TACO SOUP: GET READY!

Are you craving a bowl of warm, comforting goodness that’s packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make? Forget slaving away in the kitchen for hours! This Viral Best Taco Soup Recipe is the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers. We’re talking about a dish so delicious, so satisfying, and so simple, it’ll become a family favorite in no time. Get ready to experience taco night in a whole new (and much easier!) way!

Gathering Your Fiesta-Ready Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavor explosion in a bowl. Don’t worry, many of these are pantry staples!

For the Soup Base:

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade – recipe below!)
• 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch dressing mix
• 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• Optional: 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (for extra heat)

Homemade Taco Seasoning (Optional, but SO Good!):

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Toppings (Get Creative!):

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Tortilla chips, crushed
• Diced avocado
• Chopped cilantro
• Diced red onion
• Hot sauce
• Lime wedges

Step-by-Step to Taco Soup Perfection

Let’s get cooking! This recipe is so straightforward, you’ll be enjoying a steaming bowl of taco soup in no time.

Getting Started:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef (or turkey) over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants greasy soup!
2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds a delicious flavor base.
3. If using a jalapeño, add it now and cook for another minute.

Building the Flavor:

4. Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes and green chilies, tomato sauce, taco seasoning, and ranch dressing mix. Mix well to combine.
5. Pour in the beef broth (or chicken broth). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for even better flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together.

Serving and Topping:

6. Ladle the taco soup into bowls.
7. Top with your favorite toppings! Shredded cheese, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, avocado, cilantro, and red onion are all fantastic choices. Don’t forget a squeeze of lime juice!

Secrets to Supercharge Your Taco Soup Game

Want to take your taco soup from good to AMAZING? Here are a few insider tips:

• Spice it Up: If you like a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Start small and add more to taste.
• Slow Cooker Option: This recipe is easily adaptable to a slow cooker. Just brown the ground beef and then add all the ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Perfect for busy weeknights!
• Make it Vegetarian: Skip the ground beef altogether and add an extra can of beans or some crumbled vegetarian meat substitute.
• Boost the Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables you love, like zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms.
• Fresh is Best (Sometimes!): While canned tomatoes are convenient, using fresh diced tomatoes will elevate the flavor of your soup. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

Taco Soup vs. Chili: What’s the Difference?

You might be wondering, what exactly distinguishes taco soup from CHILI? While both are hearty and flavorful soups with a tomato base, taco soup typically features more of a “taco” flavor profile, thanks to the taco seasoning and common taco toppings. Chili often has a richer, deeper flavor, achieved through spices like cumin and smoked paprika. Both are delicious, and both are perfect for a cozy night in!

Creative Variations: Taco Soup Your Way

One of the best things about taco soup is its versatility! Feel free to experiment and customize it to your liking.

• Chicken Taco Soup: Replace the ground beef with shredded cooked chicken. This is a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken. Also, be sure to check out CHICKEN TACO SOUP for more inspiration!
• Creamy Taco Soup: Stir in a block of cream cheese during the last few minutes of cooking for a richer, creamier soup.
• Cheesy Taco Soup: Add a can of condensed cheddar cheese soup for an extra cheesy boost.
• Spicy Chorizo Taco Soup: Use Mexican chorizo instead of ground beef for a spicier, more flavorful soup.

Serving Suggestions: Beyond the Bowl

While a simple bowl of taco soup is delicious on its own, here are a few ways to elevate your serving experience:

• Taco Soup Bar: Set up a taco soup bar with a variety of toppings and let everyone customize their own bowl. This is a fun and interactive way to serve taco soup at a party.
• Taco Soup Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and fill them with taco soup. Bake until the peppers are tender and the soup is bubbly.
• Taco Soup Nachos: Spoon taco soup over a bed of tortilla chips and top with your favorite nacho toppings.
• Taco Soup Quesadillas: Use taco soup as a filling for quesadillas.

Taco Soup and its Delicious Cousins

If you’re a fan of taco soup, you’ll probably love these other Southwestern-inspired soups too! Consider exploring CROCKPOT MEXICAN STREET SOUP for something a little different. Or, for a lighter, creamier option, why not try WHITE CHICKEN CHILI? For a vibrant and flavorful dish, give CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP a try. These recipes share similar flavor profiles and are sure to become staples in your kitchen.

Making Taco Soup Ahead: Meal Prep Champion

Taco soup is a fantastic make-ahead meal! It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Here’s how to prep it ahead of time:

• Refrigerating: Prepare the soup according to the instructions, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Freezing: Taco soup freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Be sure to leave some headspace in the containers as the soup will expand when frozen. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Troubleshooting Common Taco Soup Mishaps

Even the easiest recipes can sometimes present challenges. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

• Soup is too thick: Add more broth until you reach your desired consistency.
• Soup is too thin: Simmer the soup uncovered for a longer period to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water to thicken it.
• Soup is bland: Add more taco seasoning, chili powder, or a pinch of salt and pepper. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavors.
• Soup is too spicy: Add a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of sugar to mellow out the heat.

From My Kitchen to Yours: Enjoy the Soup!

So there you have it – the Viral Best Taco Soup Recipe that’s guaranteed to become a new favorite in your household. It’s simple, customizable, and oh-so-delicious. Whip up a batch tonight and let the fiesta begin! I know you’ll absolutely love it. Don’t forget to experiment with different toppings and variations to create your own signature taco soup masterpiece. Happy cooking!

Viral Best Taco Soup

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This taco soup recipe delivers warm, comforting flavors with minimal effort. Packed with ground beef, beans, corn, and a blend of spices, it’s a hearty and customizable meal perfect for busy weeknights. Top with your favorite taco fixings for a complete and satisfying experience.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican-American

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Can opener
• Ladle
• Bowls

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced optional
• 2 tablespoons chili powder for homemade taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin for homemade taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika for homemade taco seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder for homemade taco seasoning
• ½ teaspoon onion powder for homemade taco seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano for homemade taco seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for homemade taco seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon salt for homemade taco seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper for homemade taco seasoning
• Shredded cheddar cheese for topping
• Sour cream for topping
• Tortilla chips, crushed for topping
• Diced avocado for topping
• Chopped cilantro for topping
• Diced red onion for topping
• Hot sauce for topping
• Lime wedges for topping

Instructions

 

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
• Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
• If using a jalapeño, add it now and cook for another minute.
• Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes and green chilies, tomato sauce, taco seasoning, and ranch dressing mix. Mix well to combine.
• Pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for even better flavor.
• Ladle the taco soup into bowls.
• Top with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, avocado, cilantro, and red onion. Serve with a squeeze of lime juice.

Notes

For a spicier soup, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste. This soup can easily be made in a slow cooker: brown the ground beef and add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Taco soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months. For best results, cool completely before storing. Add toppings just before serving. For a vegetarian option, replace ground beef with an extra can of beans or vegetarian crumbles.