Name: Hearty Taco Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 pound lean ground beef; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons taco seasoning; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (15-ounce) can no salt added tomato sauce; 1 cup frozen corn kernels; 1 (4-ounce) can mild diced green chiles; 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth; Juice of 1 lime

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 15 reviews

If you’re craving a bowl that’s bursting with bold flavors, vibrant colors, and that unbeatable comfort-food feeling, you’re going to love this Hearty Taco Soup Recipe. It brings together all the goodness of a taco in a warm, satisfying soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want a quick, nourishing meal. Ground beef, beans, corn, and just the right amount of spices meld together to create a dish that’s easy to make but never fails to impress. This soup is an absolute crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug in every spoonful.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows various ingredients neatly placed on a white marbled surface. On the far right, a white square plate holds a single layer of raw ground meat with a pinkish-red color and a soft texture. Next to it are small clear glass bowls containing brownish spice powder, pale green chopped chilies, and a mix of garlic cloves resting beside reddish tomato sauce in a larger bowl. Above these are three deeper glass bowls arranged in a row containing dark red kidney beans, black beans, and yellow corn kernels, each filling the bowls in a single full layer. A whole light brown onion, bright green lime, and a small clear bottle of yellow cooking oil are positioned near the top right corner. Near the center is a clear measuring cup filled with dark brown liquid broth, with two small bowls holding white salt and reddish spice powder nearby. The white marbled surface and natural colors of the ingredients give a clean and fresh feel to the arrangement. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple ingredients are at the heart of this soup, each carefully chosen to deliver layers of flavor, perfect texture, and inviting color. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh basics, you’re setting yourself up for an effortless weeknight win.

Olive oil: For sautéing onions and creating a flavor base that’s rich without overpowering.
Medium onion (diced): Adds sweet sharpness and depth to your soup foundation.
Lean ground beef: The hearty protein that gives this soup its filling, meaty character.
Garlic cloves (minced): Infuses every bite with aromatic warmth and a hint of spice.
Taco seasoning: Your shortcut to that classic taco flavor — a blend of herbs and spices that wakes up the palate.
Chili powder: Boosts the heat level just enough to keep things intriguing.
Salt: Balances and enhances every other flavor in the pot.
Black beans (drained and rinsed): Provide creaminess and hearty texture along with vibrant color.
Kidney beans (drained and rinsed): Adds an earthy, dense bite to round out the beans.
No salt added tomato sauce: Base for the broth, offering tang and slight sweetness.
Frozen corn kernels: Pops of sweetness that add a wonderful crunch and bright yellow hue.
Mild diced green chiles: Brings gentle heat and a smoky note that amplifies complexity.
Low-sodium vegetable broth: The liquid that ties everything together while keeping sodium in check.
Juice of 1 lime: A fresh finish that lifts and brightens all the rich flavors.

How to Make Hearty Taco Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your diced onions and cook them for about 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent. This step builds a flavor-packed base that gives your soup a mild sweetness and a fragrant aroma, setting the tone for everything to come.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Spice It Up

Next, toss in the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spoon as it cooks. Let it brown evenly over 5 to 7 minutes until those gorgeous golden bits form — that’s where the deep flavor hides. Stir in your minced garlic, taco seasoning, chili powder, and salt, cooking for another minute to toast the spices and truly awaken their taste.

Step 3: Add the Beans, Veggies, and Broth

Now, it’s time to bring in the colorful, hearty ingredients: black beans, kidney beans, tomato sauce, corn, diced green chiles, and vegetable broth. Stir everything together and crank up the heat to bring the mixture to a lively boil, ensuring all the components marry beautifully.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Lower the heat and let the soup gently simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. You’ll notice the broth thickening slightly as the flavors concentrate. This simmering time is key to develop that classic rich and inviting taste that makes this a Hearty Taco Soup Recipe like no other.

Step 5: Brighten with Lime and Serve

Just before ladling the soup into bowls, stir in the fresh lime juice. This splash of citrus cuts through the richness and adds a delightful tang that makes every spoonful pop with flavor.

How to Serve Hearty Taco Soup Recipe

A round white pot shows a mix of five layers before stirring. On the left, dark red kidney beans fill one quarter. Next to it, top center, small dark brown beans cover another quarter. On the right side, bright red tomato sauce fills about a quarter of the pot. Below the beans and sauce, a small pile of chopped green peppers sits over some yellow corn kernels scattered in a liquid base. A clear measuring cup with light brown broth is pouring into the pot from the bottom right. The entire pot is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Once your soup’s ready, feel free to dress it up! Crumbled cheese, sliced avocado, dollops of sour cream, fresh cilantro, or crunchy tortilla strips bring contrasting textures and fresh flavors that elevate every bowl. These garnishes make your soup feel extra special and tailor it to your tastes.

Side Dishes

Pair your hearty bowl with some warm cornbread, a simple green salad, or even crispy tortilla chips for scooping. Each side adds its own comforting element, completing the meal and making it a true go-to dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re looking to impress guests or just want a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or alongside a colorful array of toppings for a DIY taco soup bar. It’s an interactive way to enjoy the Hearty Taco Soup Recipe and lets everyone customize their experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Hearty Taco Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Flavors tend to deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even more delicious.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, too! Transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, so you have a comforting meal ready whenever you need it.

Reheating

Reheat gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave individual servings, stirring halfway through. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef for extra beans or lentils, and use vegetable broth to keep it plant-based. You can also add diced veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for extra heartiness.

How spicy is the Hearty Taco Soup Recipe?

The heat level is mild thanks to the mild diced green chiles and balanced spices, but you can easily adjust it by adding more chili powder or a dash of hot sauce if you like a kick.

Can I use canned corn instead of frozen?

Yes, canned corn works just fine. Just be sure to drain it well to avoid extra liquid in the soup, which can thin out the broth.

Is it okay to use pre-made taco seasoning?

Definitely. Store-bought taco seasoning is a convenient shortcut and works wonderfully here. Just check the sodium content if you’re watching your salt intake.

How can I make the soup thicker?

To thicken your soup, let it simmer a bit longer uncovered or mash some beans against the side of the pot to naturally thicken the broth. Adding a small amount of tomato paste can also help deepen the texture.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Taco Soup Recipe is one of those gems that feels both special and simple, perfect for warming you up from the inside out. It’s straightforward enough for any weeknight, yet flavorful enough to impress family and friends. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your cozy meal rotation.

Hearty Taco Soup Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need