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A. hand holding one bowl of taco soup showing a close up of the beans, tomato broth, corn, minced beef and the toppings like avocados, sour cream, cheese, a lime slice and cilantro

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!

Course chili, Main Course, Main Dish, one pot, Soup
Cuisine American, Mexican, South American, TexMex
Keyword one pot meal, one pot meals, soup, Taco soup, taco soup recipe, tacos
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 335 kcal
Author Mahy

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

  1. 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!
    The onion is cooking in oil in a large soup pot to make taco soup
  2. Once the onions have softened and ready, you'll add in the ground beef, garlic, tacos spice mix and cilantro.
    The ground beef, garlic, cilantro, and spices are added to the pot with the onions to cook the taco soup
  3. 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.
  4. The taco soup is now ready for the liquid, and here when you add in the canned cherry tomatoes with juices and stock.
    The canned cherry tomatoes in their juices are added in the taco soup pot along with the stock and one jalapeno
  5. 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.
  6. The soup needs to simmer for about 10 minutes for the flavors to infuse.
    The black beans and corn are now added to the pot of taco soup
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
    A hand holding a handful of cilantro and a lime cut in half ready to squeeze it in as the taco soup recipe is complete
  9. While the taco soup is DELICIOUS as it is--we LOVE adding a handful of toppings to take it to the next level.
  10. 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.
    A. hand holding one bowl of taco soup showing a close up of the beans, tomato broth, corn, minced beef and the toppings like avocados, sour cream, cheese, a lime slice and cilantro

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

Taco Soup Tips and FAQ

  1. 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.
  2. This is a one pot meal, so tart with a larger pot than you think to allow space as you add in the ingredients.
  3. Don't rush the onion sautéing process otherwise your soup will have an overpowering onion taste.
  4. Cook the meat well before adding in the liquid.
  5. We love canned cherry tomatoes and their juices here however you can use diced, whole, crushed or even fresh tomatoes if seasonal.
  6. Veggie stock or broth is what we use, however you can use what you have on hand. 
  7. 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. 
  8. Use fresh or frozen corn, avoid using canned. 
  9. Beans however can be used canned, as long as you drain and rinse them well.
  10. 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 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!

Nutrition Facts
Taco Soup
Amount Per Serving
Calories 335 Calories from Fat 171
% Daily Value*
Fat 19g29%
Saturated Fat 6g38%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 8g
Cholesterol 54mg18%
Sodium 888mg39%
Potassium 574mg16%
Carbohydrates 25g8%
Fiber 6g25%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 19g38%
Vitamin A 985IU20%
Vitamin C 16mg19%
Calcium 53mg5%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.