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Hearty Taco Soup: A Comforting Meal for All Occasions Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 50 reviews
  • Author: Diane
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Hearty Taco Soup is a comforting and flavorful Mexican-American dish perfect for any occasion. Packed with ground beef, beans, corn, and a medley of spices, this easy-to-make soup brings warmth and satisfaction in every bowl. Enjoy it topped with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, and tortilla chips for a filling meal that the whole family will love.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Base

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cups beef broth

Vegetables and Beans

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Finishing Touch

  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips, chopped cilantro


Instructions

  1. Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until browned. Drain excess fat if needed to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot, cooking for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant. This step builds the flavor foundation for the soup.
  3. Add Seasonings: Stir in the taco seasoning, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices, enhancing their aroma and depth.
  4. Combine Remaining Ingredients: Add black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and beef broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  5. Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
  6. Finish and Serve: Stir in the fresh lime juice just before serving to add a bright, tangy note. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips, and chopped cilantro.

Notes

  • Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, leaner version of the soup.
  • This soup freezes exceptionally well, making it ideal for meal prep or preparing ahead for busy weeknights.