There is something about a big pot of taco soup bubbling on the stove that feels like home. This Ground Beef Taco Soup Recipe with Beans is my go-to for cool nights, busy weeks, or anytime I want dinner to taste like a hug. You get the heartiness of chili, the zesty flavor of tacos, and the comfort of a simple soup all in one bowl. Whether you cook it on the stovetop or turn it into a Crock Pot Soup Ground Beef style, it always turns out warm, rich, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Ground beef: The base of this soup. You can use lean beef or regular ground chuck for a richer flavor. If you prefer, you can even mix in some ground turkey to make it lighter.
Onion and garlic: These two add deep flavor and that perfect home-cooked aroma that fills the whole kitchen.
Taco seasoning: Use a store-bought packet or your own blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano. It’s what gives this soup its bold taco kick.
Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add body, while a can of tomato sauce thickens everything into a hearty base. Fire-roasted tomatoes are a nice touch if you want a smoky flavor.
Beans: You can mix and match here. I love a combination of kidney beans, pinto beans, and black beans. They add fiber, texture, and a creamy bite that makes this soup stick-to-your-ribs good.
Corn: Sweet corn gives balance to the savory spices. Frozen or canned both work fine.
Beef broth: The liquid that brings everything together. It keeps the soup full-bodied without watering down the taste.
Optional toppings: Try shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, diced avocado, or crushed tortilla chips. Every topping adds its own personality to the bowl.
Step by Step Instructions
Start by browning the ground beef in a large soup pot or Dutch oven. As the meat cooks, use your spoon to break it apart. When it’s no longer pink, drain off any extra grease. This step gives the soup a cleaner taste and lets the taco spices shine through.
Add chopped onion and garlic to the pot. Stir them into the beef and cook for about three minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. You’ll smell that mix of savory and sweet from the onions and spice from the garlic—it’s a sign your base is perfect.
Next, sprinkle in your taco seasoning. Stir well so every bit of beef gets coated. This helps the seasoning bloom in the hot pan, unlocking all that flavor.
Now pour in your diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, drained beans, corn, and beef broth. Stir to combine. It might look a little thin at first, but don’t worry; it will thicken as it simmers.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about twenty-five minutes. Stir occasionally and taste to adjust the seasoning. If you like it spicier, toss in a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce.
When the soup has thickened slightly and all the flavors have married, it’s ready. Serve it steaming hot in deep bowls. Set out your toppings so everyone can make it their own. It’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary evening into something special.
Slow Cooker Option
To make this a true Fall Crockpot Recipes Ground Beef favorite, brown your beef first on the stove. Drain it, then add all the ingredients to your slow cooker. Stir and cover. Cook on low for six hours or on high for three. The long, slow simmer gives the beans time to soak up all the taco flavor. When you open the lid, you’ll have a Crock Pot Soup Ground Beef dish that tastes like you worked all day even if you didn’t.
Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t skip draining your beef. Too much grease makes the soup oily instead of savory. Also, don’t skip seasoning in layers. The taco seasoning should hit the pan early so it can wake up those spices. And don’t forget to taste before serving. A squeeze of lime or a little salt at the end can take your Ground Beef Taco Soup Recipe with Beans from good to unforgettable.
Pro Tips
Use fresh garlic and onions instead of powders. They build a stronger base flavor. If you’re planning to freeze the soup, leave out the corn and add it later when reheating. This keeps it from getting mushy. When you want extra richness, stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream right before serving—it turns the broth silky and thick.
If you’re feeding a crowd, double the recipe. It reheats beautifully, so leftovers make perfect lunches or quick suppers later in the week. You can even pour it over rice or baked potatoes for a fun twist. If you ever wondered, What Can I Do With Ground Beef that feels both familiar and new, this soup answers that question every time.
For nights when you want variety, try pairing it with a comfort classic like this Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Recipe. Or, if you’re in a cozy casserole mood, check out the Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Both make wonderful side-by-side meals with this soup when you’re feeding family or hosting game night.
If you love turning classic dishes into easy dinners, you might also enjoy my Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe or this hearty Longhorn Steakhouse Chicken Recipe. These are perfect when you need more Taco Meat Meal Ideas or Healthy Supper Ideas With Ground Beef to keep dinner exciting without spending hours in the kitchen.
Serving Suggestions
This soup loves company. Serve it with warm cornbread or tortilla chips for dipping. A simple green salad with a squeeze of lime keeps the meal fresh and bright. If you’re feeding kids, try serving it over white rice it makes a mild, filling bowl that little ones love. For adults, top it with chopped jalapeños and cilantro for a punch of flavor. It also pairs well with roasted sweet potatoes or a side of baked tortilla strips for crunch.
Ground Beef Taco Soup Recipe with Beans
Equipment
- Dutch Oven or Large Pot
- Wooden Spoon
- Slow Cooker (optional)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef lean or regular ground chuck
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade mix
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14 oz, fire-roasted optional
- 1 can tomato sauce 8 oz
- 1 can kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can pinto beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn frozen or canned, drained
- 3 cups beef broth low sodium preferred
Optional Toppings
- shredded cheese for garnish
- sour cream for serving
- diced avocado optional
- tortilla chips crushed, for topping
Instructions
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in taco seasoning and cook for another minute to bloom the spices.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, corn, and beef broth. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens slightly and flavors blend.
- Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a dash of cayenne if desired. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
- Slow Cooker Option: Brown beef on the stove, drain, then transfer to a slow cooker with all remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, and you should. Like most Ground Beef Recipes For Dinner Soup, the flavor deepens overnight. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until hot. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much in the fridge.
Can I freeze Ground Beef Taco Soup Recipe with Beans?
Absolutely. This soup freezes beautifully. Cool it fully, then store it in freezer-safe bags or containers. It keeps for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove. It’s one of those Best Supper Recipes to keep in your back pocket for busy weeks or surprise guests.
What can I make with taco meat if I have leftovers?
If you have extra taco meat, stir it into this soup for even more flavor. You can also use it in burritos, quesadillas, or stuffed peppers. If you’ve ever wondered What Can I Make With Taco Meat beyond tacos, this recipe gives you a whole new reason to smile at leftovers.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, you can skip the ground beef entirely and double the beans. Add a little extra taco seasoning and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The result is still rich, hearty, and full of that same taco spirit. It’s one of those Simple Ground Beef Recipes Healthy enough to adapt for anyone at your table.
More Helpful Notes
This soup is one of those fall favorites that never disappoint. It’s quick enough for a weekday and hearty enough for Sunday supper. It belongs right next to your chili and stew recipes because it checks all the same boxes—warm, filling, and family approved. You can make it mild or spicy, thick or brothy, depending on what you like. It’s versatile, comforting, and endlessly customizable.
If you love this kind of meal, you’ll probably enjoy learning more about slow cooking and bean-based soups. For example, the folks over at The Kitchn have a great guide on different ways to make taco soup even heartier. It’s a helpful resource when you want to experiment with texture or spice levels while keeping it easy and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Taco Soup Recipe with Beans is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. It’s budget-friendly, easy to make, and full of flavor that tastes like comfort. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s one of the Best Supper Recipes in my kitchen. Whether you serve it straight from the stove or out of a slow cooker on a chilly fall night, it’s pure homemade joy in a bowl. Make it once and you’ll find yourself craving it every time the weather turns cool.
