Taco Soup Recipe - Two Peas & Their Pod (2024)

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Quick Summary

Taco Soup- this easy taco soup recipe is made with ground beef, tomatoes, beans, corn, and the perfect blend of taco spices. If you like tacos, you are going to love this easy one pot meal!

Taco Soup Recipe - Two Peas & Their Pod (1)

Tacos are always a hit at our dinner table. Steak, veggie, chicken, shrimp, the list goes on. But sometimes we like to mix taco night up by making Taco Soup.

This easy one pot meal that is an all-time favorite, especially during the cold months. A bowl will warm you up and fill you up.

Taco soup is similar to chili, it is loaded with beef, beans, tomatoes, spices, and more! It is hearty and flavorful. It is easy to throw together, making it perfect for busy weeknights or game day.

Make sure you don’t forget the toppings, taco soup is all about loading on fun toppings! Make your bowl a masterpiece with all of the best taco toppings!

The next time you are craving tacos, make this easy Taco Soup recipe. It’s a family favorite!

Table of Contents

  1. Soup Ingredients
  2. How to Make Taco Soup
  3. Serving Suggestions
  4. How to Store
  5. Taco Soup FAQ
  6. More Soup Recipes
  7. Taco Soup Recipe
Taco Soup Recipe - Two Peas & Their Pod (2)

Soup Ingredients

Basic ingredients, but the soup is far from basic. It is a crowd pleaser!

  • Ground beef– taco soup is traditionally made with ground beef, but if you want to swap ground turkey or chicken, go for it.
  • Onion– every good soup starts with onion.
  • Red bell pepper to add some sweetness and I am all about adding in extra veggies.
  • Jalapeño– seeds removed and minced. I recommend wearing gloves when you are handling a jalapeño pepper. The jalapeño doesn’t make the soup too spicy, but if you are nervous, you can leave it out or use half of a pepper.
  • Garlic– fresh garlic for the best flavor!
  • Tomatoes– use canned fire roasted tomatoes for maximum flavor.
  • Beans– I use black beans and pinto beans. If you prefer red or kidney beans, those will work too!
  • Beef broth– We use beef broth to bring out the beef flavor, but chicken or vegetable broth will work.
  • Corn– I use frozen to keep things easy, but if you have fresh sweet corn, you can use it.
  • Green chiles– I use mild green chiles so they aren’t spicy, but add a ton of flavor.
  • Spices– I like to add my own spices (chili powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika) so I can control the flavor. If you prefer using a taco seasoning packet, you can, but I haven’t tested the recipe with store-bought taco seasoning. You might need to taste and adjust a little.
  • Oregano– I love adding in a little oregano.
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How to Make Taco Soup

Let’s get this soup party started!

  • In a large soup pot (I like to use a Dutch oven), brown the beef.
  • Add the onion, red pepper, and jalapeño and cook until vegetables are softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add the tomatoes, beans, broth, corn, green chilies, spices, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Simmer on low for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally so the soup doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary.
  • Give yourself a hand because you just made a delicious meal!
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Serving Suggestions

Now, the fun begins. It’s topping time! We love serving our taco soup with lots of different toppings. Set out a spread and let your family and friends customize their own bowls.

Toppings:

  • Shredded cheese
  • Cilantro
  • Avocado or Guacamole
  • Sour cream or Plain Greek yogurt
  • Jalapeño slices
  • Green onion
  • Tortilla chips or Fritos

If you want to serve a side dishes to go with the soup, I highly recommend my Easy Cornbread, Easy Green Salad, and Mexican Rice. The perfect meal!

How to Store

If you have leftover taco soup, put it in an airtight container after it has cooled and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop.

You can also freeze the soup, which is so nice. I love having soup in the freezer for a rainy day or busy day!

To freeze, store the cooled soup in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw, reheat, and enjoy!

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Taco Soup FAQ

Can I use ground turkey or ground chicken?

Yes! Instead of ground beef, you can use ground turkey or chicken. It is an easy swap.

Can I make taco soup in the slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the meat and onion, drain off any excess fat, and place in the slow cooker. Add the rest of the ingredients, except fro the corn. Cook on low for 5 hours. Stir in the corn during the last 20 minutes. Ladle into bowls and add desired toppings.

Can I make the soup spicy?

If you want a kick to your soup, you can add another jalapeño or add more chili powder, to taste. You could also add in a little cayenne pepper. Just be careful, a little goes a long way.

How do you thicken taco soup?

Our taco soup recipe is very hearty and satisfying and I don’t think it needs to be thicker, but if you want to bulk it up, you can add more meat, beans, or veggies. And if you want it thinner, you can add more broth.

Can I make this taco soup recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Leave out the meat and add additional beans. You can also sauté some additional veggies with the onion and red pepper. Zucchini and mushrooms are always good.

Can I freeze taco soup?

Yes, it will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can freeze the soup in a freezer container or freezer bag. You can also freeze individual portions that are easy to thaw and reheat for easy lunches and dinners.

More Soup Recipes

  • Chicken Tortilla Soup
  • Chicken Fajita Soup
  • Stuffed Pepper Soup
  • Easy Black Bean Soup
  • Sweet Potato Roasted Corn Chowder

Want more soup recipes? Check out all of our favorites HERE!

Taco Soup Recipe - Two Peas & Their Pod (6)

Soup

Taco Soup

This taco soup recipe is made with ground beef, tomatoes, beans, corn, and the perfect blend of taco spices. If you like tacos, you are going to love this easy one pot meal!

