Taco Soup (The World's Easiest Supper) (2024)

Let me introduce you to the world’s easiest supper: taco soup. With ground beef, beans, corn, and seasoning, it’s everything you love about tacos in soup form. Basically, if you love chili or tacos, you’re bound to fall in love with this taco soup recipe.

Jump to Recipe

This recipe has the family seal of approval and it’s ridiculously easy to make. All you have to do is grab the ingredients, dump them in a pot, bring them to a boil, and let them simmer for 15 minutes. That’s it! A comforting bowl of this easy taco soup will be ready in about 30 minutes.

I always have the ingredients on hand as most of them are pantry staples. If you’d like to read how I keep shelf-stable meals on hand and organized, check out by Bags to Dishes series.

The best part is, while this is an easy taco soup recipe, it’s also extremely flavorful. With taco and ranch seasoning mixed in, this soup is jam-packed with flavor the whole family will love. Customize it however you like as well. Add a dollop of sour cream and salsa, enjoy it with a side of guacamole and corn chips, or sprinkle some cheddar cheese on top.

If you’re feeling inspired, here are some other taco-flavored dishes I love: sweet potato and black bean tacos,instant pot beef barbacoa tacos, taco pizza, taco tot casserole, and fiesta taco salad.

Taco Soup (The World's Easiest Supper) (2)

Recipe Ingredients

  • Kidney beans
  • Corn
  • Ro-Tel
  • Tomato sauce
  • Ranch dressing mix
  • Taco seasoning mix
  • About a pound of beef (more if you’d like).

Helpful Kitchen Tools

I cook my beef ahead of time and freeze it in individual meal-sized portions so I just grabbed a bag from the freezer, which makes this even easier! I also dehydrate ground beef from time to time to make this recipe entirely shelf-stable.

How to Make Easy Taco Soup

Taco Soup (The World's Easiest Supper) (3)
Are you ready for the instructions?

Dump all the ingredients in a pot. Don’t even drain your cans, just dump it all.

Add a cup and a half of water and stir.

Bring it to a boil then lower the heat and simmer for fifteen minutes. Serve!

Looking for a swap for red meat? Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or rotisserie chicken!

Taco Soup (The World's Easiest Supper) (4)

I like to eat mine with sour cream and cheese.

Taco Soup (The World's Easiest Supper) (5)

You can use your favorite add-ins or just eat it on its own.

This soup is delicious!!!

How To Store Taco Soup

Store your soup leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days and in the freezer for up to three months. When it’s time to serve, simply reheat either in the microwave or on the stovetop. I prefer glass leftover containers so that the chili doesn’t stain. 🙂

Additional Tips for Perfecting Taco Soup

  1. Customize Toppings: Set up a topping bar with options like diced avocado, sour cream, salsa, shredded cheddar cheese, cilantro, green onions, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, lime wedges, and jalapenos for a customizable experience.
  2. Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat or substitute it with lentils or an extra can of beans to make this a vegetarian-friendly taco soup.
  3. Crock Pot Method: Brown the beef and onion first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 5-6 hours for a convenient option.
  4. Homemade Taco Seasoning: If you prefer homemade seasoning, mix together 1 tsp each of garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper, along with 2 tsp each of dried oregano, paprika, and cumin. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper.
  5. Add Green Chiles: For an extra flavor kick, include a can of chopped green chiles in the soup.
  6. Meat Alternatives: Feel free to use ground turkey, chicken, or pork instead of beef for a different flavor profile.

Recipe FAQs

What do you serve with taco soup?

Serve your soup with a slice of bread or tortilla chips. Alternatively, you can set out a tray of toppings and let everyone pick their own. Include toppings like diced avocado, sour cream, salsa, shredded cheddar cheese, cilantro, green onion, diced tomato, diced bell pepper, lime wedges, and jalapenos. Another option is to serve your soup as an appetizer before a main like chicken fajitas.

Can I substitute the meat in this taco soup?

Yes, you can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork if you like. You could also omit the meat completely and use a can of lentils or an extra can of beans to make this a vegetarian taco soup recipe.

Can I make this soup in the crock pot?

Yes, it will just take a lot longer. Brown your beef and onion first and then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for five to six hours. I love this slow cooker because I can transport it to family functions with its latching lid, it’s super easy to throw in the dishwasher, and the meat temp probe is so handy for cookin’ up a Sunday roast!

Can I use different beans in this soup?

Yes, you can substitute kidney beans with pinto beans or black beans, or even use a combination of different beans.

What sides go well with taco soup?

Serve with a slice of bread or tortilla chips. You can also accompany it with a main dish like chicken fajitas for a complete meal.

Craving a comforting bowl of soup? Check out these other soup recipes:

How To Make Chicken Noodle Soup

Tomato Basil Soup Recipe (Quick, Easy and Delicious)

Italian Sausage Soup With Gluten-Free Sausage

Cauliflower Soup Recipe With Cheese

French Onion Soup (Restaurant-Style Made Easy)

Loaded Potato Soup Recipe (Rich and Flavorful)

Taco Soup (The World's Easiest Supper) (6)

Taco Soup

Taco Soup is so incredibly quick and easy but the flavor alone will win you over. You're just not going to believe how great this tastes!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Course: Soup

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: soup, taco

Servings: 4

Calories: 370kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 large chopped onion cooked with beef
  • 2 cans kidney beans
  • 1 can corn
  • 1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes (15-ounce)
  • 1 can tomato sauce (15-ounce)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning mix
  • 1 packet ranch dressing mix
  • 1 1/2 cups water

Instructions

  • If needed, brown the ground beef and onion in a skillet.

    1 lb ground beef, 1 large chopped onion

  • Combine all ingredients into a large pot, bring to a boil, and then simmer for 15 minutes.

    1 lb ground beef, 1 large chopped onion, 2 cans kidney beans, 1 can corn, 1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes (15-ounce), 1 can tomato sauce (15-ounce), 1 packet taco seasoning mix, 1 packet ranch dressing mix, 1 1/2 cups water

  • Serve with the toppings of your choice.

Nutrition

Calories: 370kcal

Tried this recipe?Mention @southernplate or tag #southernplate!

Taco Soup (The World's Easiest Supper) (2024)

FAQs

What do you eat with taco soup? ›

The best sides and toppings for a cozy pot of Taco Soup! Mexican rice, cornbread, homemade tortilla chips, crisp salads, and cool, sweet fruit pairings. Plus guac and salsas, too. Even dessert!

How do you thicken taco soup? ›

Addition of Cornstarch or Flour: Create a slurry by mixing equal parts cornstarch or flour with water. Stir this mixture into the soup and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens. Ensure there are no lumps by gradually adding the slurry while stirring constantly.

How do you thicken taco soup without cornstarch? ›

Beans are not only a great addition to taco soup for their taste but also for their thickening properties. Mash a portion of the beans with a fork or potato masher and then add them back to the soup. The mashed beans will act as a natural thickening agent, making your taco soup heartier and more substantial.

How do you thicken tortilla soup? ›

Yes, you can use flour to thicken chicken tortilla soup. To do so, create a slurry by combining equal parts flour and cold water. Whisk the slurry into the soup gradually, allowing it to simmer for a few minutes until the desired thickness is achieved.

What dessert goes well with soup? ›

  • Pecan Pie.
  • Bourbon Apple Cake.
  • Mango mint napoleons with chocolate and roasted blackberries.
  • Roasted pears with creme anglaise.
  • Brown Butter pound cake with strawberry basil compote.
  • Berry Parfaits with pastry cream and chocolate.
  • Peach Cobbler with lavender whipped cream.
  • Coconut caramel Bread Pudding.

