This easy Taco Soup is one of those comforting recipes you will want to make again and again. It is hearty, flavorful, and filled with taco night favorites like ground beef, black beans, corn, salsa, green chilies, taco seasoning, and ranch seasoning.
If you love tacos, this taco soup recipe is an easy way to enjoy those same bold, satisfying flavors in a warm and cozy bowl. It is simple enough for a weeknight dinner, filling enough for the whole family, and easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
This soup is made with everyday ingredients and comes together in one large pot on the stovetop. The ground beef adds richness, the beans and corn make it hearty, and the salsa, taco seasoning, ranch mix, and green chilies give every spoonful plenty of flavor. It is a great recipe for taco night, meal prep, lunch, or a casual dinner when you want something quick and comforting.
How to Make Taco Soup
Taco soup is a simple stovetop recipe that starts by browning ground beef in a large pot. Once the beef is cooked through, drain away any excess fat, then stir in the corn, salsa, green chilies, black beans, taco seasoning, and dry ranch mix. Add the beef broth, bring everything together, and let the soup simmer until the flavors are warm and well blended.
The best part about this easy taco soup is that it does not require complicated prep work. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, and the recipe is very forgiving. You can use mild, medium, or hot salsa depending on the flavor you prefer, and you can serve the finished soup with as many toppings as you like.
Taco Soup Ingredients
- Ground beef: Lean ground beef works well for this recipe. Ground turkey can also be used if you prefer a lighter option.
- Corn: Canned corn or frozen corn both work. If using canned corn, drain it before adding it to the pot.
- Salsa: Use your favorite salsa. Mild salsa gives the soup a classic flavor without too much heat.
- Green chilies: These add flavor and a mild chili taste that works well with the taco seasoning.
- Taco seasoning: Store-bought or homemade taco seasoning can be used.
- Black beans: Drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the soup. Rinsing helps keep the soup from becoming too salty.
- Ranch seasoning: Dry ranch mix adds extra savory flavor and makes this taco soup especially delicious.
- Beef broth: Beef broth brings the soup together and gives it a rich, hearty base.
How to Make Taco Soup
Step one: Place the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks and stirring occasionally. Drain the excess fat if needed, then return the pot to the stovetop.
Step two: Add the corn, salsa, green chilies, black beans, taco seasoning, and dry ranch mix. Stir well until the beef and seasonings are evenly combined. The ranch seasoning is an important part of the flavor, so do not skip it.
Step three: Pour in the beef broth and stir again. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the taco soup to simmer for 30 to 40 minutes. This gives the ingredients time to heat through and the flavors time to blend together.
Step four: Ladle the soup into bowls and finish with your favorite taco toppings.
Topping Ideas
One of the best things about taco soup is how easy it is to serve with toppings. Set out a few options and let everyone build their bowl just the way they like it. Anything you enjoy on tacos can work well on this soup.
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Tortilla strips or tortilla chips
- Salsa
- Cilantro
- Jalapeños
How to Make Taco Soup in the Slow Cooker
This taco soup can also be made in a slow cooker. First, cook the ground beef in a skillet until browned, then drain the fat. Add the cooked beef to the slow cooker along with the corn, salsa, green chilies, black beans, taco seasoning, ranch mix, and beef broth. Stir everything together, cover, and cook until the soup is hot and the flavors have combined.
The slow cooker method is a great option when you want dinner ready later in the day without much extra work. It is also helpful for busy nights, family dinners, or gatherings where you want a warm soup ready to serve.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, taco soup freezes well. After cooking, allow the soup to cool completely. Transfer it to a large freezer-safe bag, divide it into individual freezer bags, or place it in freezer-safe containers for single servings.
Store the soup in the freezer for 3 to 4 months. When you are ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator, then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Depending on the container size, it may take about 24 hours to thaw fully in the fridge.
How Long Is This Soup Good For?
Taco soup is excellent for leftovers because the flavors continue to settle as it rests. Store any leftover soup in an airtight container with a sealed lid and keep it refrigerated.
How Long Does Taco Soup Last in the Fridge?
This soup will last 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container. Reheat only the portion you plan to eat, either on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Other Easy Soup Recipes You’ll Love
- Pulled Pork Soup
- Spicy Taco Soup
- Creamy Taco Soup
- Chicken Taco Soup
- 30 Minute Taco Soup
Taco Soup
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 15 oz corn
- 2 cups salsa
- 2 cans green chilies, 4 oz each
- 15 oz black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 1/2 tablespoons dry ranch mix
- 2 cups beef broth
- Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, and cilantro
Instructions
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In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart as it browns. Drain the excess fat and return the pot to the stovetop.
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Add the corn, salsa, green chilies, black beans, taco seasoning, and dry ranch mix. Stir until everything is well combined.
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Pour in the beef broth. Simmer on medium-low heat for 30 to 40 minutes.
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Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Freezer instructions: Allow the soup to cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for 3 to 4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Nutrition
| Carbohydrates: 35g
| Protein: 17g
| Fat: 12g
| Fiber: 9g
| Sugar: 7g