The Best Taco Soup With Ground Beef Recipe: Hearty & Flavorful

Simmering with robust flavors, this taco soup with ground beef promises a delightful culinary adventure.

Comfort meets zest in a single pot, blending Mexican-inspired spices and hearty ingredients.

ground beef provides a rich, satisfying base for this soul-warming dish.

Aromatic cumin and chili powder dance through each spoonful, creating an irresistible melody of taste.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this meal comes together, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Colorful vegetables and tender meat combine to deliver a complete meal in one steaming bowl.

You’ll want to keep this recipe close for those moments when hunger calls and time is short.

Taco Soup With Ground Beef Hearty And Flavorful Meal

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with hearty ground beef and robust flavor combinations that make everyone at the table smile and ask for seconds.
• Quick and Simple Cooking: Requires minimal prep work and cooking skills, letting even beginner cooks create a delicious meal with straightforward steps and standard kitchen ingredients.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or when craving a satisfying one-pot wonder that delivers maximum taste with minimal cleanup.
• Customizable Topping Adventure: Allows creative personalization with multiple garnish options like cheese, sour cream, and cilantro, making each bowl a unique dining experience for different taste preferences.

Ingredients Checklist For Taco Soup With Ground Beef

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides rich, meaty substance to the soup.

• Onion, Garlic: These ingredients create a deep, savory foundation that enhances the overall taste of the soup.

• Black Beans, Kidney Beans: Protein-packed legumes that add texture and nutritional value.
• Corn, Green Chilies: Colorful vegetables that contribute sweetness and a mild spicy kick.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Provide a tangy, rich tomato base that supports the soup's robust flavor profile.

• Broth: Serves as the primary liquid component that helps blend and carry all the soup's flavors.

• Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices that gives the soup its signature Mexican-inspired taste.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings for final flavor adjustment.

• Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Cilantro, Tortilla Chips, Lime: Customizable garnishes that add extra texture, freshness, and personal flair to the soup.

Stepwise Guide To Prepare Taco Soup With Ground Beef

Step 1: Brown the Protein

Grab a large pot and warm it over medium heat. Crumble ground beef into the pot, breaking it apart while cooking until it turns completely brown.

Drain away any extra fat that accumulates.

Step 2: Develop Flavor Base

Toss diced onions into the pot and cook them until they become soft and translucent.

Add minced garlic and stir for another minute to release its aromatic qualities.

Step 3: Combine Soup Components

• Diced tomatoes
• Black beans
• Kidney beans
• Corn kernels
• Green chilies
• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth

Sprinkle taco seasoning over the mixture and stir thoroughly to blend all components.

Step 4: Simmer and Meld Flavors

Bring the soup to a robust boil, then lower the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes.

Stir periodically to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Sample the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Ladle into serving bowls and add delicious toppings.

Tips To Perfect Taco Soup With Ground Beef Every Time

• Remove as much grease as possible to prevent a greasy soup texture and ensure a cleaner, healthier dish.
• Let the soup simmer longer than recommended to intensify the taco seasoning and develop richer, more complex flavors.
• Adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning, or add extra green chilies for a spicier kick.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for different dietary preferences or lower-fat options.
• Add fresh toppings just before serving to maintain their texture and provide a contrast to the warm, hearty soup base.

Variations To Switch Up Taco Soup With Ground Beef

• Vegetarian Bean Bonanza
• Chicken Fiesta Soup: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or diced chicken breast for a lighter protein option that maintains the classic taco soup flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Add diced jalapeños, increase taco seasoning, or mix in chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to create a more intense, heat-driven soup experience for spice lovers.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Craze: Reduce beans, replace corn with cauliflower rice, and use lean ground turkey to create a lower-carbohydrate friendly version of the original recipe.

Pairing Suggestions To Serve With Taco Soup

• Grab a cold Corona or Modelo Especial to complement the soup's rich, spicy flavors. The light beer cuts through the hearty beef and balances the zesty seasonings.
• Whip up a quick jalapeño cornbread to accompany the taco soup. Its slightly sweet, spicy texture provides a perfect counterpoint to the soup's robust profile.
• Create a creamy guacamole side that adds brightness and coolness. The avocado's smooth texture and citrusy notes will refresh the palate between spoonfuls of the warm, tangy soup.

Storage Advice To Keep Taco Soup Fresh Longer

• Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Pour completely cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal securely, and freeze for 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place desired portion in microwave-safe bowl. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving slight vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Is this taco soup spicy?

The spice level depends on the taco seasoning and green chilies you use. Choose mild seasonings for less heat or add extra green chilies for more kick.

• Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef first, then transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

• What protein alternatives work in this recipe?

Ground turkey, shredded chicken, or plant-based ground meat are excellent substitutes for ground beef. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

• Is this soup nutritionally balanced?

Absolutely! The recipe includes protein from beef, fiber from beans, and vitamins from vegetables, making it a well-rounded one-pot meal.

Taco Soup With Ground Beef Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican-inspired Taco Soup delivers bold southwestern comfort in one delicious bowl. Robust ground beef, zesty spices, and quick preparation make this soul-warming meal a perfect weeknight dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb ground beef

Vegetables and Beans:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounces) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 ounces) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 ounces) can corn, drained
• 1 (4 ounces) can diced green chilies

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 (14.5 ounces) can tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef or chicken broth
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Toppings:

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Sliced jalapenos
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Tortilla chips or strips
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, thoroughly brown the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat to ensure a lean base for the soup.
2. Sauté diced onions for 3-4 minutes until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute to release aromatic flavors.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, corn, green chilies, tomato sauce, and broth. Generously sprinkle taco seasoning throughout the mixture.
4. Increase heat to high and bring the soup to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to low heat. Partially cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent sticking and allow ingredients to blend.
5. After simmering, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. For serving, ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, crispy tortilla chips, or a zesty lime wedge.

Notes

• Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of taco seasoning or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Opt for lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter protein option.
• Enhance the soup’s richness by adding a dollop of cream cheese or Greek yogurt when serving.
• Make it vegetarian by replacing ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans for protein.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 245 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg