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!
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
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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!
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Once the onions have softened and ready, you'll add in the ground beef, garlic, tacos spice mix and cilantro.
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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.
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The taco soup is now ready for the liquid, and here when you add in the canned cherry tomatoes with juices and stock.
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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.
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The soup needs to simmer for about 10 minutes for the flavors to infuse.
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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.
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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.
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While the taco soup is DELICIOUS as it is--we LOVE adding a handful of toppings to take it to the next level.
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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.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Taco Soup Tips and FAQ
- 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.
- This is a one pot meal, so tart with a larger pot than you think to allow space as you add in the ingredients.
- Don't rush the onion sautéing process otherwise your soup will have an overpowering onion taste.
- Cook the meat well before adding in the liquid.
- We love canned cherry tomatoes and their juices here however you can use diced, whole, crushed or even fresh tomatoes if seasonal.
- Veggie stock or broth is what we use, however you can use what you have on hand.
- 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.
- Use fresh or frozen corn, avoid using canned.
- Beans however can be used canned, as long as you drain and rinse them well.
- 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 place it in the freezer. 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!
Can Taco soup be made without meat?
Yes. Vegetarian taco soup is very popular and just as satisfying. Replace meat with extra beans (black beans, pinto beans), or lentils, quinoa and other Plant based ground alternatives.
What beans go in taco soup?
Classically one or a blend of black beans, pinto beans or kidney beans.
Do you drain the beans for taco soup?
YES! Draining the canned beans from the preservative liquid is a MUST.
Is taco soup spicy?
Taco soup ranges from mild to spicy depending on how you prefer it. Adjust seasoning by using a certain type of taco seasoning, use more or less of green chiles, jalapeños or hot sauce.
How do you thicken taco soup?
If your taco soup is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered to reduce liquid. Alternatively you can also slightly mash some of the beans into the soup. For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato paste.
Can taco soup be made in an Instant Pot?
Yes. Taco soup adapts well to pressure cooking. To make this easy taco soup recipe in an instant pot, follow these instructions:. Use sauté function to brown meat, add remaining ingredients as per the recipe above. Pressure cook for about 10 minutes and natural release for best texture.
What toppings go on taco soup?
Toppings are part of what makes taco soup so popular. Common options include:
- Shredded cheese
- Lettuce
- Sour cream
- Avocado
- Cilantro
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Lime wedges
- Green onions
Is Taco Soup Healthy?
Taco soup can be very balanced depending on ingredients used. It's high in protein and in fiber (thanks to beans).
Is taco soup keto-friendly?
Traditionally not with beans and corn, which are not keto-friendly. However, you can make it keto by removing beans and corn while adding extra ground meat.
Can I make taco soup creamy?
Yes. For a creamy taco soup, add cream cheese before finishing and stir it in until it melts. Or add in heavy cream at the end and just let it come to a simmer before turning off the heat. You can also add shredded cheese and whisk it to melt into the soup over low heat.
Why does taco soup taste better the next day?
Like chili, taco soup improves after resting because the spices deepen and flavors meld together. Many love cooking it a day ahead and keeping it in the refrigerator.
What should I serve with taco soup?
- Cornbread or Cornbread Muffins
- Quesadillas
- Tortilla chips made the same way as our Pita Chips
- Mexican rice with cilantro.
- Mexican Street Corn Salad or Corn And Tomato Salad
Can I make taco soup with canned tomatoes?
Yes, it's classically made with canned diced tomatoes or Rotel style tomatoes with green chiles. These add acidity and depth.
Why is taco soup watery?
You probably added too much broth or didn't simmer the soup long enough.
What is the origin of taco soup?
It became widely popular in American home cooking during the 1980s and 1990s, especially in church cookbooks and community recipe collections. It’s considered a Tex-Mex comfort food rather than a traditional Mexican dish similar to our Taco Salad.