Taco Soup is a perfect blend of tasty tacos and a heartwarming filling soup💛. An easy one pot recipe that can be served as a full meal. Loaded with Mexican flavors, black beans, ground beef, corn, cilantro, homemade taco spice and tomatoes. We love our taco soup recipe topped with avocados, sour cream, lime and more cilantro–SO GOOD!
This Taco soup recipe is evert Taco lovers dream! We absolutely can’t get enough of our Birria Tacos–a viral recipe that has been made thousands of times! And one that inspired Lamb Birria, Birria Quesadillas, Birria Pizza and the Birria Ramen.
We’ve also been making this Taco Salad for a light weight dinner option, and you can drizzle that with some Nacho Cheese Sauce Recipe. Ground Chicken Tacos are super light as well, and you can use ground turkey for that.
Lamb Tacos is an essential taco recipe as you know we LOVE Lamb 💛 Other weeknight staples are Salmon Tacos, Mahi Mahi Tacos with Fish Taco Slaw. Air Fryer Fish Tacos are anther version worth trying.
So today’s recipe as inspired by ALL of the above delicious recipes!
What is taco soup?
Taco soup is a hearty, Tex-Mex inspired whole meal in the form of a soup. It’s made with seasoned ground meat, beans, tomatoes, broth, and taco spices. It combines the flavors of classic tacos in a warm, spoonable form. Unlike chili, taco soup typically contains more liquid and often includes corn and taco seasonings.
Taco soup can be made in an instant pot, stove top or crockpot, and it’s super customizable with toppings.
Why You’ll Love Taco Soup
- It tastes like tacos in a soup bowl 💛
- You can eat it as a full meal as it has so many hearty nutritious ingredients.
- The recipe comes together in 30 minutes start to finish!
- It’s a one pot wonder, so no mess and no work cleaning up.
- It’s packed with flavor from the spice blend the ingredients and the toppings.
- You can top it off however you prefer, it’s up to your taste.
- This taco soup recipe can be made well in advance, it tastes great the next day, and can even freeze beautifully.
Taco Soup Ingredients
- Ground Beef. We love lean ground beef for this recipe so 85% or more works well. You can use chicken if it’s your preference too.
- Onions and Garlic. Adds flavor to the soup.
- Spice Blend: Chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, salt and pepper. You can also use store bought taco seasoning if you’d like. Often you’ll find packet of taco seasoning at the store, so use that too if you like.
- Black beans. Canned from the pantry works well or freshly cooked. If using canned, drain and rinse well. You can use pinto beans if you don’t have black beans.
- Cilantro. Lots of it for freshness and flavor.
- Jalapeno. Optional-for extra spice kick. Use green chiles if you have them.
- Corn kernels: fresh or frozen.
- Crushed Tomatoes. Our favorite is canned cherry tomatoes in their juices. You can also use Rotel tomatoes.
- Stock. Veggies or chicken broth or beef stock works
How to Make Taco Soup
- Start by cooking the onions in some oil in a large dutch oven or soup pot over stovetop. Make sure not to speed up this process as always, otherwise your soup will taste primarily like raw onions lol And no one wants that!
- Once the onions have softened and ready, you’ll add in the ground beef, garlic, tacos spice mix and cilantro.
- Now you’ll use a wooden spoon or spatula and keep the heat on high. Stir and cook continuously until the beef is fully cooked through. You can taste and adjust for seasoning at the point.
- The taco soup is now ready for the liquid, and here when you add in the canned cherry tomatoes (or tomato sauce) with juices and stock. You can add 1-2 cups water instead of the stock, but we prefer the flavor of stock.
- Cover the pot and we love sneaking in a jalapeno as well to add an extra spice kick to the taco soup. Bring this mixture to a boil and then lower the heat to medium low.
- The soup needs to simmer for about 10 minutes for the flavors to infuse.
- Then remove the lid and add in the beans and corn, and allow them to simmer for 20 minutes as the taco soup will be ready after that point.
- To finish off the soup, we love adding a handful of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime into the pot while it’s still hot.
Taco Soup Toppings:
- While the taco soup is DELICIOUS as it is–we LOVE adding a handful of toppings to take it to the next level.
-Sour Cream
-Minced Cilantro
-Green onions, diced
-Avocados
-Diced tomatoes
-Shredded Cheddar Cheese
-Lime slices
-Crushed Tortilla Chips/Doritos
- Now serve the soup among the bowls, and have everyone dollop in their favorite toppings, or go head and top them yourself. Shredded cheese, chips, avocados, tomatoes, green onions, more cilantro, jalapeno and sour cream.
