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taco soup recipe

Easy 30-Minute Taco Soup Recipe

A hearty, flavorful, and fast taco soup recipe made with ground beef and simple pantry staples. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Mexican-Inspired, Soup, soups & Stews
Cuisine: american-mexican, Mexican, Mexican-Inspired
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • Ground Beef: 1 lb lean 90/10
  • Onion: 1 medium diced
  • Taco Seasoning: 1 packet approx. 1 oz
  • Ranch Seasoning Mix: 1 tablespoon approx. 0.5 oz packet
  • Diced Tomatoes: 1 can 14.5 oz, undrained
  • Rotel: 1 can 10 oz diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
  • Black Beans: 1 can 15 oz, rinsed and drained
  • Pinto Beans: 1 can 15 oz, rinsed and drained
  • Corn: 1 can 15 oz, drained, or 1.5 cups frozen corn
  • Beef Broth: 3 cups can substitute chicken or vegetable broth
  • Optional Toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese sour cream, avocado slices, cilantro, tortilla chips, lime wedges

Equipment

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Can opener

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent (about 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess grease if necessary.
  2. Step 2: Sprinkle the taco seasoning and ranch seasoning over the cooked beef and onion. Stir well to coat the meat evenly.
  3. Step 3: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, undrained Rotel, rinsed black beans, rinsed pinto beans, corn, and beef broth. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
  4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
  5. Step 5: Taste the soup and add salt if needed (the seasonings usually provide enough salt). Ladle into bowls and serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Notes

Make it Healthier: Substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the lean ground beef. Use low-sodium broths and seasonings to control salt intake.
Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground beef. Add an extra can of beans (like kidney beans) or use lentils for texture. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Slow Cooker Instructions: Brown the beef and onion with seasonings on the stove (Step 1 & 2). Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker. Add all remaining ingredients. Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours.
Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup thickens as it sits; add a splash of water or broth when reheating. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months.