Bold and Hearty Taco Soup is a flavorful and filling meal that’s packed with tender beans, juicy ground beef, corn, and a zesty tomato broth. It’s like having all the great parts of your favorite taco wrapped up in a warm, comforting soup bowl—spicy, comforting, and just right for any day you want something to stick to your ribs.
I love making this soup when I want something quick but satisfying. The best part is how you can easily adjust the spice level to your liking—whether you want a little kick or something more mellow. I usually add extra toppings like cheese, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips for that perfect finishing touch that makes it feel like a real taco night.
Serving this soup with warm cornbread or soft flour tortillas always feels like the perfect way to enjoy it. It’s a favorite in my house during cooler evenings because it’s so cozy and comforting. Plus, it makes great leftovers that taste even better the next day, which makes me happy because I can look forward to it all week long!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef keeps the soup hearty without too much grease. You can swap with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, try crumbled tofu or a plant-based meat substitute.
Beans: Kidney and pinto beans add great texture and protein. If you don’t have both, black beans or cannellini beans work well too. Just be sure to rinse and drain canned beans to reduce salt and improve flavor.
Tomatoes & Tomato Sauce: These give the soup its rich base. If you prefer a chunkier texture, use diced tomatoes with herbs. Tomato paste can boost the tomato flavor if you want it deeper.
Taco Seasoning: A ready-made packet works fine, but homemade blends give you more control over salt and spice. I like to add extra cumin and a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky hint.
Corn: Adds a nice sweetness and pop. Fresh or frozen corn works great if you want to skip canned options.
How Do You Build Layers of Flavor in Taco Soup?
Start by browning the beef well. Let it get a little crusty—that adds a lot of flavor. Don’t rush the step with the onions and peppers; softening them releases natural sweetness.
- After cooking the aromatics with beef, add spices and let them toast briefly to bring out their aroma.
- Adding liquids and beans last lets flavors blend without making beans mushy.
- Simmering gently for 20-30 minutes helps flavors marry and deepens the taste.
Lastly, fresh toppings like cheese, sour cream, and green onions brighten the hearty soup and add texture contrast.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven – perfect for browning meat and simmering soup all in one pot.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – great for stirring without scratching your pot.
- Can opener – makes opening canned beans, tomatoes, and corn quick and easy.
- Measuring spoons – help you add the right amount of spices for balanced flavor.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add black beans or a mix of beans for different textures and flavors.
- Include diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat level.
- Top with avocado slices or chopped cilantro for a fresh, creamy finish.
Bold And Hearty Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade equivalent)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing and cooking this soup will take about 40 minutes in total. It includes the time to brown the meat, sauté vegetables, and simmer the soup to blend all the delicious flavors. Plus, it’s easy to let it rest a bit to taste even better the next day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once done, drain any extra fat.
2. Add Vegetables:
Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened and are fragrant.
3. Stir in Spices:
Mix in the taco seasoning, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute, stirring well to coat the meat and veggies with the spices.
4. Add Beans, Corn, Tomatoes & Broth:
Pour in the kidney beans, pinto beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together so it’s well combined.
5. Simmer the Soup:
Bring the soup to a boil, then turn the heat down to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 20-30 minutes to let all the flavors come together.
6. Final Taste and Serve:
Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, adding your favorite toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions for an extra tasty finish.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the frozen beef in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This helps it brown evenly and ensures the best texture for your soup.
Can I Make This Taco Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have fully melded. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, then reheat gently on the stove.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
What Can I Serve With This Taco Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with warm cornbread, soft flour tortillas, or even a simple green salad. Adding crunchy tortilla chips on top makes a great texture contrast too!
