Hearty Taco Soup (Printable Version)

Hearty soup with seasoned beef, beans, corn, and classic taco toppings—ready in 45 minutes for the whole family.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 pound ground beef

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Canned Goods

05 - 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
06 - 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 1 can (15 ounces) corn kernels, drained
08 - 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
09 - 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
10 - 4 cups chicken broth

→ Spices and Seasonings

11 - 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
12 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
13 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
15 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Optional Toppings

16 - Shredded cheddar cheese
17 - Sour cream
18 - Sliced jalapeños
19 - Chopped cilantro
20 - Sliced green onions
21 - Crushed tortilla chips or strips
22 - Lime wedges

# Directions:

01 - In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add diced onion, red bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables are softened.
03 - Stir in taco seasoning, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
04 - Add black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
05 - Bring the soup to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
07 - Ladle into bowls and serve hot with your favorite toppings.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It uses mostly pantry staples, so you can make it without a special grocery trip
  • The leftovers get even better as the flavors meld overnight in the fridge
  • Everyone can customize their bowl with toppings, making it perfect for picky eaters and adventurous ones alike
  • It comes together in under an hour but tastes like it simmered all day
02 -
  • Always drain and rinse your canned beans or the soup will turn too starchy and cloudy
  • Don't skip the step of blooming the spices in the pot, it makes a huge difference in depth of flavor
  • If your soup tastes flat at the end, a squeeze of fresh lime juice will brighten everything instantly
03 -
  • Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes if you can find them for an extra layer of smoky flavor
  • A dollop of sour cream stirred into each bowl makes the soup creamy and cools down the spice
  • Crushing tortilla chips right into the soup as you eat adds an addictive crunch that keeps every spoonful interesting
Go Back