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    You are here: Home » Meal Type » Soups and Stews » Easy Beef Taco Soup

    Easy Beef Taco Soup

    September 13, 2021 By Danielle Esposti 15 Comments

    May contain affiliate links.See our Privacy Policy and disclosure.

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    Pinterest image for healthy weeknight taco soup recipe.
    Pinterest image for healthy weeknight taco soup recipe.
    Pinterest image for healthy weeknight taco soup recipe.
    Pinterest image for healthy weeknight taco soup recipe.

    Quick and easy Beef Taco Soup is here to save your busy day! This healthy and hearty dinner is packed with a double dose of protein (ground beef and black beans), plus bell peppers, corn and tomatoes. It’s a kid-friendly favorite that’s made in one pot and ready in about 30 minutes. 

    Two bowls of easy taco soup on a concrete background surrounded with small bowls of garnishes.
    Jump to:
    • An Easy Twist for Taco Tuesday
    • Taco Soup Recipe
    • Homemade Taco Seasoning
    • Watch: Taco Soup Recipe Video
    • How to Make Taco Soup (Stovetop Method)
    • How to Make Taco Soup in the Crockpot
    • Taco Soup Variations
    • What to Serve with Taco Soup?
    • Is Taco Soup Healthy?
    • More Quick Mexican-Inspired Meals
    • Recipe

    An Easy Twist for Taco Tuesday

    If planning for back-to-school dinners is stressing you out, look no further than our easy taco soup recipe to knock dinner off your to-do list!

    This is the best one-pot weeknight dinner for so many reasons:

    • Kid Friendly:  My children eat it willingly, sans bribery. Huzzah! 
    • Leftovers:  My husband will gladly devour the leftovers for lunch not just the second day, but on the third and fourth days too. 
    • Quick and Easy:  This soup can be made in just a little over 30 minutes in one pot and you don’t need a single side dish to round it out.
    • Healthy: Yes, comfort foods can be healthy! Seasoned ground beef is joined by a medley of rainbow vegetables for a meal that’s good, and good for you, too!
    • Freezer Friendly:  This recipe freezes like a boss, so just go ahead and double it, then freeze half. Put a sticky note on the freezer that says “THERE IS MAGICAL TACO SOUP IN HERE”. A month later when you’re running around like a crazy person at 6 PM on a Tuesday trying to figure out what to feed your hungry family, you’ll know that Taco Soup is there for you, ready to save the day yet again. 
    Side view, a wood spoon tucked into a pot of ground beef taco soup with black beans.

    Taco Soup Recipe

    Taco soup with ground beef blends all of flavors of your favorite american-style tacos into a hearty, comforting bowl of YUM. The ingredient list is short, but it’s also customizable. See the variations section below to make it your own. 

    • Ground Beef: lean ground beef works great in this recipe. You can also use ground turkey, bison, or even ground chicken.
    • Onion
    • Bell Pepper
    • Garlic 
    • Jalapeno
    • Homemade Taco Seasoning: it’s worth the (small) time investment to make your own homemade taco seasoning – fresher spicers, zero fillers, and no preservatives! Just combine all the spices and shake ’em up in a jar.
    • Pureed Tomatoes: we like fire-roasted for an extra kick of flavor, but use what you have! Feel free to substitute diced tomatoes for a chunkier texture.
    • Beef Broth
    • Canned Black Beans
    • Frozen Corn
    The ingredients for a homemade taco soup recipe arranged on a cement surface.
    Taco Soup Ingredients: ground beef, diced onion, bell peppers, garlic, jalapeno, canned tomatoes, beef broth, black beans, frozen corn, cilantro, lime juice.

    Homemade Taco Seasoning

    The real magic in this soup is the homemade taco seasoning! It’s so much better than anything you can buy in the store, plus it’s free from any additives and excess sodium. 

    • The ingredients for homemade taco seasoning arranged on a concrete background.
    • Homemade taco seasoning in a small glass jar.
    • Chili Powder
    • Cumin
    • Paprika
    • Sea Salt
    • Cracked Black Pepper
    • Garlic Powder
    • Coriander
    • Red Pepper Flakes
    • Oregano

    Add more or less chili powder and/or red pepper flakes to adjust the heat.

    To make the taco seasoning, measure all of the spices into a lidded jar, then shake it up. So simple!

    I like to make this seasoning blend in large batches so that I always have it on hand for quick weeknight dinners. A single recipe portion of taco seasoning is ¼ cup.

    Watch: Taco Soup Recipe Video

    How to Make Taco Soup (Stovetop Method)

    Convincing my kids to “eat the rainbow” has never been easier thanks to healthy taco soup! It’s packed with vegetables and a double dose of protein for a dinner that will fill them up and keep them full. It’s naturally dairy free and gluten free (just mind the toppings!) so it’s perfect for little ones with allergies or food sensitivities too.

