Taco Soup Recipe: A Hearty One-Pot Comfort Classic

A bowl of taco soup garnished with sour cream, fresh cilantro, tortilla chips, and jalapeño slices, surrounded by lime wedges and cilantro leaves.

When the craving for a warm, hearty, and flavorful meal strikes, this Taco Soup has you covered! Loaded with savory spices, vibrant vegetables, tender ground beef, and the creamy richness of melted Cheddar cheese, this soup is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or simply wanting a fuss-free dinner, this one-pot wonder will not disappoint.


A rustic wooden table displaying fresh ingredients, including a wedge of cheese, ripe avocados, cherry tomatoes on the vine, cilantro, and corn kernels.

Taco Soup Ingredients:

To make this delicious soup, gather the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

  • 1½ lbs. lean ground beef
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 large bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
  • 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning/dressing mix
  • 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (Del Monte with Basil, Garlic, and Oregano works great)
  • 1 (15.25 oz) can corn, drained
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained
  • 1 (16 oz) can kidney beans, drained
  • 4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Optional Toppings:

  • Chopped cilantro
  • A dollop of sour cream
  • Diced avocado
  • Tostitos Scoops Tortilla Chips
  • Chopped green onions

Step-by-Step Instructions For Making Taco Soup:

  • Brown the Meat & Aromatics:
    Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, bell pepper, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the meat is browned and vegetables are tender, about 8–10 minutes. Drain any excess grease and return the mixture to the pot.
  • Season the Base:
    Stir in the taco seasoning and ranch seasoning packets with 1 cup of water. Mix thoroughly to coat the meat and vegetables with the seasonings.
  • Add the Soupy Goodness:
    Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn, black beans, and kidney beans. Give everything a good stir to combine.
  • Simmer & Let the Flavors Marry:
    Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the soup to simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This step allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
  • Serve & Customize:
    Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with a generous handful of shredded Cheddar cheese. Add your favorite optional toppings, such as a dollop of sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or crunchy tortilla chips for texture. Finish with a sprinkle of green onions for a pop of color.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  1. One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is always a win in the kitchen!
  2. Customizable: Adjust the spice level by swapping regular diced tomatoes for fire-roasted or spicy varieties. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein.
  3. Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: The combination of bold taco flavors and creamy cheese makes this soup a hit with kids and adults alike.
  4. Meal Prep Champion: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.

Pro Tips:

  • For Extra Creaminess: Stir in ½ cup of cream cheese or heavy cream during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
  • Make It Spicier: Add a chopped jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated Cheddar melts better than pre-shredded for that ooey-gooey finish.

This Taco Soup is a perfect dish to bring people together over its irresistible aroma and flavor. It’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but don’t be surprised if your family starts dipping chips straight into the pot! So, grab a spoon, pile on your favorite toppings, and savor every warm, comforting bite.

Enjoy cooking and bon appétit!

A bowl of taco soup garnished with sour cream, fresh cilantro, tortilla chips, and jalapeño slices, surrounded by lime wedges and cilantro leaves.

Taco Soup

This hearty Taco Soup is a one-pot meal packed with bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. It starts with browned ground beef, sautéed onions, bell peppers, and garlic, seasoned with taco and ranch seasoning for a zesty kick. A flavorful broth is created using chicken stock, diced tomatoes, and green chilies, then combined with corn, black beans, and kidney beans for added texture and heartiness. Simmered to perfection, this soup is then topped with shredded Cheddar cheese and optional garnishes like sour cream, avocado, cilantro, and tortilla chips for extra crunch. Perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep, this easy and satisfying dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Tex-Mex
Servings 10
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven A 6 qt or larger pot is ideal for cooking and simmering the soup.
  • wooden spoon or spatula For stirring and breaking up the ground beef.
  • cutting board To chop onions, bell peppers, garlic, and fresh toppings.
  • sharp knife For dicing vegetables and cutting garnishes like avocado and cilantro.
  • measuring cups and spoons For accurate measurements of broth, seasonings, and toppings.
  • Can Opener To open cans of beans, corn, and diced tomatoes easily.
  • Colander or Strainer For draining canned beans and corn before adding them to the soup.
  • Ladle For serving the soup into bowls.

Ingredients
  

  • lbs. lean ground beef
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 large bell pepper diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 c chicken broth
  • 1 1 oz Packets of taco seasoning
  • 1 1 oz Packet of ranch seasoning/ dressing mix
  • 1 10 oz Can of diced tomatoes and green chilies
  • 1 14.5 oz Can of diced tomatoes I used Del Monte with Basil, Garlic, and Oregano
  • 1 15.25 oz Can of corn, drained
  • 1 15 oz Can of black beans, drained
  • 1 16 oz Can of kidney beans, drained
  • water to cover
  • 4 c shredded Cheddar Cheese

Optional Toppings

  • 1 bunch chopped cilantro
  • 1 dollop sour cream
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 bag Tostitos Scoops Tortilla Chips
  • 1 bunch green onions topped

Instructions
 

  • Brown ground meat with onion, garlic, bell pepper, salt and pepper in a large pot until done. Drain and return to pot.
  • Add taco and ranch seasoning packets with 1 c water and stir until combined.
  • Add chicken broth, all diced tomatoes, corn, and beans. Stir to combine. Add water if needed to cover. Cover pot with lid and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Serve topped with cheese and other optional toppings.

Notes

The nutritional values provided are estimates only and are calculated based on general nutritional data for the listed ingredients. Actual values may vary depending on the specific brands, measurements, and preparation methods used. For precise dietary information, please consult a registered dietitian or use a verified nutrition calculator with the exact ingredients you use.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 28gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 1200mgPotassium: 900mgFiber: 7gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 4mg
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