What is healthy to eat with soup? ›

22 Healthy Sides to Pair with a Bowl of Soup
  • 01 of 22. Kale Salad with Balsamic & Parmesan. ...
  • 02 of 22. Pear & Camembert Crostini. ...
  • 03 of 22. Basic Green Salad with Vinaigrette. ...
  • 04 of 22. Pea, Pancetta & Tarragon Crostini. ...
  • 05 of 22. Apple & Cheddar Side Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette. ...
  • 06 of 22. ...
  • 07 of 22. ...
  • 08 of 22.
Mar 4, 2021

Can I add milk to soup to make it creamy? ›

Milk or Half-and-Half: This is the other magical ingredient that turns your homemade chicken noodle soup into the creamiest soup ever. Use 1 cup of whole milk or 1 cup of half-and-half.

What does cornstarch do to soup? ›

Cornstarch, or corn flour, can be used to thicken soup through its high starch content. Cornstarch is a great thickener for soup because only a little bit is needed to significantly thicken a soup, and it will not affect the flavor profile of the soup.

How do you reduce the spice in taco soup? ›

Scoop a dollop of sour cream into your bowl of soup and stir it into the broth. The fat in the sour cream will help mask the spices and make your soup creamier. If the soup still tastes too spicy, drop in more sour cream until it's palatable. Sour cream works well for chili, chowder, and taco soup.

What is the healthiest soup thickener? ›

Consider using methods like making a roux, blending beans or legumes, using bread, adding egg yolk, pureeing vegetables, incorporating heavy cream or coconut milk, adding potato flakes or starch, or making a slurry with cornstarch or arrowroot to thicken soups without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Is it better to use flour or cornstarch to thicken soup? ›

The most classic and surefire way to thicken a broth-based soup is with a cornstarch slurry. Whisk together equal parts cornstarch (or arrowroot) and water or broth, then whisk it into the pot of soup. A good ratio to get to a pleasant thickness without your soup tasting goopy or heavy is one tablespoon.

What can I add to soup to make it thinner? ›

Add more liquid: The simplest solution is to add more liquid, such as water, broth, or milk. Start by adding a small amount and gradually add more until you reach the desired consistency. Use a blender: If you have a blender, you can puree the soup in batches, adding more liquid as needed.

How can I thicken soup without adding anything? ›

Blend Your Soup

Simply take a cup or two of the soup, chunks and all, and puree it until it's creamy and smooth. Return it to the pot and stir. This will thicken your soup and preserve the chunkiness at the same time.

Why isn't my soup thickening with cornstarch? ›

In other words, if you don't heat your cornstarch to a high enough temperature, your mixture will never thicken. But once your liquid has boiled, lower the heat and don't return it to a simmer—you'll risk destroying the starch molecules and ending up with a thin mixture yet again.

What to serve with tortilla soup for dinner? ›

Crusty Bread or Breadsticks:Serve with crusty Italian bread, baguette, or breadsticks to dip into the flavorful broth. Side Salad:A light side salad with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a simple vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast.

What do Americans eat with soup? ›

Best Side Dishes for Soup
  1. Garlic Breadsticks. Soft garlic breadsticks are fluffy, airy, buttery, and delicious. ...
  2. Grilled Cheese Roll Ups. ...
  3. Caesar Salad. ...
  4. Pigs in a Blanket. ...
  5. Baked Sweet Potato Wedges. ...
  6. Cheesy Garlic Bread. ...
  7. Fried Mac and Cheese Balls. ...
  8. Garlic Knots.

What do you serve at a taco buffet? ›

Crumbled cotija or Oaxaca cheese will add a salty bite.
  • 02 of 23. Shredded Lettuce. It's always nice to have a few fresh elements, and crunchy lettuce fits the bill. ...
  • 05 of 23. Sliced Radishes or Jicama. ...
  • 08 of 23. Pickled Chiles. ...
  • 11 of 23. Queso Dip. ...
  • 14 of 23. Pico de Gallo. ...
  • 17 of 23. Guacamole and Avocado. ...
  • 20 of 23. Fresh Herbs.
Jan 30, 2024

Do you eat the soup with birria tacos? ›

You start by making a rich and flavorful stew that you can eat as is. Or you can take the meat out, chop it up, fry up some tortillas, fill them with the chopped meat and some cheese, then grill them. To eat you dip the taco in the consume which is simply the broth from the stew and enjoy.

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