When the day feels long and you need something warm, filling, and incredibly easy to prepare, a pot of taco soup is the perfect solution. This cozy dish brings together the bold, familiar flavors of classic tacos and transforms them into a comforting bowl of soup that’s wonderful for a quick weeknight dinner. With its hearty texture, rich aroma, and balanced spices, this recipe is ideal whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or craving something fuss-free but deeply satisfying.

What makes taco soup such a beloved dish is how effortlessly it comes together. Once you brown the meat and add the vegetables, beans, spices, and broth, the rest is simply letting the flavors simmer and deepen. You can prepare it on the stovetop in half an hour or allow it to slow-cook for several hours until each spoonful is infused with warmth and richness. Either method creates a wholesome meal that fills the kitchen with an inviting scent and brings everyone to the table with anticipation.

This version of taco soup balances hearty protein, vibrant spices, and natural sweetness from the vegetables. The beans add creaminess, the tomatoes provide depth, and the green chiles offer a mild kick without overpowering the rest of the dish. You can customize the toppings however you like—add creamy avocado, crisp tortilla chips, or a sprinkle of cilantro for freshness. No matter how you serve it, this comforting dinner is the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again.

---

Ingredients

Use these simple ingredients to create a wholesome pot of taco soup:

• 1 pound (500 g) lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups (946 ml) broth (beef or chicken—your choice)
• 1 can (15 oz / 432 g) corn, drained
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) chili beans in chili sauce
• 1 can (28 oz / 793 g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (4 oz / 113 g) chopped green chiles
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Cayenne pepper (optional, to adjust spice level)

---

Stovetop Instructions

1. Brown the beef
   Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until the meat loses all pinkness and the onion softens. Break the beef apart as it cooks to create even, bite-sized pieces.
2. Add the garlic
   Stir in the minced garlic and allow it to cook for about two minutes. This releases its aroma and adds a deeper flavor base to the soup.
3. Combine all remaining ingredients
   Pour in the broth, then add the crushed tomatoes, black beans, corn, chili beans, and green chiles. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, and any additional seasoning you prefer.
4. Simmer gently
   Cover the pot with a lid and let everything simmer together for 15 minutes. You can leave it longer if you want the flavors to intensify even more—just stir occasionally.
5. Serve warm
   Ladle the soup into bowls and finish with your favorite toppings: diced avocado, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, cilantro, chopped onions, or a dollop of sour cream (optional).

---

Slow Cooker Instructions

1. Choose your method for the beef
   You may brown the ground beef first for a richer flavor, or you can add the raw ground beef directly into the slow cooker and break it into smaller chunks.
2. Add all ingredients
   Place the beef in the cooker along with all remaining ingredients. Mix well.
3. Cook low and slow
   • Set to LOW for 8–10 hours
   • Or HIGH for 4–6 hours
4. Serve and enjoy
   Once the soup is hot, fragrant, and well blended, scoop into bowls and garnish as desired.

---

Tips for the Best Taco Soup

• Letting the soup simmer longer enhances the spices and overall flavor.
• Adjust the heat level with cayenne or skip it entirely for a mild version.
• Use your preferred type of broth depending on the flavor profile you enjoy most.
• For a thicker consistency, simmer uncovered during the last few minutes.
• This soup freezes wonderfully—ideal for meal prep or storing leftovers.

---

Why This Taco Soup Makes the Perfect Dinner

This taco soup recipe is the kind of dish that transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, soul-warming meal. The combination of meat, beans, tomatoes, and spices creates a balanced blend that feels both cozy and energizing. It’s filling without being heavy, flavorful without being complicated, and versatile enough for any evening of the week. It tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for lunches and reheatable dinners.

From busy weekdays to relaxed weekends, this taco soup brings everything you love about tacos into a nourishing bowl—perfect for sharing with family or enjoying on your own.

---

Print