This Simple Taco Soup is a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy one-pot meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and tomatoes, it's a Tex-Mex favorite that comes together in under an hour. Serve it piping hot with your favorite toppings for a comforting dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
1lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
1medium onion (diced)
1 jalapeno pepper (seeded and minced (optional for heat))
4 garlic cloves (minced)
1Tbsp chili powder
1tsp cumin
1tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
½tsp oregano
1½Tbsp dry ranch dressing mix (or substitute with 1/3 cup chopped cilantro + 1 Tbsp lime juice)
1tsp salt (or to taste)
1(15 oz) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
1(15 oz) can pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
1(15 oz) can whole kernel corn (drained)
1(14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
1(8 oz) can tomato sauce
2cups beef broth
1(4.5 oz) can chopped green chilies
Toppings (Optional)
shredded cheddar cheese
sour cream
diced avocado
tortilla chips (crushed)
chopped fresh cilantro
lime wedges
Instructions
1
Brown the BeefIn a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if desired.
2
Sauté AromaticsAdd the diced onion and minced jalapeno (if using) to the pot with the beef. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the onion is softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
3
Add SpicesStir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, dry ranch dressing mix, and salt. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and enhance their flavor.
4
Simmer the SoupAdd the black beans, pinto beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, beef broth, and green chilies to the pot. Stir well to combine.
5
CookBring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
6
ServeLadle the hot soup into bowls. Serve immediately, allowing everyone to top their soup with their favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips, and cilantro.
A squeeze of fresh lime juice is a perfect finishing touch.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 7
Serving Size 1.5 cups
Amount Per Serving
Calories420kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat21gg33%
Saturated Fat8gg40%
Trans Fat1gg
Cholesterol65mgmg22%
Sodium1100mgmg46%
Potassium1150mgmg33%
Total Carbohydrate32gg11%
Dietary Fiber10gg40%
Sugars7gg
Protein28gg57%
Calcium 120mg mg
Iron 5.0mg mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Make ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Slow cooker option: After browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add all the remaining ingredients (except toppings). Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Spice level: For a milder soup, omit the jalapeno or use a mild green chili. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a can of hot diced tomatoes.
Ranch mix substitute: For a fresher flavor, omit the dry ranch mix and stir in 1/3 cup of chopped fresh cilantro and 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice at the end of cooking.
Vegetarian version: Omit the ground beef and use 1 cup of cooked lentils or an extra can of beans. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Storage: Freeze the soup (without toppings) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.