Bold and Hearty Taco Soup is a comforting bowl packed with spicy, rich flavors and a satisfying mix of beans, ground beef, tomatoes, and corn. It has a thick, stew-like texture that’s perfect for cozy dinners, especially when you want something filling without a lot of fuss.
I love making this soup when I want a meal that feels like it has a little kick but still warms you up inside. The best part is how easy it is to throw together—just brown some meat, toss in the beans and veggies, add taco seasoning, and let it simmer until all those flavors mingle perfectly. I always find myself sneaking a spoonful before dinner’s ready because it smells so good!
One of my favorite things to do is serve this soup with a handful of crunchy tortilla chips and a dollop of sour cream on top. It adds a nice contrast in texture and cools down the spice just a bit. Plus, topping it with shredded cheese and fresh cilantro makes it feel like a fun taco night in a bowl. This soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any night of the week!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This gives the soup rich flavor and heartiness. For a lighter or vegetarian option, try ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute.
Beans: Black and kidney beans add texture and protein. Feel free to swap with pinto beans or chickpeas if you prefer.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: These add a zesty kick. If you want less heat, use plain diced tomatoes and add mild green peppers instead.
Taco Seasoning: It’s the flavor base here. You can use a store mix or easily make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano.
Beef Broth: Adds depth and richness. Vegetable broth works well too if you want a meat-free version.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from the Taco Seasoning?
Blooming your spices is key. After browning the meat and sautéing onions and garlic, add the taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for about a minute. This step helps release the spices’ essential oils and brighten their flavors, giving your soup a deeper taste.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven – perfect for browning the beef and simmering the soup all in one place.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – great for stirring without scratching your pot.
- Knife and cutting board – you’ll need these to chop onions and garlic easily.
- Can opener – essential for getting your beans, corn, and tomatoes ready.
- Ladle – makes serving the soup neat and easy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meal that’s still hearty.
- Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños if you like more veggie crunch or extra heat.
- Stir in cooked rice or quinoa at the end for a thicker, more filling soup.
- Top with different cheeses like pepper jack or Monterey jack for a mild twist.
How to Make Bold And Hearty Taco Soup?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- ½ cup sour cream (for topping)
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
- Tortilla chips (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to simmer. In just 40 minutes total, you’ll have a flavorful, filling taco soup ready to warm you up.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Break it up into small crumbles and cook until no longer pink. Drain off any extra fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they become soft and smell great.
2. Add Seasonings
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for about 1 minute to help the spices release their flavors.
3. Combine Main Ingredients
Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Mix well so all the ingredients come together.
4. Simmer the Soup
Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend and the soup to thicken just a little.
5. Finish and Serve
Taste the soup and add more salt or pepper if you like. Ladle it into bowls and top each serving with shredded cheddar cheese, a spoonful of sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, and some crunchy tortilla chips. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty taco soup!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Can opener
- Ladle
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for more crunch or heat.
- Stir in cooked rice or quinoa near the end for a heartier soup.
- Use different cheeses like pepper jack or Monterey jack for a mild flavor twist.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative. Just cook it the same way you would the beef, making sure it’s fully browned before adding the other ingredients.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes! This soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating frozen soup, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stove over medium low heat.
What Are Good Toppings for Taco Soup?
Classic toppings include shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, and crunchy tortilla chips. You can also try avocado slices or jalapeño for extra flavor and texture.