4.68 from 31 votes

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Review

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 8

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef, can use ground turkey or chicken
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeds removed and diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and minced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces fire roasted diced tomatoes
  • 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 15 ounce can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 4 ounce can mild green chiles
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, cilantro, jalapeño slices, sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips

Instructions

  • In a large soup pot, brown the beef over medium-high heat, breaking up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.

  • Add the onion, red pepper, and jalapeño and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until vegetables are softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.

  • Add the tomatoes, beans, beef broth, corn, green chilies, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  • Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, If necessary. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with desired toppings. Enjoy!

Notes

Store leftover soup in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 271kcal, Carbohydrates: 37g, Protein: 23g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 35mg, Sodium: 985mg, Potassium: 799mg, Fiber: 11g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 1331IU, Vitamin C: 33mg, Calcium: 106mg, Iron: 5mg

Keywords soup recipe

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Taco Soup Recipe - Two Peas & Their Pod (2024)

FAQs

What does tortilla soup contain? ›

Chicken tortilla soup is a Mexican-inspired soup that has a tomato and chicken broth base. It is spiced with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and has a little kick from the jalapeño. It also has hearty ingredients like beans, corn, and of course the shredded chicken.

How do you make taco soup less spicy? ›

Add Some Starches

The easiest way to tone down a spicy dish is to serve a smaller portion with plenty of rice, bread, potatoes, pasta, or plain starch to counter the heat. For soups and stews, raw and starchy vegetables like potatoes or carrots work well.

How do you make soup more spicy? ›

Absolutely! You can make a creamy soup spicy by incorporating spicy ingredients into the base. Consider adding crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to bring the desired level of heat to your creamy soup. Just remember to start with small amounts and adjust according to your taste.

What can I use to thicken my tortilla soup? ›

Incorporate Cornstarch

Cornstarch is another popular thickening agent that can be easily added to your chicken tortilla soup. Mix cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry.

How do you thicken homemade soup? ›

Add flour or cornflour

Put a tablespoon of either into a small bowl and stir in 2-3 tbsp of the soup until you have a smooth mixture. Stir this back into the soup and bring it to a simmer. Cook for a few minutes to allow the starch granules to burst to thicken, and to cook out any flour flavour.

How do you thicken taco soup? ›

Addition of Cornstarch or Flour: Create a slurry by mixing equal parts cornstarch or flour with water. Stir this mixture into the soup and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens. Ensure there are no lumps by gradually adding the slurry while stirring constantly.

Why is my taco soup so watery? ›

There are several reasons why taco soup may turn out thin and watery. One common reason is using too much broth or liquid in the soup. Additionally, not simmering the soup for long enough can lead to a thin consistency.

What cancels out spicy in soup? ›

Add Acid: Acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar can help balance the heat. Start by adding small amounts and adjust to taste. Add Sweetness: Sweet ingredients like sugar, honey, or maple syrup can help counteract the spiciness. Again, add gradually and adjust to taste.

What not to put in soup? ›

The Worst Things to Put in Your Soup
  1. By Sara Butler. If there's one good thing about fall and winter, it's soup. ...
  2. Heavy Cream. Heavy cream creates an inviting texture for soups but that's where its positive contributions end. ...
  3. Juice. ...
  4. Turkey Bacon. ...
  5. Cheese. ...
  6. Croutons.

What is the most important ingredient in soup? ›

For clear, brothy soups, stock is your most important ingredient. If you want to make a good soup, you need to use an excellently flavored stock — otherwise, the entire pot could be tasteless.

What is the secret to soup? ›

7 Tips for Successful Soup Making
  • Use a Sturdy Pot. It is worth investing in a heavy pot with a thick bottom to use for making soup. ...
  • Sauté the Aromatics. ...
  • Start with Good Broth. ...
  • Cut Vegetables to the Right Size. ...
  • Stagger the Addition of Vegetables. ...
  • Keep Liquid at a Simmer. ...
  • Season Just Before Serving.
Oct 9, 2022

How can I deepen my soup flavor? ›

Dried herbs and seasonings: homemade seasoned salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and dried bay leaves lend flavor to the soup.

Does sugar make soup less spicy? ›

Add Sweetness: Adding sweet ingredients like sugar, honey, or fruit can help to balance the spiciness and bring down the heat level. Add Starch: Adding starchy ingredients like rice, potatoes, or bread can.

How do you make soup taste stronger? ›

Use fresh vegetables, high-quality meats or broth, and fresh herbs to add depth of flavor. Add acidity: A squeeze of lemon or lime juice, a dash of vinegar, or a splash of wine can brighten the flavors of a soup and make it taste more complex.

What goes with tortilla soup? ›

Chicken tortilla soup is like a taco in soup form. Its rich tomato and chicken broth pairs perfectly with chunky veggies, shredded chicken, beans and sweet corn. You can sprinkle some tortilla strips right on top with a healthy handful of cheese, or pair the dish with soft Dinner Rolls.

What is usually in a tortilla? ›

All wheat tortillas contain flour, water, fat, and salt.

What is tortilla soup based on? ›

Tortilla Soup is a 2001 American comedy-drama film directed by María Ripoll. The screenplay by Tom Musca, Ramón Menéndez and Vera Blasi is based on the film Eat Drink Man Woman, which was written by Hui-Ling Wang, Ang Lee, and James Schamus.

What is in Chick-fil-A tortilla soup? ›

The Chicken Tortilla Soup is a hearty, seasonal Chick-fil-A® favorite that features shredded chicken breast and beans in a creamy base with a blend of vegetables and spices, served with Seasoned Tortilla Strips.

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