Name: Quick and Easy Taco Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef; 1 can whole kernel corn (15.25 ounces, drained); 1 can mild chili beans (16 ounces, undrained); 1 can pinto beans (15 ounces, rinsed and drained); 1 1/2 cups water; 1 envelope taco seasoning mix; 1 can stewed tomatoes (14.5 ounces); 1 envelope ranch salad dressing mix; 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles (10 ounces); 1 can chopped green chiles (4 ounces, optional)

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If there’s one dish you can always rely on for a comforting, flavor-packed meal with barely any fuss, it’s Quick and Easy Taco Soup. This is the kind of recipe you can throw together on a busy weeknight or even when you have surprise guests at the door, and the result never disappoints—hearty, bold, and loaded with the goodness of beans, beef, tomatoes, and a zesty taco kick. Best of all, it’s as customizable as it is satisfying, so you’ll find this soup easily slips into your dinner rotation, turning even the simplest evening into a mini celebration.

Quick and Easy Taco Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh items are all you need to create this robust soup. Each ingredient brings something special—whether it’s richness, texture, or a pop of color—to make Quick and Easy Taco Soup genuinely crave-worthy.

Ground beef: This is the hearty base that adds rich flavor and satisfying protein to every spoonful.
Whole kernel corn: Corn adds a touch of sweetness and pretty pops of yellow throughout the bowl.
Mild chili beans: No draining needed; their flavorful sauce helps thicken and season the soup.
Pinto beans: These add creamy texture and extra plant-based protein, beautifully balancing the chili beans.
Water: It loosens the soup to just the right consistency so every bite is perfectly spoonable.
Taco seasoning mix: The star seasoning—bold, aromatic spices that give this soup its signature taco-inspired flair.
Stewed tomatoes: These tomatoes add tangy depth and a lovely, chunky texture to the broth.
Ranch salad dressing mix: A secret ingredient that lends a subtle herby, creamy background note you’ll love.
Diced tomatoes with green chiles: This duo provides just the right amount of zest and a light spicy bite.
Chopped green chiles (optional): For those who crave even more of a gentle, warming heat in their soup.

How to Make Quick and Easy Taco Soup

Step 1: Gather and Prep Ingredients

This is your chance to set yourself up for a stress-free cooking session: round up all the cans, packets, and fresh items on your counter, and open or measure out each one—making assembly a breeze once you start cooking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Set a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking up the meat as you go, until it’s evenly browned and no longer pink. This should take about 7 to 10 minutes and sets the foundation for great flavor.

Step 3: Drain and Season

Once your beef is nicely browned, drain off any excess fat so you don’t end up with a greasy soup. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and mix well to coat every morsel, allowing those classic flavors to infuse the meat.

Step 4: Add the Goods

Pour in the corn, chili beans (with their sauce), pinto beans, water, stewed tomatoes, ranch mix, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and if you’re feeling a little spicy, the chopped green chiles. Give everything a hearty stir to combine all the layers of flavor.

Step 5: Bring to a Boil

Turn the heat up to medium-high and let your soup come to a lively boil. This helps all the flavors start mingling and thickens the broth just a touch.

Step 6: Simmer and Savor

Reduce the heat and let it all simmer away—uncovered and bubbling gently—for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks and every bean, kernel, and chunk gets wonderfully coated in that delicious broth.

Step 7: Dish Up and Enjoy

Your Quick and Easy Taco Soup is ready to ladle into bowls! Top with your favorite fixings and let everyone customize their own bowlful of comfort.

How to Serve Quick and Easy Taco Soup

Garnishes

No bowl of Quick and Easy Taco Soup is complete without a flurry of toppings. Think shredded cheese for melty richness, a dollop of sour cream for cool creaminess, vibrant green onions, or a handful of crispy tortilla chips for crunch. Let everyone around the table build their own perfect bowl.

Side Dishes

This soup is filling enough to shine on its own, but if you want to make it a full meal, consider serving with fluffy cornbread, warm flour tortillas, or even a crisp green salad for extra freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or game day, set up a DIY soup bar with an array of toppings and let everyone help themselves. Or, ladle the soup into mugs for a cozy, casual twist—just right for curling up on the couch with a comforting bowl in hand.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Quick and Easy Taco Soup, simply cool it to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. Kept in the fridge, it’ll last for up to 4 days and the flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to.

Freezing

This soup freezes exceptionally well! Let it cool, then pack into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little space for expansion. You can freeze for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring now and again until fully warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover your bowl and heat in short bursts, stirring between each round, for even results.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute if you prefer something leaner, and it works beautifully with the other flavors in Quick and Easy Taco Soup.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Yes! Skip the beef and add extra beans or a meatless crumble to create a plant-based version that’s just as delicious and satisfying.

Do I have to use both the taco and ranch seasoning?

They’re both key for that signature punch, but if you only have taco seasoning on hand, your soup will still be tasty—just a little less creamy and tangy.

How spicy is this soup?

It’s mild as written, but you can easily kick up the heat by adding more green chiles, using hot taco seasoning, or sprinkling in some crushed red pepper flakes.

Can I make Quick and Easy Taco Soup in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Brown the meat first, then add everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until hot and bubbly. It’s the easiest set-it-and-forget-it dinner!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a fast, foolproof, and utterly comforting dinner, I can’t recommend this Quick and Easy Taco Soup enough. It’s a true weeknight hero that never fails to please—so give it a try, play with your favorite toppings, and enjoy every soul-warming bite!

Quick and Easy Taco Soup Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 5 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A flavorful and satisfying taco soup that is quick and easy to prepare. This hearty soup is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or when you want a comforting meal that the whole family will love.

Instructions

Gather Ingredients: Collect all the ingredients and prepare a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot.
Cook Ground Beef: Brown the ground beef in the Dutch oven over medium heat for 7-10 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks.
Drain Fat: Remove excess fat from the cooked beef to avoid greasiness in the soup.
Add Seasonings: Mix in the taco seasoning with the beef, ensuring it is evenly coated.
Combine Ingredients: Add the corn, chili beans, pinto beans, water, stewed tomatoes, ranch mix, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and optional green chiles. Stir well to combine.
Boil and Simmer: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for approximately 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve: Serve the taco soup hot, and offer optional toppings like tortilla chips, cheese, sour cream, or green onions.

Notes

You can customize the soup by adding your favorite toppings like avocado, sliced jalapenos, or cilantro.
This soup can be easily reheated, making it a great option for leftovers.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican