Easy Taco Soup Recipe | Modernmealmakeover.com (2024)

Easy Taco Soup Recipe | Modernmealmakeover.com (1)

24 commentsBy April KingThis post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money from the companies mentioned in this post.

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This Homemade Taco Soup Recipe is a simple meal for a weeknight dinner. It is so quick and easy to put together with only 8 ingredients. All you need to do is brown the ground beef and dump all the ingredients in and simmer. Then add your favorite toppings to complement the yummy Mexican flavors.

Easy Taco Soup Recipe | Modernmealmakeover.com (2)

Taco Soup Ingredients

  • Ground Beef – I prefer to use 90% or leaner Angus ground beef.
  • Black Beans – Add a mild, sweet and earthy flavor and have a soft texture.
  • Kidney Beans – When I don’t have canned kidney beans I will substitute with canned red beans or pinto beans.
  • Whole Kernel Corn – You can substitute canned corn with fresh corn or frozen. Just add 10 minutes to the cooking time when using fresh corn.
  • Diced Tomatoes – You can substitute canned diced tomatoes for 2 cups of fresh diced tomatoes.
  • Taco Seasoning – The easiest way to have all your Mexican spices.
  • Dry Ranch Seasoning – I have used regular dry ranch seasoning as well as the fiesta ranch. They both work well with this recipe.
  • Salsa – I prefer to use my Homemade Salsa Recipe. But you can use any salsa that has large chunks of vegetables in it.

How To Make Taco Soup

  • In a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Brown 1½ lbs of ground beef until it is no longer pink. I like to drain excess fat after the ground beef is cooked. Place cooked cooked beef on a paper towel lined plate. This will help absorb any additional fat.
  • In a large pot add drained black beans, drained kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and drained corn. Stir to mix well.
  • Add in salsa, water, taco seasoning, dry ranch seasoning, and stir well.Heat to a boil and reduce heat to med low.
  • Add cooked hamburger back into the pot and stir to combine. Simmer on low for 15-20 minutes.
  • Serve warm and add your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

Can I Make it in the Crock Pot?

You sure can! To make taco soup in the Crock Pot you will need to brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until it is completely brown and no longer pink. The drain off the excess fat with a colander or scoop the cooked beef on to a plate line with paper towels.

Then add the ground beef into the Crock Pot will all the other ingredients. Then cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. If the soup is to thick simply add 1/2 cup of hot water at a time until you achieve your desired thickness.

Can I Make it in the Instant Pot?

Absolutely, taco soup can be made in the Instant pot. Start by setting the Instant Pot to saute mode. Brown the ground beef. Then drain the fat off and add back into the Instant Pot. Then add in the black beans, kidney beans, corn, taco seasoning, salsa, diced tomatoes, ranch seasoning and water. Mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined.

Then, place the lid on your Instant Pot and lock it into place. Turn pressure release valve to sealing, then select pressure cook, high pressure. Cook for 5 minutes. It will take about 10 minutes for the pressure to build up. Before the cooking timer starts to count down. When timer runs out turn release valve to release. Wait for safety valve to drop before removing lid. Then remove the lid and serve with your favorite toppings.

Easy Taco Soup Recipe | Modernmealmakeover.com (3)

Our Favorite Taco Soup Toppings

One of my favorite things about this soup is how easy it is to make with simple ingredients. But I also love that you can add your favorite toppings to mix it up a little bit. Here a just a few toppings my family love to put on this yummy soup.

  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • Fresh Chopped Cilantro
  • Fritos
  • Doritos
  • Tortilla Chips or Strips
  • Sliced Avocado
  • Diced Tomato
  • Chopped Onion
  • Sliced Jalapeno

Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?

Ground turkey is a great option to make this taco soup recipe a little bit healthier. Some great options to make it vegetarian are tofu, lentils or any of the meat substitutes such as Impossible burger.

Can I Freeze This Soup?

Definitely, I love to double the recipe and same some for later. To freeze it first let the soup cool off to room temperature. Then add it to freezer safe storage bags or jars. One tip I have is that if you freeze them flat. It makes it easier to stack and store them in the freezer.