    • Ground beef sautéed with onions and bell peppers in a blue dutch oven.
    • Ground beef and vegetables seasoned with taco seasoning, garlic, and jalapeno in a blue dutch oven.
    • Taco soup in a blue dutch oven before simmering.
    • A large pot of easy taco soup with ground beef, black beans, and vegetables.
    1. Brown Beef. Sautee the ground beef in a dutch oven or large soup pot until no longer pink. 
    2. Add Soft Veggies. Add the onion and bell peppers to the pot and saute until soft. 
    3. Season. Add the garlic, jalapeno, and taco seasoning. Work into the ground beef and vegetables until very fragrant. 
    4. Finish Base. Add the pureed tomatoes, beef broth, drained black beans, and frozen corn.
    5. Simmer. Bring to a simmer and cook 10-15 minutes. 
    6. Adjust and Serve. Taste the soup for seasoning. Adjust with salt and pepper if needed, then stir in fresh cilantro. 
    A spoonful of taco soup held above a dutch oven filled with taco soup.

    How to Make Taco Soup in the Crockpot

    Converting this recipe to the crockpot or slow cooker is super easy: 

    • Step 1:  Sautee the ground beef in a 10″ skillet until no longer pink (6-8 minutes).  Then add the onion and bell peppers to the pan. Sautee with the ground beef until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent (6-7 minutes). 
    • Step 2:  Add the garlic, jalapeno, and taco seasoning. Sautee and stir continuously until the seasoning is worked into the beef and vegetables and is very fragrant (about a minute). 
    • Step 3:  Transfer the seasoned ground beef and vegetable mixture to the crockpot or slow cooker. Add the pureed tomatoes, beef broth, drained black beans, and frozen corn. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4 hours. 
    • Step 4:  Taste the soup for seasoning. Adjust with salt and pepper if needed, then stir in fresh cilantro and lime juice to taste. 

    Taco Soup Variations

    • Use red kidney beans instead of black beans.
    • Use ground chicken or ground turkey instead of ground beef. 
    • Make it Vegetarian:  Obviously skip the ground beef and go straight to sautéing the onions and peppers in the olive oil. Proceed as directed, but double the black beans, or use a combination of black beans and kidney beans. 
    • Make it Spicier:  as written, this soup has a kick but is walking on the milder side of spice. To make it spicier, use 2 jalapeños and/or keep some of the seeds, or double the chili powder to two tablespoons. If doubling the chili powder, simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow some of the spice to further deepen (chili powder gets spicer as it cooks!)
    A bowl of weeknight ground beef taco soup surrounded by garnishes on a cement background.

    What to Serve with Taco Soup?

    You really, truly don’t need any side dishes to round out this meal – it’s filling and nutritious all on its own! But if you really need a side dish, try one of the following:

    • Guacamole
    • Mexican Cauliflower Rice or Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice for extra veggies
    • Healthy Honey Cornbread

    Best Taco Soup Toppings

    As for toppings, the list is endless! Here are some ideas to get you started:

    • Diced avocado
    • Shredded cheddar or crumbled queso fresco
    • Diced red onions or sliced green onions
    • Sour cream
    • Tortilla chips
    • Sliced jalapeños

    Is Taco Soup Healthy?

    Healthy is pretty subjective, but I’m going to go ahead and say YES on this one. I don’t consider low calorie or low fat to be healthy, but you can check the recipe card below for those facts. What I can tell you is this:

    • This taco soup is packed with eat-the-rainbow vegetables that your kids will totally devour. 
    • One serving supplies full daily doses of both Vitamin A and Vitamin C. 
    • This soup is packed with protein (25g!) and fiber (9g); it’ll fill you up and keep you full, so it’s perfect for a quick and easy lunch to take to work or as a meal for kids who play sports and need fuel before or after a game. 

    More Quick Mexican-Inspired Meals

    • Chicken Taco Soup
    • Chicken Tinga Tacos
    • Mexican Potato Hash with Chorizo
    • Mexican Stuffed Peppers
    • Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
    Side view, a bowl of taco soup topped with avocado, sour cream, cheddar, jalapeno, cilantro, and a lime wedge.

    Want a condensed post? Click to view the web story for this recipe instead!

    We love this taco soup – it’s the best! Did this recipe save dinner for you too?? We’d love to know how it turned out! Leave a comment and a rating below.

    While you’re at it, let’s be friends – follow us on Pinterest and Instagram for the latest and greatest.

    Recipe

    A bowl of weeknight ground beef taco soup surrounded by garnishes on a cement background.

