Easy Taco Soup packs all the classic taco flavors with savory beef, bold seasoning, corn, beans, and smoky chilies. Top with sour cream, Cheddar, and chips!
author’s note
This Easy Taco Chili is a Weeknight Lifesaver!
This Taco Chili has always been a reader favorite and a go-to in my own house. I make it all the time, but I wanted something even quicker, a “taco night” soup that could be on the table in 30 minutes or less. That’s how this recipe came about! It’s packed with protein, loaded with big flavor, and has a slightly brothier spin on chili with the best taco seasoning blend.
Making it couldn’t be easier. Just brown some ground beef, stir in canned tomatoes, corn, and beans, then let it all simmer together. And the real star? The toppings. Pile on crunchy chips, melty Cheddar, and a big scoop of sour cream to take every bowl over the top.
The best part is it’s even better the next day, freezes like a dream, and can be customized to fit whatever you’re craving.
Easy Taco Soup Ingredients
| Ingredient | Swaps & Tips |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | Swap with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles |
| Onion & Garlic | Use frozen diced onion to save time |
| Beans | Pinto, kidney, or white beans all work |
| Corn | Fire-roasted corn adds smoky flavor |
| Diced Green Chiles | Skip for milder soup or use jalapeños for spice |
| Crushed Tomatoes | Blend diced tomatoes if that’s what you have |
| Chicken Broth | Use vegetable broth for vegetarian version |
| Taco Seasoning | Homemade mix gives the best flavor control |
Quick Tip
Can I Make It in a Slow Cooker? Yes! Brown the onions and beef, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2 hours.
Easy Taco Soup Toppings
This is where the fun really happens! Everyone can build their own bowl:
- Sour cream for creaminess
- Cheddar cheese (freshly shredded melts best)
- Tortilla chips or strips for crunch
- Fresh cilantro & green onions for brightness
- Avocado slices or guac for creaminess
- Lime wedges for a zippy finish
- Jalapeños if you like it spicy
Storage
Leftover Easy Taco Soup?
- Stored in an airtight container, it lasts 3-5 days in the fridge. Taco Soup only gets better as it sits!
- Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer bags or containers for easier thawing.
- Warming up: After thawing overnight in the fridge, reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
More Comforting Soup Recipes:
Soups And Stews
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Soups And Stews
Pinto Bean Soup Recipe
Soups And Stews
Tuscan Soup
Soups And Stews
Creamy Vegetable Soup
Easy Taco Soup
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion finely diced, 1-1/2 cups
- 1 pound ground beef lean, 93/7
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 (16-ounce) can chili beans or pinto beans, undrained, see note 1
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 (15.25-ounce) can southwestern corn or plain corn, undrained
- 1 (4-ounce) can mild diced green chiles undrained, fire-roasted if possible
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Chips for dipping
- Toppings as desired see note 2
- 1 tablespoon ground chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil over medium-high. Add diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Push onions to the sides of the pot and increase heat to high. Add ground beef to the center, crumbling it as it cooks. Cook until fully browned. If there’s excess grease, drain it off.
- Add garlic and all seasoning ingredients plus salt and pepper to taste (I add 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper). Sauté the mixture, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
- Add remaining soup ingredients except toppings. Mix well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Let it simmer, uncovered, 10–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed (see note 3).
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your chosen toppings. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Variations
Switch Things Up!
- Make it spicier with jalapeños, chipotle peppers, hot sauce, or a little cayenne.
- Change texture by adding broth to thin it out or extra beans to make it thicker.
- Use a different protein like ground turkey, ground chicken, or shredded chicken like this chicken taco soup.
- Mix in new veggies for extra flavor! Try roasted bell peppers, roasted sweet potatoes, or roasted butternut squash at the end.
- Make it heartier with white rice, brown rice, or bulgur.
What To Serve With Easy Taco Soup
- Cornbread or tortilla chips for dipping
- Cilantro lime rice served alongside or stirred right in
- Cheese quesadillas (kids love these for scooping!)
- Garden salad for freshness
- Roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers on the side
Received compliments on this soup – everyone said it was unique and still hearty
Yay! I’m so thrilled to hear this! Thanks Taya!