I initially shared the recipe for Taco soup on Budget Bytes, and now I’m excited for its triumphant return. This soup is not only quick and effortless to prepare, but I have also created my own homemade versions of all the seasoning mixes. This allows me the flexibility to go completely homemade or opt for the convenience of store-bought when necessary. Having options is always a plus! 😉
What is Taco Soup?
Taco soup is an incredibly simple dish that combines ground beef, an abundance of beans, flavorful vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, green chiles, and corn, all simmered in a richly spiced tomato broth. This soup is packed with delightful flavors and a satisfying texture, yet it demands minimal effort to make. And the most exciting part? It eagerly awaits all the delightful taco toppings you can imagine!
To prepare taco soup, gather the following ingredients:
What to Serve with Taco Soup
Taco soup is a bowl full of flavors, making it a complete meal on its own. However, if you desire an additional accompaniment, I recommend trying some plain cornbread or perhaps a serving of Cilantro Lime Rice.
Before diving into the side dishes, ensure that you have these delightful toppings for your taco soup.
Store-Bought vs. Homemade Seasonings
Taco soup is highly favored due to its simplicity and utilization of readily available pantry ingredients. Instead of measuring out multiple herbs and spices, store-bought seasoning mixes can be used. However, these store-bought packets often contain excessive sodium. If you desire greater control over the ingredients in your taco soup, we offer homemade versions of both seasoning packets as alternatives. Check out our Homemade Taco Seasoning and Homemade Ranch Seasoning for a more authentic homemade option.
How to Store taco Soup
Taco soup is an ideal option for meal preparation since its flavors intensify while chilling in the refrigerator! To expedite the cooling process, divide the soup into individual servings right after cooking, and then refrigerate it for 4-5 days. If you wish to store it for a longer period, you can transfer the cooled soup to the freezer where it can be preserved for approximately three months. Reheating the soup is a breeze, either in the microwave or on the stovetop using a saucepot on medium-low heat.
How to Make Taco Soup – Step by Step Photos
In a large soup pot, incorporate 1 tablespoon of olive oil along with one pound of ground beef. Cook over medium heat until the beef is thoroughly cooked. If you are using beef with high fat content, remove any excess fat from the pot. After the beef is cooked, introduce one diced yellow onion and 4 cloves of minced garlic. Keep stirring and cooking until the onions become soft and translucent.
To combine, incorporate one cup of frozen corn kernels, one can of drained black beans (15oz.), one can of drained pinto beans (15oz.), and two cans of diced tomatoes with green chiles (10oz. each) along with their juices.
Combine 3 tablespoons of tomato paste, either one packet of taco seasoning or one homemade taco seasoning recipe, either one packet of ranch seasoning or one homemade ranch seasoning recipe, and 2 cups of water. Mix well.
Increase the heat to medium-high and cover with a lid. Let the soup reach a boiling point. Once it boils, stir it, reduce the heat to medium-low, and allow it to simmer for 15 minutes, occasionally stirring.
Please taste the soup and make any necessary adjustments to the seasonings according to your preference (I have not included any extra ingredients).
Enjoy the soup piping hot, garnished with your preferred toppings of tortilla chips, cilantro, and sour cream!
