Easy One-Pot Taco Soup Recipe

Welcome to the ultimate taco soup recipe! This dish is a true weeknight hero, bringing incredible flavor to your table with minimal effort. It’s quick, deliciously savory, and perfect for busy parents or beginner cooks. This family-friendly meal also boasts endless customization options, ensuring everyone finds something to love in every hearty spoonful. Get ready to make your new favorite easy dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Taco Soup

• Quick & Easy: This one-pot taco soup comes together with minimal prep and cooking time, perfect for hectic evenings.
• Flavorful: Enjoy a rich, savory, and comforting taste profile that satisfies every craving.
• Versatile: Easily adapt the ingredients and spice level to suit your personal preferences.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or gatherings.
• Nutritious: Packed with lean protein and fiber from beans and meat, it’s a wholesome meal.
• Customizable Toppings: Offer a fun “taco bar” experience with a variety of garnishes.

Ingredients

This simple taco soup recipe uses common pantry staples for maximum convenience and flavor. Each component adds to the rich, hearty texture and classic Southwestern taste. You will love how easily these ingredients transform into a delicious meal.

• 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (or substitute 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes, undrained
• 4 ounce can diced green chiles
• 15 ounce can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 17 ounce can corn, drained
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth

Notes & Substitutions

• Meat: Feel free to swap ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or even mild Italian sausage.
• Beans: Experiment with pinto beans, cannellini beans, or a mixed bean blend for variety.
• Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder to your taste. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Vegetables: Enhance the soup by adding diced bell peppers or onions when browning the meat.
• Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth are excellent alternatives to beef broth, depending on your preference.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this delightful homemade taco soup. These items are likely already in your kitchen, making preparation even simpler. Gather them before you begin cooking to ensure a smooth process.

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Can opener
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Creating this delicious taco soup recipe is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a warm, comforting bowl that’s ready in no time. This detailed guide ensures even beginner cooks can achieve perfect results.

1. Brown the Meat: Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef (or turkey) to the pot. Cook the meat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it is fully browned and no pink remains. This step builds the first layer of flavor for your soup. To ensure safety, the USDA advises cooking ground beef to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
2. Drain Fat: Once the meat is thoroughly cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the pot. Removing the fat prevents the easy taco soup from becoming overly oily and ensures a cleaner taste. You can use a spoon to scoop it out or carefully tilt the pot.
3. Add Aromatics & Spices: Return the pot to the heat. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, paprika, and onion powder with the browned meat. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices become fragrant. This brief sauté awakens their flavors.
4. Combine Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the undrained crushed tomatoes, the can of diced green chiles, and the rinsed and drained kidney beans and black beans. Add the drained canned corn and the two cups of low-sodium beef broth. Stir all of these ingredients together well to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the pot.
5. Bring to a Simmer: Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a low boil. Watch for gentle bubbling around the edges of the pot. This initial boil helps to integrate all the flavors before simmering.
6. Cover & Cook: Once the soup reaches a low boil, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let the simple taco soup simmer gently for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally during this time to prevent sticking and allow all the wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully.
7. Serve: Ladle the hot taco soup into individual bowls. Garnish generously with your favorite toppings, such as crunchy tortilla chips, a dollop of sour cream, or shredded cheese. Enjoy your homemade, flavorful meal!

Pro Tips for the Best Taco Soup

Making the best taco soup is easy with a few simple tricks. These tips will help you elevate the flavors and ensure a perfect batch every time. Pay attention to these small details for a delicious outcome.

• Don’t Skip Draining: Always drain the fat from your ground meat after browning. This step is crucial for preventing a greasy soup and ensures a lighter, cleaner taste profile.
• Sauté Spices: Briefly cooking the dried spices with the meat and garlic before adding liquids enhances their aroma and deepens the overall flavor of the soup. Don’t rush this step.
• Simmer Time: Allow the soup to simmer for the full 20 minutes. This essential time enables all the ingredients to meld, creating a richer and more complex flavor.
• Taste & Adjust: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want more salt, pepper, or chili powder to suit your preference.
• Use Quality Broth: The quality of your beef broth significantly impacts the soup’s final taste. Opt for a good low-sodium broth for the best results.

Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations

This versatile taco soup recipe is perfect for customizing, storing for later, and adapting to various preferences. These suggestions will help you make the most of your delicious creation.

Serving Suggestions

• Toppings: Offer a variety of garnishes like crushed tortilla chips, a dollop of sour cream, and shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese.
• Freshness: Add chopped green onions, diced avocado, or fresh cilantro for bright, vibrant flavors.
• Heat: Spice it up with a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce or a sprinkle of sliced jalapeños.
• Sides: Serve alongside warm cornbread or a crisp green side salad for a complete meal.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover one-pot taco soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Variations

• Vegetarian Taco Soup: Omit the meat and use vegetable broth. Add extra beans, diced bell peppers, and zucchini for a hearty meatless option.
• Chicken Taco Soup: Substitute shredded cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for the ground beef. Add it in during the simmering stage.
• Slow Cooker Taco Soup: Brown the meat and sauté spices as instructed. Then, combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
• Spicy Taco Soup: Amp up the heat by adding a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper when sautéing the garlic, or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices.

Nutrition Information

This taco soup recipe is a nutritious choice for any meal. It is naturally high in protein, thanks to the lean ground beef and a generous amount of beans, keeping you feeling full and satisfied. The beans also provide an excellent source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health. For a deeper dive into the health advantages, UCLA Health highlights why beans are considered a perfect food due to their fiber and protein content. Furthermore, the combination of tomatoes, corn, and green chiles contributes essential vitamins and minerals. You can easily adjust ingredients to meet specific dietary needs, such as using extra vegetables for more vitamins or opting for ground turkey to reduce fat.

Note: Nutrition facts are estimates and vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I make taco soup in a slow cooker? Yes, absolutely! Brown the meat and sauté the spices first, then combine all ingredients in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
• Is taco soup freezer-friendly? This taco soup recipe freezes exceptionally well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to three months.
• How long does taco soup last? When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, leftover taco soup remains fresh and delicious for 3-4 days.
• What are the best toppings for taco soup? Popular toppings include tortilla chips, sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, avocado, and fresh cilantro. Get creative and use what you love!
• Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned? Yes, you can! Just dice fresh tomatoes and corn. You will need to cook them longer to soften before adding the broth.

Conclusion

This easy one-pot taco soup recipe truly embodies simplicity, flavor, and comfort, making it a perfect addition to your busy weeknight rotation. It is incredibly adaptable, incredibly delicious, and guaranteed to become a family favorite in your home. We encourage you to try this versatile dish and discover just how simple and satisfying homemade meals can be. Share your creations and let us know how much you loved this beginner-friendly taco soup recipe!

Easy One-Pot Taco Soup Recipe

This quick and flavorful taco soup comes together in one pot with pantry staples like beans, corn, and tomatoes. It's hearty, easy to customize, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Dinner, Soup

Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes, undrained
• 4 oz can diced green chiles
• 15 oz can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 17 oz can corn, drained
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth

Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• wooden spoon or spatula
• can opener
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Method

 

1. In a large soup pot over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
2. Drain excess grease from the pot to avoid greasy soup.
3. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, oregano, paprika, and onion powder. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, diced green chiles, kidney beans, black beans, corn, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
5. Bring soup to a low boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Ladle into bowls and garnish with toppings like cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, or tortilla chips.

Notes

Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken. Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Adjust chili powder or add cayenne for spice. Add fresh bell peppers or onions with the meat for extra veggies.

Emily Thompson

Emily Thompson is a home cook and food enthusiast who believes that great meals bring families together. She loves exploring creative twists on classic American comfort food, always testing new ideas in her kitchen. Emily is passionate about sharing simple, practical recipes and time-saving tips to help busy people enjoy cooking at home. Her approachable style makes every dish accessible, delicious, and perfect for those seeking inspiration for everyday meals and special occasions. Find Emily’s latest creations and kitchen wisdom on yumeasymeals.com.