    Easy Beef Taco Soup

    5 from 6 votes
    Author: Danielle Esposti
    Print Recipe Rate this Recipe Pin Recipe
    Convincing my kids to “eat the rainbow” has never been easier thanks to this quick and delicious Taco Soup Recipe! It’s packed with vegetables and a double dose of protein for a dinner that will fill them up and keep them full. It’s naturally dairy free and gluten free (just mind the toppings!) so it’s perfect for little ones with allergies or food sensitivities too.
    Prep Time: 10 mins
    Cook Time: 25 mins
    Total Time: 35 mins
    Servings : 6
    Calories: 335

    Recommended Equipment

    • Dutch Oven
    • Wood Spoon

    Ingredients

    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 lb ground beef
    • 1 large sweet onion, diced to ½″
    • 2 bell peppers, diced to ½″
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
    • 1 portion homemade taco seasoning, see below
    • 1 28-oz can diced or crushed tomatoes, fire roasted if available
    • 2 c beef broth
    • 1 14-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
    • 2 c frozen corn
    • 2 tbsp chopped cilantro

    Homemade Taco Seasoning

    • 1-2 tbsp chili powder
    • 1 tbsp cumin
    • 2 tsp paprika
    • 2 tsp sea or kosher salt
    • 1 tsp cracked black pepper
    • 1 tsp garlic powder
    • 1 tsp coriander
    • pinch oregano

    Suggested Toppings for Taco Soup

    • avocado, to garnish
    • shredded cheddar or crumbled queso fresco, to garnish
    • sour cream, to garnish
    • lime wedges, to garnish

    Instructions

    • Make the taco seasoning. Combine all taco seasoning ingredients in a lidded jar, then shake until combined. 
    • Heat a dutch oven over medium high heat. Add the olive oil and heat until it shimmers. Add the ground beef and sautee, stirring frequently to break into pieces, until browned and no longer pink, 6-7 minutes
    • Add the onion and bell pepper to the beef and saute until soft, stirring occasionally, 6-7 minutes.
    • Add the garlic, jalapeno, and taco seasoning. Cook, stirring continuously, until the spices are worked into the beef and vegetables and are very fragrant, about a minute.
    • Add the pureed tomatoes, beef broth, black beans, and corn. Increase heat to high and bring to a simmer. Reduce to medium low and simmer 10 minutes. 
    • Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. Stir in fresh cilantro. Ladle into bowls and serve with desired toppings. Serve immediately.

    Notes

    • Leftovers keep in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
    • Freeze leftovers in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. 
    • For crockpot or slow cooker instructions, scroll up in the post. 
    • Substitute an equal portion of ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef. 

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 335kcal (17%), Carbohydrates: 42g (14%), Protein: 25g (50%), Fat: 12g (18%), Saturated Fat: 4g (20%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 49mg (16%), Sodium: 993mg (41%), Potassium: 712mg (20%), Fiber: 9g (36%), Sugar: 13g (14%), Vitamin A: 5100% (5100%), Vitamin C: 125.4% (125%), Calcium: 120% (120%), Iron: 7% (7%)
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @oursaltykitchen or tag #oursaltykitchen!
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    Disclaimer: This post and the recipe card may contain affiliate links, which means we receive a small commission (at no cost to you!) if you make a purchase using these links. Rest assured, we only endorse products we own and truly love!

    15 Comments
    Filed Under: 30 Minute Meals, Gluten Free, Kid Friendly, Main Dishes, Soups and Stews

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Cathy

      December 21, 2019 at 3:40 pm

      What’s a “portion” of the taco seasoning?

      Beware that there are broths made with yeast (gluten). Read ingredients carefully.

      Reply
      • Danielle

        December 24, 2019 at 12:05 pm

        It’s all of the spices combined in the “taco seasoning” section of the recipe card.

        Reply
    2. Melisa

      March 24, 2020 at 1:13 am

      5 stars
      Made the stove top recipe. Was wonderful. My family love it. Definitely a keeper.

      Reply
    3. Emily

      April 15, 2020 at 5:21 pm

      Hi! Hoping to try this tomorrow but avoid a trip to the store – can chicken broth be substituted for beef broth? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Danielle

        April 15, 2020 at 6:15 pm

        Yes, absolutely!

        Reply
        • Emily

          April 19, 2020 at 7:33 am

          Thanks for the reply! I made it with chicken broth and it was delicious! Thanks for the recipe. 🙂

          Reply
    4. Alfredo Casarez

      May 26, 2020 at 9:26 pm

      Made this in slow cooker while I did yard work wife and grandkids loved it

      Reply
    5. Kat

      July 10, 2020 at 7:02 pm

      5 stars
      this has become one of my all time favorite soups now! so easy to make and so delicious! I love all things spicy so I usually add 2 jalapenos and 2 habaneros. My husband is not a soup person but he constantly asks me to make this for dinner.

      Reply
      • Heather

        November 18, 2020 at 2:24 pm

        Made this and it came out great! The whole family loved it!! The leftovers were even better! This will be added to our regular meal rotation for sure!!!

        Reply
    6. Shara

      January 14, 2021 at 9:27 pm

      Hi! This looks like a great recipe. How much is the serving size? 1 cup? I want to count this for my macros. Thanks!!

      Reply

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