Taco Soup Tips and FAQ
- Use ground beef or lamb for this recipe. You can also use leftover cooked chicken (like rotisserie), or leave out meats all together. It works jus as well.
- This is a one pot meal, so tart with a larger pot than you think to allow space as you add in the ingredients.
- Don’t rush the onion sautéing process otherwise your soup will have an overpowering onion taste.
- Cook the meat well before adding in the liquid.
- We love canned cherry tomatoes and their juices here however you can use diced, whole, crushed or even fresh tomatoes if seasonal.
- Veggie stock or broth is what we use, however you can use what you have on hand.
- If you have an aversion towards cilantro, you can definitely use parsley. However we find the flavor of cilantro so vital in Mexican inspired dishes.
- Use fresh or frozen corn, avoid using canned.
- Beans however can be used canned, as long as you drain and rinse them well.
- Be as creative as you want with the toppings! Make sure to only add toppings when you’re ready to serve.
Can I make Taco Soup in a Slow Cooker/Crock pot?
Yes! It’s super easy and convenient for those who love slow cooker meals💛 You’ll start by sautéing the onions and proceeding to cook the meat until all ready for the liquid. At that point, you’ll the liquid, spices and cook on low heat for 5 hours, then add in the corn last. Garnish and serve as above.
How to Make ahead?
Taco soup can be made well in advance, so it’s a great dinner option for busy days. You can make the soup 6 days in advance.
Storing leftovers
Store leftover taco soup in the fridge for up to 6 days.
Can you Freeze Taco Soup?
Yes! After the soup has cooked through and cooled down entirely, portion the soup into ziploc bags and place it in the freezer. Freeze it for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Taco Soup?
From the fridge, simply Microwave it in a bowl and enjoy. You can likewise reheat it in a pot over the stove on medium heat adding in 2 tablespoons of water per serving while reheating. If frozen, it’s best t thaw in the fridge overnight and proceed to reheating it as above.
Can I use ground Turkey instead of beef in Taco Soup?
YES! the protein you use is completely up to your taste.
What’s the difference between Chili and Taco Soup?
While the ingredients are similar, taco soup has a different spice profile and of course a different consistency as it’s a soup.
What does Taco Soup taste Like?
It’s similar to tacos, chilli, yet in the for of a soup. Something like our Taco Salad, it has the best of both worlds. Either taco and soup or taco and salad!
Can Taco soup be made without meat?
Yes. Vegetarian taco soup is very popular and just as satisfying. Replace meat with extra beans (black beans, pinto beans), or lentils, quinoa and other Plant based ground alternatives.
What beans go in taco soup?
Classically one or a blend of black beans, pinto beans or kidney beans.
Do you drain the beans for taco soup?
YES! Draining the canned beans from the preservative liquid is a MUST.
Is taco soup spicy?
Taco soup ranges from mild to spicy depending on how you prefer it. Adjust seasoning by using a certain type of taco seasoning, use more or less of green chiles, jalapeños or hot sauce.
How do you thicken taco soup?
If your taco soup is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered to reduce liquid. Alternatively you can also slightly mash some of the beans into the soup. For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato paste.
Can taco soup be made in an Instant Pot?
Yes. Taco soup adapts well to pressure cooking. To make this easy taco soup recipe in an instant pot, follow these instructions:. Use sauté function to brown meat, add remaining ingredients as per the recipe above. Pressure cook for about 10 minutes and natural release for best texture.
What toppings go on taco soup?
Toppings are part of what makes taco soup so popular. Common options include:
- Shredded cheese
- Lettuce
- Sour cream
- Avocado
- Cilantro
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Lime wedges
- Green onions
Is Taco Soup Healthy?
Taco soup can be very balanced depending on ingredients used. It’s high in protein and in fiber (thanks to beans).
Is taco soup keto-friendly?
Traditionally not with beans and corn, which are not keto-friendly. However, you can make it keto by removing beans and corn while adding extra ground meat.
Can I make taco soup creamy?
Yes. For a creamy taco soup, add cream cheese before finishing and stir it in until it melts. Or add in heavy cream at the end and just let it come to a simmer before turning off the heat. You can also add shredded cheese and whisk it to melt into the soup over low heat.
Why does taco soup taste better the next day?
Like chili, taco soup improves after resting because the spices deepen and flavors meld together. Many love cooking it a day ahead and keeping it in the refrigerator.
