This Beef Taco Soup recipe is a personal favorite, especially during colder months. It’s like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket, but with flavors. The best part? It’s super easy to make, and the ingredients are pretty straightforward. You can adjust the heat level to your liking, add your favorite toppings, and make it your own. Let’s dive in!

This Beef Taco Soup not only warms the body but also the soul, with its rich and comforting blend of spices, hearty beef, and nourishing vegetables. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner that the whole family will love or a cozy meal to share with friends, this soup is sure to hit the spot.

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

For about 4-6 servings, you’ll need:

1 pound (450g) ground beef – I prefer lean ground beef for a healthier option, but feel free to choose what you like.
1 medium onion, diced – This adds a lovely sweetness to the soup.

2 cloves garlic, minced – Because garlic makes everything better.
1 packet (about 1 oz or 28g) taco seasoning mix – This is where all the magic happens, flavor-wise!
1 can (about 14.5 oz or 411g) diced tomatoes, undrained – These tomatoes add a nice texture and tang to the soup.

1 can (about 15 oz or 425g) black beans, drained and rinsed – For some protein and fiber.
1 can (about 15 oz or 425g) corn, drained – Adds sweetness and crunch.
4 cups (about 1 liter) beef broth – This will be the base of your soup, so go for a good quality broth.

Salt and pepper to taste – To adjust the seasoning just right.
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, tortilla chips – Because toppings make everything more fun!

Instructions for Making Beef Taco Soup

Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if you like.

Sauté the Onion and Garlic: To the same pot, add the diced onion. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. The smell at this stage is just amazing!
Add Taco Seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and onion mixture. Stir well to ensure the beef is well coated with the seasoning. Cook for about a minute to let the flavors meld together.
Combine the Rest of the Ingredients: Add the undrained diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed black beans, drained corn, and beef broth to the pot. Give it a good stir to combine everything.

Let It Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to really come together. Stir occasionally.
Season and Serve: Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot in bowls, and let everyone add their favorite toppings. I personally love a dollop of sour cream, some shredded cheese, and a handful of tortilla chips for extra crunch.

And there you have it, a delicious and comforting bowl of Beef Taco Soup that’s perfect for any day of the week. It’s a hit with both adults and kids, and leftovers (if you have any) taste even better the next day. Enjoy your cooking!

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Experiment with Meat Varieties: While ground beef is traditional, don’t hesitate to try ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian meat substitute for a lighter version. Each type of meat brings its own unique flavor and texture to the soup.

Spice It Up (or Down): The taco seasoning packet makes this recipe incredibly convenient, but you can also customize your spice blend. Adjust the heat with more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even diced jalapeños if you like it spicy. For a milder version, look for a mild taco seasoning packet or use less of the spicy ingredients.

Richness and Depth: For a deeper, more complex flavor, consider adding a splash of beer or a bit of chocolate powder to the soup. Yes, chocolate! Just a little can enhance the other flavors in the soup.

Thickening the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans before adding them to the pot or stir in a small amount of cornmeal or flour mixed with water towards the end of cooking.

Slow Cooker Adaptation: This recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Brown your meat and onions, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method is perfect for letting all the flavors meld together over time.

Fresh vs. Canned Ingredients: While canned ingredients make this recipe quick and convenient, using fresh tomatoes, homemade broth, and freshly cooked beans can elevate the flavor if you have the time and resources.

Serving Suggestions

Create a Taco Soup Bar: For family dinners or gatherings, set up a taco soup bar with various toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, lime wedges, and tortilla chips. This way, everyone can customize their bowl exactly how they like it.

Pair with Sides: Serve your beef taco soup with a side of cornbread, a simple green salad, or quesadillas for a more filling meal. These sides complement the flavors of the soup and make for a well-rounded meal.

Garnish Wisely: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a dash of lime juice just before serving can add a fresh burst of flavor to the soup. Don’t underestimate the power of these simple garnishes to elevate the overall taste.

For a Lighter Meal: If you’re looking for a lighter option, serve the soup with a side of sliced cucumbers, carrots, or bell peppers. The crisp freshness of the vegetables pairs nicely with the richness of the soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes! This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Is Beef Taco Soup freezer-friendly? Absolutely. Cool the soup completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How can I make this soup healthier? Opt for lean ground beef or ground turkey to lower the fat content. You can also increase the fiber by adding more beans or even lentils. Using low-sodium beef broth and adding more fresh vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini can also boost the nutritional value.

What can I do if my soup is too spicy or too bland? If it’s too spicy, adding a bit of sour cream or avocado can help mellow the heat. If it’s too bland, consider adding more taco seasoning, a pinch of salt, or a squeeze of lime juice for extra tang.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. If they’re in season, fresh tomatoes can add a wonderful flavor to the soup. You’ll need about 2 cups of diced fresh tomatoes. Just remember they may release more water than canned, so adjust your broth amount accordingly.

Beef Taco Soup

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This Beef Taco Soup recipe is a personal favorite, especially during colder months. It's like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket, but with flavors.

Ingredients

1 pound 450g ground beef – I prefer lean ground beef for a healthier option, but feel free to choose what you like.
1 medium onion diced – This adds a lovely sweetness to the soup.
2 cloves garlic minced – Because garlic makes everything better.
1 packet about 1 oz or 28g taco seasoning mix – This is where all the magic happens, flavor-wise!
1 can about 14.5 oz or 411g diced tomatoes, undrained – These tomatoes add a nice texture and tang to the soup.
1 can about 15 oz or 425g black beans, drained and rinsed – For some protein and fiber.
1 can about 15 oz or 425g corn, drained – Adds sweetness and crunch.

4 cups about 1 liter beef broth – This will be the base of your soup, so go for a good quality broth.
Salt and pepper to taste – To adjust the seasoning just right.
Optional toppings: shredded cheese sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, tortilla chips – Because toppings make everything more fun!

Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if you like.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic: To the same pot, add the diced onion. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. The smell at this stage is just amazing!
Add Taco Seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and onion mixture. Stir well to ensure the beef is well coated with the seasoning. Cook for about a minute to let the flavors meld together.

Combine the Rest of the Ingredients: Add the undrained diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed black beans, drained corn, and beef broth to the pot. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
Let It Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to really come together. Stir occasionally.
Season and Serve: Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot in bowls, and let everyone add their favorite toppings. I personally love a dollop of sour cream, some shredded cheese, and a handful of tortilla chips for extra crunch.