Hearty Taco Soup (Printable)

Hearty soup with seasoned beef, beans, corn, and classic taco toppings—ready in 45 minutes for cozy family meals.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 pound ground beef

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Canned Goods

05 - 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
06 - 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 1 can (15 ounces) corn kernels, drained
08 - 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
09 - 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
10 - 4 cups chicken broth

→ Spices and Seasonings

11 - 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
12 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
13 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
15 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Optional Toppings

16 - Shredded cheddar cheese
17 - Sour cream
18 - Sliced jalapeños
19 - Chopped cilantro
20 - Sliced green onions
21 - Crushed tortilla chips or strips
22 - Lime wedges

# How-To:

01 - In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add diced onion, red bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables are softened.
03 - Stir in taco seasoning, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
04 - Add black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
05 - Bring the soup to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and serve hot with your favorite toppings.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in less than an hour and tastes like you've been cooking all afternoon.
  • The whole family can customize their bowls with toppings, so everyone gets exactly what they want.
  • It's naturally forgiving—you can swap proteins, adjust heat levels, and it still turns out wonderful.
02 -
  • Don't skip draining your canned beans and corn—the liquid makes the soup murky and dilutes every other flavor.
  • Taco seasoning brands are surprisingly different, so taste as you build rather than assuming the package knows your preferences.
03 -
  • Brown your beef until it has real color and texture—this takes a couple extra minutes but creates a depth that makes people think you spent hours cooking.
  • Serve the toppings in small bowls on the side so people can see and choose exactly what they want, which somehow makes them enjoy it more.
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