If you’re after big flavor with barely any fuss, Simple Taco Soup absolutely delivers. Imagine all your favorite taco fixings in cozy, spoonable form: juicy ground beef, sweet corn, savory beans, zesty tomatoes, and plenty of spice. This recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. With easy prep and lots of punchy flavor, Simple Taco Soup is likely to become one of those go-to meals you crave after a long day—or anytime you want to serve something crowd-pleasing and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing complicated here—just a handful of everyday ingredients that blend together beautifully to create the kind of hearty, colorful soup everyone wants seconds of. Each ingredient does its part, from adding heartiness to rounding out the spice or offering bright, fresh notes.

Ground beef: Go for lean ground beef for rich, meaty flavor without excess grease. If you prefer, ground turkey works just as well.

Onion: A chopped onion melts into the soup, giving it a deep, savory sweetness that forms the flavor base.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic really amps up the taco vibes and pairs beautifully with the spices.
Taco seasoning: Use your favorite store-bought blend or homemade for a consistent, punchy kick.

Canned diced tomatoes: Choose a variety with chiles for a bit of heat, or plain for a milder soup.
Black beans: Rinsed and drained, these add protein and a creamy texture.
Corn kernels: Both canned and frozen corn work well, lending bursts of sweetness and color.

Beef broth: This brings everything together with deep, savory notes that make Simple Taco Soup wonderfully sippable.
Salt and pepper: Just enough to balance and highlight all the other flavors.

How to Make Simple Taco Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion

Start by heating a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until the beef is nicely browned and the onions are soft and translucent. Breaking up the meat as you go keeps the texture nicely even throughout the soup. Drain off any excess grease—this step keeps things light and lets all those lovely flavors shine.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Taco Seasoning

Toss in the minced garlic, stirring for about 30 seconds just until fragrant. Next, sprinkle in your taco seasoning, letting the spices toast briefly with the meat and aromatics. This builds an extra layer of flavor, as the heat wakes up the seasoning and melds it right into the beef.

Step 3: Stir in Tomatoes, Beans, and Corn

Add the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), black beans, and corn to the pot. Each of these adds its own character, making the soup hearty, colorful, and impossibly tempting. The tomatoes bring tang, the beans add creaminess, and the corn brightens every bite.

Step 4: Pour in Broth and Simmer

Pour in the beef broth, stirring well to combine everything. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 15 to 20 minutes. This gives all the flavors time to mingle and the soup to thicken just a touch—just enough to become the cozy bowlful you’re after.

Step 5: Taste and Serve

Once the soup has simmered, taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Ladle it into bowls, add your favorite toppings, and get ready for rave reviews! Simple Taco Soup really is that fast and easy.

How to Serve Simple Taco Soup

Garnishes

This soup is a blank canvas for all your favorite toppings. Try shredded cheddar or Pepper Jack cheese, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, or a few tortilla chips for crunch. Each garnish adds personality, so don’t be shy about customizing every bowl.

Side Dishes

Simple Taco Soup is hearty enough for a meal on its own, but a side of warm cornbread, cheesy quesadillas, or a fresh green salad turns dinner into a mini fiesta. Even just a squeeze of lime on the side adds a pop of brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Simple Taco Soup in bread bowls for a fun, edible twist. Ladle it into mugs for a casual party appetizer, or set up a taco soup bar with bowls of toppings so everyone can build their perfect spoonful. However you serve it, this soup feels festive and a little bit special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Simple Taco Soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to four days, making it perfect for easy heat-and-eat lunches.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. Ladle completely cooled Simple Taco Soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little space for it to expand. It will keep for up to three months, ready for a future dinner emergency.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pour the soup into a pot and warm it over medium heat until steaming hot. If you’re reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge first. Add a splash of broth if it’s thickened up a bit, and refresh with toppings just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. The soup will still be delicious and might even be a little lighter, but all those great taco flavors will shine through just the same.

Is Simple Taco Soup spicy?

The base recipe is pretty mild, but you can easily turn up the heat by using hot taco seasoning, adding diced jalapeños, or picking tomatoes with green chiles. Your family’s spice preference is easy to match.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Definitely! Just leave out the beef and use vegetable broth. You can even add extra beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute for heartiness—Simple Taco Soup is very adaptable.

What can I use instead of canned beans?

If you have cooked beans already (perhaps from scratch), those are perfect. Drain and rinse them as you would canned and use the same amount. Any type of bean you like can work here, from Pinto to kidney.

How can I thicken or thin out my soup?

If you’d like a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes so more liquid evaporates. For a thinner consistency, just add a bit more broth or water until it’s your desired texture.

Final Thoughts

Simple Taco Soup brings all the cozy, taco-inspired goodness to your table in the quickest, fuss-free way. It’s the sort of meal that makes even busy weeknights or laid-back weekends feel special. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—you might just find yourself making it on repeat!

Simple Taco Soup Recipe