Few meals bring as much comfort as a warm, flavorful soup that fills both your belly and your soul. This Hearty Taco Soup Recipe with Ground Beef does just that—it’s rich, bold, and brimming with Tex-Mex flavors that remind you of your favorite taco night, only in a spoonable, cozy form.
Perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or potluck gatherings, this soup combines tender ground beef, beans, corn, and spices in a robust tomato-based broth. It’s budget-friendly, customizable, and comes together with simple pantry staples. Whether you top it with melted cheese, sour cream, or crunchy tortilla chips, every bowl feels like a fiesta.
Table of Contents
Why make this Hearty Taco Soup Recipe with Ground Beef?
- Filling & satisfying: Packed with protein-rich beef and beans, it makes a complete meal.
- Quick & easy: Ready in just 30–40 minutes using everyday ingredients.
- One-pot recipe: Less cleanup, more flavor.
- Perfect for meal prep: Stores and freezes beautifully.
- Crowd-pleaser: Always a hit at parties, potlucks, and family dinners.
Why will you love this Hearty Taco Soup Recipe with Ground Beef?
You’ll love this soup because it has all the flavor of tacos but in a hearty, warming bowl. It’s thick enough to be satisfying but light enough that you can still enjoy seconds. The beef adds depth and richness, while beans and corn bring texture and heartiness.
Even better? This recipe is highly versatile. Want it spicier? Add jalapeños. Prefer a creamier base? Stir in some cream cheese or sour cream. Plus, it’s the kind of meal that tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld.
How to make Hearty 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 seasoning mix)
- 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 (like Rotel)
- 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 slices, chopped cilantro, jalapeños, tortilla chips
Directions:
- Cook the beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Add aromatics: Stir in diced onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
- Season: Add taco seasoning, mixing well to coat the beef and onions.
- Build the soup: Add beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes.
- Finish: Stir in lime juice before serving.
- Serve & garnish: Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite toppings.
How to serve Hearty Taco Soup Recipe with Ground Beef?
This soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but it shines even more with extras:
- Serve with warm cornbread or flour tortillas.
- Set up a toppings bar with shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, jalapeños, and tortilla strips.
- Pair with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
The Best Way To Store Hearty Taco Soup Recipe with Ground Beef
- Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Tips to make Hearty Taco Soup Recipe with Ground Beef
- Use lean beef to keep the soup from being too greasy.
- Double the recipe for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
- Spice it up with cayenne, chipotle, or fresh jalapeños.
- Make it creamy by stirring in cream cheese or heavy cream before serving.
- Balance the flavors with fresh lime juice at the end—it brightens everything up.
Nutritional Benefits :
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving, approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fiber | 9g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Sodium | 870mg |
| Vitamin C | 22% DV |
| Iron | 20% DV |
Variation
- Vegetarian Taco Soup: Swap beef for extra beans or lentils.
- Chicken Taco Soup: Use ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Spicy Taco Soup: Add jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or hot sauce.
- Cheesy Taco Soup: Stir in shredded cheese for a creamy, cheesy twist.
Hearty Taco Soup 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 up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and garlic to the pot. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add taco seasoning and stir to coat the beef and onion mixture evenly.
- Stir in black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Mix until well combined.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes.
- Stir in lime juice right before serving to brighten the flavor.
- Ladle into bowls and top with desired garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, or tortilla chips.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQs
1. Can I make taco soup ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store in the fridge and reheat before serving.
2. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Definitely. Use 3–4 diced fresh tomatoes, but you may need extra broth for consistency.
3. How can I make taco soup thicker?
Let it simmer uncovered longer or mash some of the beans into the broth.
4. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
Conclusion
This Hearty Taco Soup Recipe with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food—rich, satisfying, and bursting with Tex-Mex flavor. Easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for gatherings, it’s a recipe that belongs in your dinner rotation. With endless topping options and make-ahead convenience, it’s a winner every time.