When life gets busy, nothing beats a recipe that’s quick, hearty, and guaranteed to satisfy the whole family. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this Easiest Taco Soup Recipe with Ground Beef. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and comes together in under 30 minutes—making it the ultimate weeknight dinner solution.
This recipe is like taco night in a bowl. With seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, and classic taco spices, it delivers bold Tex-Mex flavor without any fuss. Even better, you only need one pot, a handful of pantry staples, and your favorite toppings to create a meal that everyone will love.
Table of Contents
Why make this Easiest Taco Soup Recipe with Ground Beef?
- Quick & fuss-free: Ready in just 30 minutes.
- Simple ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples you likely already have.
- One-pot wonder: Easy cleanup and minimal effort.
- Customizable: Perfect base recipe you can tweak with different toppings or proteins.
- Family-friendly: Mild yet flavorful, so even picky eaters will enjoy it.
Why will you love this Easiest Taco Soup Recipe with Ground Beef?
You’ll love this recipe because it makes dinnertime stress-free. It’s one of those meals you can throw together without much planning, yet it tastes like you spent hours cooking. The ground beef makes it rich and filling, while beans and corn add texture and heartiness.
Plus, the toppings let everyone build their own bowl. Whether you like yours loaded with cheese and sour cream or topped with avocado and jalapeños, this soup can be as simple or as indulgent as you like.
How to make Easiest Taco Soup Recipe with Ground Beef?
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 3 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (14.5 oz) can tomato sauce
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, jalapeños, tortilla chips
Directions:
- Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- Add aromatics: Stir in diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Season it up: Add taco seasoning and stir well to coat the beef.
- Add the base ingredients: Mix in beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir until combined.
- Simmer: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- Finish with lime: Stir in lime juice for a fresh, zesty kick.
- Serve & garnish: Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes.
How to serve Easiest Taco Soup Recipe with Ground Beef?
This soup is hearty on its own, but toppings make it extra fun. Try:
- Cheese & sour cream for creamy richness.
- Avocado slices for a fresh, buttery touch.
- Crispy tortilla chips or strips for crunch.
- Cilantro & jalapeños for color and spice.
Pair it with cornbread, a simple salad, or warm tortillas for a complete meal.
The Best Way To Store Easiest Taco Soup Recipe with Ground Beef
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of broth if it thickens.
Tips to make Easiest Taco Soup Recipe with Ground Beef
- Use lean ground beef to avoid extra grease.
- Homemade taco seasoning adds fresher, customizable flavor.
- Spice it up with extra chili powder, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños.
- Creamier version: Stir in cream cheese or heavy cream before serving.
- Batch cook: Double the recipe and freeze portions for easy future meals.
Nutritional Benefits :
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving, approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 325 |
| Protein | 23g |
| Carbohydrates | 31g |
| Fiber | 8g |
| Fat | 13g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Sodium | 860mg |
| Vitamin C | 20% DV |
| Iron | 19% DV |
Variation
- Vegetarian Taco Soup: Omit the beef and add extra beans or lentils.
- Chicken Taco Soup: Use ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Spicy Taco Soup: Add jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or cayenne.
- Cheesy Taco Soup: Stir in shredded cheddar or Velveeta for extra creaminess.
Easiest Taco Soup Recipe with Ground Beef
Equipment
- large pot
- wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- can opener
- knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 oz can corn kernels, drained
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 14.5 oz can tomato sauce
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 lime, juiced
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- Add diced onion and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add taco seasoning and stir well to coat the beef evenly.
- Add black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir until everything is combined.
- Bring soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- Stir in fresh lime juice just before serving. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Ladle into bowls and top with desired garnishes such as cheese, sour cream, avocado, or tortilla chips.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQs
1. Can I make this taco soup ahead of time?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! The flavors get even better the next day.
2. Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?
Absolutely. Use about 2 cups of fresh or frozen corn.
3. How do I make taco soup thicker?
Let it simmer uncovered for longer or mash some of the beans into the broth.
4. Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
Conclusion
This Easiest Taco Soup Recipe with Ground Beef is a lifesaver on busy nights when you need something quick, hearty, and delicious. Made with simple pantry staples and packed with Tex-Mex flavors, it’s a one-pot wonder that pleases the whole family. With endless topping options and easy storage, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.