When you are ready to use the frozen taco soup, leave it in the fridge overnight to thaw. Once you have thawed the soup. Reheat it in a soup pan or Crock Pot until warm. Do not refreeze soup after it has been thawed. Here are some more great tips Freezing and Food Safety.

Tips for Taco Soup

  • For a little more flavor replace the water with beef broth.
  • If you don’t have any taco seasoning on hand make your own. In a small bowl mix together 1/2 tbsp of chili powder, 1/4 tsp of garlic powder, 1/4 tsp of onion powder, 1/4 tsp of crushed red pepper flakes, 1/4 tsp of dried oregano, 1/2 tsp of paprika, 1 tsp of ground cumin, 1 tsp of salt. and 1 tsp of ground black pepper.
  • If you like your taco soup a little spicier add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. I like to just leave some on the table. That way my family can set their own spice level.

Easy Taco Soup Recipe | Modernmealmakeover.com (4)

Taco Soup

Shanna

This Homemade Taco Soup Recipe is a simple meal for a week night dinner. It is so quick and easy to put together with only 8 ingredients. All you need to do is brown the ground beef and dump all the ingredients in and simmer. Then add your favorite toppings to compliment the yummy Mexican flavors.

4.78 from 40 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Soup

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 8

Calories 521 kcal

Ingredients

  • lbs ground beef
  • 1 (15.25 oz) can of black beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 (15.25 oz) can of kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 (15.25 oz) can of whole kernel corn (drained and rinsed)
  • 2 (15.25 oz) cans of diced tomatoes
  • 1 (1 oz) package of taco seasoning I use original but you can use mild or hot also.
  • 1 (1 oz) package of ranch seasoning.
  • 1 pint or 2 cups salsa I prefer homemade salsa but you can use any brand. Use and mild or as hot as you like!
  • cups water

Instructions

  • In a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown ground beef until it is no longer pink. I like to drain excess fat after the ground beef is cooked. Place cooked cooked beef on a paper towel lined plate. This will help absorb any additional fat.

  • In a large pot add drained black beans, drained kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and drained corn. Stir to mix well.

  • Add in salsa, water, taco seasoning, dry ranch seasoning, and stir well.Heat to a boil and reduce heat to med low.

  • Add cooked hamburger back into the pot and stir to combine. Simmer on low for 15-20 minutes.

  • Serve warm and add your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

Notes

*Nutrition Disclaimer: All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. Nutrition facts are an estimate and not guaranteed to be accurate. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on Modernmealmakeover.com should only be used as a general guideline.

Nutrition

Calories: 521kcalCarbohydrates: 66.3gProtein: 47.5gFat: 7.5gSaturated Fat: 2.6gCholesterol: 77mgSodium: 1011mgPotassium: 2069mgFiber: 15.8gSugar: 7.7gCalcium: 120mgIron: 22mg

Keyword Bean Soup, Taco Soup

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April King

Hi I'm April! I've been married to my husband, Brent for 17 years, and we have 3 kids who keeps us on our toes. I love to create easy, simple, yet delicious family friendly recipes. If I'm not in the kitchen you can find me in the carpool lane, dance recitals, sitting on the football field, or chasing our busy toddler.

24 Comments

  1. Cate

    September 23, 2020 at 9:46 am ·Reply

    Yummm love how simple and delicious this recipe looks! Can’t wait to try it!

  2. Jillian

    September 23, 2020 at 9:51 am ·Reply

    Easy Taco Soup Recipe | Modernmealmakeover.com (5)
    I love how easy this recipe comes together! It is a family favorite and great for our busy weeknights.

  3. Erika

    September 23, 2020 at 9:54 am ·Reply

    Easy Taco Soup Recipe | Modernmealmakeover.com (6)
    I LOVE taco soup, especially when the weather starts to cool down. Thanks for sharing your yummy recipe.

  4. Monica | Nourish + Fete

    September 23, 2020 at 9:57 am ·Reply

    Easy Taco Soup Recipe | Modernmealmakeover.com (7)
    This is seriously so cozy and comforting. I am so excited about soup season, and these taco flavors are just a terrific crowd pleaser for the whole family.

  5. Alison

    September 23, 2020 at 10:00 am ·Reply

    Easy Taco Soup Recipe | Modernmealmakeover.com (8)
    Taco soup is such a classic and comforting recipe for this time of year. This one is hearty, simple, and oh so good!

  6. Becky

    February 22, 2021 at 11:04 pm ·Reply

    Can this be put in a crockpot

    • April

      February 23, 2021 at 8:37 am ·Reply

      Yes this can be made in a crock pot or instant pot. There are directions for both in the blog post.

  7. Michelle | Sift & Simmer

    March 3, 2021 at 9:01 am ·Reply

    Easy Taco Soup Recipe | Modernmealmakeover.com (9)
    Such a delicious and flavourful soup! Great at any time of year 🙂

  8. Lisa Lotts

    March 3, 2021 at 9:02 am ·Reply

    Easy Taco Soup Recipe | Modernmealmakeover.com (10)
    Taco soup is a weekly family favorite. I love the whole dump-and-go easy prep of this hearty meal.

    • Shanna

      March 3, 2021 at 9:54 am ·Reply

      My favorite thing about taco soup is that it is dump and go.

  9. Carrie Robinson

    March 3, 2021 at 9:10 am ·Reply

    Easy Taco Soup Recipe | Modernmealmakeover.com (11)
    I just love hearty, easy to make dinner recipes like this for a cold winter day. Looks delicious! 🙂

    • April

      March 3, 2021 at 11:41 am ·Reply

      I do too!

  10. Angela

    March 3, 2021 at 9:10 am ·Reply

    Easy Taco Soup Recipe | Modernmealmakeover.com (12)
    Taco soup is always a hit at my house. Never thought to add a ranch packet. It was delicious!

    • April

      March 3, 2021 at 11:41 am ·Reply

      Im so glad you liked it. I think adding the ranch makes it so delicious!

  11. Rene

    August 8, 2021 at 5:26 pm ·Reply

    Easy Taco Soup Recipe | Modernmealmakeover.com (13)
    I really like this recipe but I almost made a huge mistake with the seasonings. Instead of 1-1oz package of taco seasoning and dry ranch dressing, I thought it said 11oz. I would recommend you correct this so no one else makes it wrong.
    This recipe goes great with Tostitos hint of lime chips!

    • Shanna Allen

      August 9, 2021 at 9:53 am ·Reply

      So glad that you liked it and thank you for the tip on the measurements. I have modified the recipe card to hopefully eliminate any confusion.

  12. Debi

    February 27, 2022 at 8:38 am ·Reply

    Easy Taco Soup Recipe | Modernmealmakeover.com (14)
    I loved this recipe. I make different Taco Soup recipes as I like to try different ones. This is my favorite so far. I used ground chicken. I made in slow cooker. It came out great. I’m wondering if it was the salsa that made this one a standout winner. Thanks for the recipe!

    • April King

      March 1, 2022 at 1:42 pm ·Reply

      I’m so glad you loved the taco soup. Thanks for sharing.

  13. Wendy Gibson

    March 1, 2022 at 8:40 pm ·Reply

    Came together great and is a favorite of ours.! Thank you for sharing

  14. Wendy Gibson

    March 1, 2022 at 8:42 pm ·Reply

    Easy Taco Soup Recipe | Modernmealmakeover.com (15)
    Fantastic soup! Had some corn fitters on the side and is now one of bbn our favorite dinners.

    • April King

      March 3, 2022 at 9:20 am ·Reply

      So glad you loved the soup. Corn fritters would go perfect with this dish!

  15. Donna

    July 23, 2022 at 2:32 pm ·Reply

    Easy Taco Soup Recipe | Modernmealmakeover.com (16)
    I absolutely adore this soup recipe! Comes together easily, usually with pantry items on hand and even the hubby can do it!! We love it thank you for sharing!

    • April King

      July 23, 2022 at 6:11 pm ·Reply

      I’m so glad you love it.

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FAQs

How do I thicken up my taco soup? ›

You can thicken soup by adding flour, cornstarch, or another starchy substitute. For the best results, never add flour or cornstarch directly to your soup. If you do, it will clump up on top. Instead, ladle a small amount of broth into a separate bowl and let it cool.

How to thicken taco soup without cornstarch? ›

Yes, using vegetable puree can be a great option to thicken taco soup while maintaining its flavor. Puree a portion of the cooked vegetables from your soup in a blender or food processor until smooth, then stir it back into the soup. This will not only thicken the soup but also enhance its texture and taste.

How to make taco soup less spicy? ›

Add Some Starches

The easiest way to tone down a spicy dish is to serve a smaller portion with plenty of rice, bread, potatoes, pasta, or plain starch to counter the heat. For soups and stews, raw and starchy vegetables like potatoes or carrots work well.

How long to reheat taco soup? ›

To reheat it from the refrigerator, pop it into a crock pot on medium or microwave it on high for 90 seconds. You can also reheat it on the stove; use a soup pot or Dutch oven and heat it on medium for 10-15 minutes. You can reheat previously frozen taco soup in a slow cooker, on the stovetop, or in the microwave.

How can I make my soup thicker and creamy? ›

6 ways to thicken soup:
  1. Blend all or part of it. If you've made a broth with chunks of vegetable in it, such as minestrone soup, then pour the soup through a sieve. ...
  2. Add cream or yogurt. ...
  3. Add flour or cornflour. ...
  4. Use a butter and flour paste. ...
  5. Blend in bread. ...
  6. Add lentils or rice. ...
  7. 5 of the best soup recipes to try next:

What ingredient makes soup thicker? ›

About this method: One of the most common ways to thicken sauces and soups is with a starch-based slurry, and cornstarch is a popular choice. Cornstarch is flavorless, easy to mix up, and versatile, which makes it a go-to pantry ingredient.

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

It's important to note that cornstarch has twice the thickening power of flour. If you need to substitute cornstarch to thicken liquid in a recipe that calls for ¼ cup (four tablespoons) flour, you only need two tablespoons cornstarch.

Can you 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. If you want to make regular (non-creamy) chicken noodle soup, replace the milk with more chicken broth.

What is the best soup thickener? ›

The 15 Best Ingredients To Thicken Homemade Soup
  • Add thickness with a flour slurry. ...
  • Cornstarch should be your thickener of choice. ...
  • Red beans or lentils can thicken a pureed soup. ...
  • Bring the magic of risotto with arborio rice. ...
  • Use pasta starch in a couple of different ways. ...
  • Thicken soup with egg yolks and a bit of technique.
Jun 16, 2023

Why is my taco soup so watery? ›

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.

What cancels out spicy in soup? ›

Turns out, the fiery chemical in hot chilis, capsaicin, likes to bind itself onto a compound in milk, which neutralizes the burn. Add a generous dollop of sour cream, creme fraiche, or yogurt to scorching hot chili or stews, or even a touch of milk or cream. For best results, though, go with full-fat dairy.

Is it OK to leave taco soup out overnight? ›

Food should not be at room temperature for more than two hours. Shallow containers or small amounts of hot food can be placed directly in the refrigerator or rapidly chilled in an ice or cold water bath before refrigerating.

Is taco soup good if left out overnight? ›

So, yeah: Toss that soup that sat out overnight. Now, to the question of whether or not boiling it will kill off these bugs -- that might be technically true, but it comes with a big caveat. To be completely safe, you'll have to boil the soup vigorously for 10 minutes.

How many days is taco soup good for? ›

To Store: Store soup in the refrigerator for 3-4 days after making. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

How do you thicken watery taco meat? ›

If you want to skip the cornstarch in your homemade seasoning to use it for other purposes, just sprinkle ⅓ to ½ teaspoon of cornstarch per pound of browned, spiced meat before adding ¾ cup of water and heat until thickened.

How do you make soup more watery? ›

Ok, this may be a little obvious, but just adding water is going to make your soup go a little further. If you stick to a 50/50 ratio between water and whatever flavoured liquid you're using in your soup (be it tomatoes, a stock type, or a cream), you're unlikely to dilute it to the point of making it unpalatable.

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