them more intense and satisfying. Your kitchen should start to smell incredible!
Step 4: Add the Veggies and Beans
Now’s the time to transform this pot into a true Hearty Taco Soup. Add in the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and the crushed tomatoes. Pour in your broth of choice, give it all a good stir, and marvel at those colors coming together.
Step 5: Simmer and Meld
Turn up the heat and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Then lower it to a simmer, uncovered, for about 20 to 25 minutes. This helps all those flavors mingle and the soup to thicken just a bit. Give it a taste near the end and tweak seasoning if you like it a little spicier or saltier.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle your piping hot Hearty Taco Soup into bowls and pile on your favorite toppings! Whether you’re a cheese lover or want some extra kick from jalapeños, this is your time to make it uniquely yours.
How to Serve Hearty Taco Soup
Garnishes
The real fun begins when you get to the garnish bar! A generous sprinkle of shredded cheese melts beautifully into the warm soup, a dollop of sour cream cools the heat, and a shower of fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and zest. Sliced jalapeños bring a spicy punch for those who crave extra heat, while a handful of crunchy tortilla chips offers that essential bite. These simple additions let everyone build their own perfect bowl of Hearty Taco Soup.
Side Dishes
This soup is a meal in itself, but it plays well with a few tasty sides. Try serving it with warm, buttered cornbread for classic comfort. Or, whip up a crisp green salad drizzled with a zesty lime vinaigrette to balance out the boldness of the soup. Even a platter of sliced avocados or guacamole alongside a bowl of Hearty Taco Soup creates a spread that’s both beautiful and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
When you want to bring a little wow-factor to the table, ladle Hearty Taco Soup into small mugs or deep bowls for a party-friendly appetizer. You can even set up a DIY taco soup bar for gatherings, letting everyone top their bowl just the way they like. Try serving with mini quesadillas for dipping, or pour the soup over a bed of rice for a fun, burrito-bowl twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Hearty Taco Soup not only makes a big batch, but the flavors get even better after a day in the fridge. Store cooled leftovers in airtight containers for up to four days—perfect for easy lunches! The beans and veggies hold their shape, so every bowl still tastes fresh and hearty.
Freezing
One of the best things about this recipe is how well it freezes! Simply let your soup cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It’ll stay delicious for up to three months. Just remember to leave a little room at the top, since soup expands as it freezes.
Reheating
When you’re ready for round two, reheat Hearty Taco Soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until steaming hot. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works great too—just cover your bowl loosely and stir halfway through to heat evenly. Feel free to freshen things up with extra toppings when it’s served.
FAQs
Can I make Hearty Taco Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the beef or turkey for a meatless ground substitute or increase the beans. Use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken, and you’ll have a satisfying, plant-based version everyone will love.
What can I use if I don’t have taco seasoning?
No worries! You can make your own by combining a teaspoon each of chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne for heat. It’s flexible and you can tailor it to your taste.
Is Hearty Taco Soup gluten-free?
This recipe can be gluten-free if you use a certified gluten-free taco seasoning and check your broth labels! All the main ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it ideal for a variety of diets.
How can I add more vegetables?
Feel free to toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or even chopped spinach during the simmering step. It’s a great way to use up what’s in your fridge and add extra nutrients and color to each bowl.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely. Brown the meat and sauté onions and garlic first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Let it cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours for a super-easy, set-and-forget meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl, Hearty Taco Soup is the answer. It’s easy, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to put smiles on faces around your table. Give it a try this week—you might just discover your new favorite comfort food!
Print
Hearty Taco Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Hearty Taco Soup is a flavorful and satisfying soup that combines the bold flavors of tacos in a comforting and hearty bowl. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can (15 oz) corn (drained)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, tortilla chips
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil.
- Cook ground beef: Add ground beef or turkey to the pot and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Saute onion and garlic: Add diced onion and minced garlic, cook until softened.
- Add seasoning: Stir in taco seasoning and cumin, cook for 1 minute.
- Add remaining ingredients: Add beans, corn, tomatoes, and broth. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve: Serve hot with desired toppings.
Notes
- This soup freezes well and is ideal for meal prep.
- For extra heat, add more green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