What should I serve with taco soup?
- Cornbread or Cornbread Muffins
- Quesadillas
- Tortilla chips made the same way as our Pita Chips
- Mexican rice with cilantro.
- Mexican Street Corn Salad or Corn And Tomato Salad
Can I make taco soup with canned tomatoes?
Yes, it’s classically made with canned diced tomatoes or Rotel style tomatoes with green chiles. These add acidity and depth.
Why is taco soup watery?
You probably added too much broth or didn’t simmer the soup long enough.
What is the origin of taco soup?
It became widely popular in American home cooking during the 1980s and 1990s, especially in church cookbooks and community recipe collections. It’s considered a Tex-Mex comfort food rather than a traditional Mexican dish similar to our Taco Salad.
Soup Recipes
Baked Potato Soup
Tortellini Soup
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Chickpea Soup
Best Minestrone Soup
Walnut Squash Soup In Squash Cups
Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Autumn Squash Soup
Taco Soup
Taco Soup Recipe is the perfect combo of Tacos and Soup and it tastes SO GOOD! One pot meal that's healthy tasty and nutritious! Taco soup is the perfect Mexican fiesta on busy days!
Ingredients
Soup
- 1 Tablespoon oil avocado oil or any neutral oil
- 1 onion large, diced
- 1 lb ground beef lean or extra lean
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup cilanto minced
- 2 teaspoon chilli powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper
- 1 Jalapeño optional
- 1 cup canned cherry tomatoes with the juices
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken or beef
- 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups corn fresh or frozen kernels
- 1/3 cup cilantro leaves
- 1 lime juiced
Toppings
- Taco Soup Toppings:
- Sour Cream
- Minced Cilantro
- Green onions diced
- Avocados
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded Cheese
- Lime slices
- Crushed Tortilla Chips/Doritos
Instructions
-
Start by cooking the onions in some oil in a large soup pot. Make sure not to speed up this process as always, otherwise your soup will taste primarily like raw onions lol And no one wants that!
-
Once the onions have softened and ready, you'll add in the ground beef, garlic, tacos spice mix and cilantro.
-
Now you'll use a wooden spoon or spatula and keep the heat on high. Stir and cook continuously until the beef is fully cooked through. You can taste and adjust for seasoning at the point.
-
The taco soup is now ready for the liquid, and here when you add in the canned cherry tomatoes with juices and stock.
-
Cover the pot and we love sneaking in a jalapeno as well to add an extra spice kick to the taco soup. Bring this mixture to a boil and then lower the heat to medium low.
-
The soup needs to simmer for about 10 minutes for the flavors to infuse.
-
Then remove the lid and add in the beans and corn, and allow them to simmer for 20 minutes as the taco soup will be ready after that point.
-
To finish off the soup, we love adding a handful of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime into the pot while it's still hot.
-
While the taco soup is DELICIOUS as it is--we LOVE adding a handful of toppings to take it to the next level.
-
Now serve the soup among the bowls, and have everyone dollop in their favorite toppings, or go head and top them yourself. Shredded cheese, chips, avocados, tomatoes, green onions, more cilantro, jalapeno and sour cream.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Taco Soup Tips and FAQ
- Use ground beef or lamb for this recipe. You can also use leftover cooked chicken (like rotisserie), or leave out meats all together. It works jus as well.
- This is a one pot meal, so tart with a larger pot than you think to allow space as you add in the ingredients.
- Don't rush the onion sautéing process otherwise your soup will have an overpowering onion taste.
- Cook the meat well before adding in the liquid.
- We love canned cherry tomatoes and their juices here however you can use diced, whole, crushed or even fresh tomatoes if seasonal.
- Veggie stock or broth is what we use, however you can use what you have on hand.
- If you have an aversion towards cilantro, you can definitely use parsley. However we find the flavor of cilantro so vital in Mexican inspired dishes.
- Use fresh or frozen corn, avoid using canned.
- Beans however can be used canned, as long as you drain and rinse them well.
- Be as creative as you want with the toppings! Make sure to only add toppings when you're ready to serve.
Can I make Taco Soup in a Slow Cooker/Crock pot?
Yes! It's super easy and convenient for those who love slow cooker meals💛 You'll start by sautéing the onions and proceeding to cook the meat until all ready for the liquid. At that point, you'll the liquid, spices and cook on low heat for 5 hours, then add in the corn last. Garnish and serve as above.
How to Make ahead?
Taco soup can be made well in advance, so it's a great dinner option for busy days. You can make the soup 6 days in advance.
Storing leftovers
Store leftover taco soup in the fridge for up to 6 days.
Can you Freeze Taco Soup?
Yes! After the soup has cooked through and cooled down entirely, portion the soup into ziploc bags and place it in the freezer. Freeze it for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Taco Soup?
From the fridge, simply Microwave it in a bowl and enjoy. You can likewise reheat it in a pot over the stove on medium heat adding in 2 tablespoons of water per serving while reheating. If frozen, it's best t thaw in the fridge overnight and proceed to reheating it as above.
Can I use ground Turkey instead of beef in Taco Soup?
YES! the protein you use is completely up to your taste.
What's the difference between Chili and Taco Soup?
While the ingredients are similar, taco soup has a different spice profile and of course a different consistency as it's a soup.
What does Taco Soup taste Like?
It's similar to tacos, chilli, yet in the for of a soup. Something like our Taco Salad, it has the best of both worlds. Either taco and soup or taco and salad!
Can Taco soup be made without meat?
Yes. Vegetarian taco soup is very popular and just as satisfying. Replace meat with extra beans (black beans, pinto beans), or lentils, quinoa and other Plant based ground alternatives.
What beans go in taco soup?
Classically one or a blend of black beans, pinto beans or kidney beans.
Do you drain the beans for taco soup?
YES! Draining the canned beans from the preservative liquid is a MUST.
Is taco soup spicy?
Taco soup ranges from mild to spicy depending on how you prefer it. Adjust seasoning by using a certain type of taco seasoning, use more or less of green chiles, jalapeños or hot sauce.
How do you thicken taco soup?
If your taco soup is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered to reduce liquid. Alternatively you can also slightly mash some of the beans into the soup. For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato paste.
Can taco soup be made in an Instant Pot?
Yes. Taco soup adapts well to pressure cooking. To make this easy taco soup recipe in an instant pot, follow these instructions:. Use sauté function to brown meat, add remaining ingredients as per the recipe above. Pressure cook for about 10 minutes and natural release for best texture.
What toppings go on taco soup?
Toppings are part of what makes taco soup so popular. Common options include:
- Shredded cheese
- Lettuce
- Sour cream
- Avocado
- Cilantro
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Lime wedges
- Green onions
Is Taco Soup Healthy?
Taco soup can be very balanced depending on ingredients used. It's high in protein and in fiber (thanks to beans).
Is taco soup keto-friendly?
Traditionally not with beans and corn, which are not keto-friendly. However, you can make it keto by removing beans and corn while adding extra ground meat.
Can I make taco soup creamy?
Yes. For a creamy taco soup, add cream cheese before finishing and stir it in until it melts. Or add in heavy cream at the end and just let it come to a simmer before turning off the heat. You can also add shredded cheese and whisk it to melt into the soup over low heat.
Why does taco soup taste better the next day?
Like chili, taco soup improves after resting because the spices deepen and flavors meld together. Many love cooking it a day ahead and keeping it in the refrigerator.
What should I serve with taco soup?
- Cornbread or Cornbread Muffins
- Quesadillas
- Tortilla chips made the same way as our Pita Chips
- Mexican rice with cilantro.
- Mexican Street Corn Salad or Corn And Tomato Salad
Can I make taco soup with canned tomatoes?
Yes, it's classically made with canned diced tomatoes or Rotel style tomatoes with green chiles. These add acidity and depth.
Why is taco soup watery?
You probably added too much broth or didn't simmer the soup long enough.
What is the origin of taco soup?
It became widely popular in American home cooking during the 1980s and 1990s, especially in church cookbooks and community recipe collections. It’s considered a Tex-Mex comfort food rather than a traditional Mexican dish similar to our Taco Salad.
Delicious! I omitted the cilantro because my husband has that crazy gene but I put lots in mine. With the lime, it’s fire!!
Made this taco soup for dinner and last night and it was incredible! So full of flavor and easy to make. YUM!
Soup season is the best and your taco soup was on point! Thank you for this fantastic recipe.
I just tried your Taco Soup recipe, and it was absolutely delicious! The blend of spices was perfect, creating a warm and comforting flavor that’s just right for a chilly evening. What I loved most was how easy and quick it was to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight. This soup has certainly earned a spot in my regular meal rotation.
We absolutely love taco soup in this house, and we loved this version! So heart and warming!