If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner, this Super Easy Taco Soup is it! It’s made with simple pantry ingredients like ground beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, and taco seasoning — all simmered together in one pot for the ultimate cozy meal.
This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without a big cleanup. Just brown the beef, toss everything into the pot, and let it simmer while you get the toppings ready.
As soon as fall hits, I love making soups for dinner. They’re a great way to make a whole pot for dinner and have leftovers to freeze. Then, when you want a warm lunch or dinner later, just pop it out of the freezer and you’re ready — cozy, comforting, and completely effortless.
What’s the difference between taco soup and chili?
Taco soup and chili are similar, but they’re not quite the same. Chili is thicker and heartier, usually made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and classic chili spices. Taco soup, on the other hand, has a lighter, brothier base and uses taco seasoning for that distinct Tex-Mex flavor. It often includes corn, black beans, and even green chiles.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
- One-pot wonder – everything cooks together, easy cleanup.
- Hearty and flavorful – packed with beef, beans, corn, bell peppers, and chilies.
- Quick and simple – ready in about 30 minutes.
- Freezer-friendly – perfect for leftovers or meal prep.
- Customizable toppings – cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, avocado, and more.
If you love this Super Easy Taco Soup, you might also enjoy some of my other cozy soup recipes:
Creamy White Bean Chili – a hearty, comforting soup perfect for chilly nights.
Spicy Shrimp and Rice Soup – full of bold flavors and a little kick.
For a full Mexican-inspired dinner, pair this taco soup with my Sheet Pan Chicken and Black Bean Nachos
Helpful Kitchen Tools:
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Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven with Lid – Dual Handles – Oven Safe up to 500° F or on Stovetop – Use to Marinate, Cook, Bake, Refrigerate and Serve – Island Spice RedOld El Paso Taco Seasoning Mix, Original Flavor, 1 oz.
La Preferida Organic Green Chiles, Mild-Diced, 4 oz (Pack – 1)
OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Ladle
vancasso Soup Bowls with Handles, 23 Oz French Onion Soup Bowls Oven Safe, Bohemian Ceramic Soup Crocks for Cereal, Pasta, Beef Stew, Chilli, Microwave Dishwasher Safe-6.2 inch, Set of 4
OXO Good Grips 2-Piece Plastic Cutting Board Set (Pack of 1),Clear
OXO Good Grips Ground Meat Chopper,Black
OXO Good Grips Vegetable Chopper
🛒 Main Ingredients You’ll Need:
Ground beef – adds hearty flavor and protein.
Onion and garlic – build a flavorful base for the soup.
Taco seasoning – the key to that bold, zesty taco flavor.
Canned crushed tomatoes – add richness and depth to the broth.
Black beans and kidney beans – make the soup filling and add texture.
Corn – adds a pop of sweetness and color.
Chilies – diced green chilies or mild red chilies add a subtle heat and extra flavor.
Beef broth – creates a savory, comforting base.
Bell Pepper – adds sweetness, color, and a bit of crunch.
Step by Step Instructions:
Brown the beef with onion and garlic in a big pot until fragrant and cooked through.
Stir in taco seasoning to coat the meat and bring out the flavors.
Add tomatoes, and broth to create a rich, flavorful base.
Mix in beans, corn, bell peppers, and chilies for heartiness and texture.
Simmer for 20–25 minutes so all the flavors come together.
Top and serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, or your favorite garnishes.
Can I make taco soup in the slow cooker?
Yes! To make slow cooker taco soup, brown the ground beef first, then add it to your slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. The flavors deepen even more as it simmers all day, and it’s ready when you are — perfect for busy weeknights.
Want It Spicy?
If you love a little extra kick, try one (or a few!) of these easy add-ins:
- Use hot diced green chilies instead of mild.
- Add a chopped jalapeño (with or without the seeds, depending on your spice level).
- Sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Top with spicy salsa or pepper jack cheese before serving.
Storing and Freezing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Portion soup into freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stove or in the microwave until hot.
Tip: For extra creaminess, stir in a little sour cream or shredded cheese after reheating.
Super Easy Taco Soup (Weeknight Favorite)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stove-Top
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
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1 medium onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 packet taco seasoning
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1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
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1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
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1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
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1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
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1 bell pepper, diced
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1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
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4 cups beef or chicken broth
Instructions
Brown the beef and aromatics:
In a large pot, brown 1 lb ground beef, onion and garlic over medium heat until fully cooked.
Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened. Drain if needed.
Add taco seasoning:
Stir in one packet taco seasoning mix. Cook for 1 minute to let the flavors bloom.
Add the liquids and tomatoes:
Pour in 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, and 4 cups beef broth. Stir to combine.
Add beans, corn, peppers, and chilies:
Add 1 can black beans (drained), 1 can kidney beans (drained), 1 can corn (drained), 1 diced bell pepper, and 1 can diced green chilies. Stir well.
Simmer the soup:
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes. This allows flavors to meld together.
Adjust seasoning and serve:
Taste and add salt, pepper, or extra taco seasoning as needed.
Serve hot with your favorite toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, diced avocado, or fresh cilantro.
