One-Pot Taco Soup

Taco soup is a weeknight dream—hearty, flavorful, and ready in one pot. This easy recipe brings together seasoned ground beef, beans, sweet corn, and tomatoes in a richly spiced broth. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, taco soup delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Top it with cheddar, sour cream, or tortilla chips for that perfect taco night vibe—without the taco mess.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

this recipe

• One pot = less cleanup
• Packed with fiber and protein
• Easily customizable (vegetarian, dairy-free, etc.)
• Freezes beautifully
• Big flavor from simple ingredients

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional for extra richness)
• 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade mix)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Shredded cheddar, for serving
• Sour cream, for serving
• Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

1. Brown the meat:
   In a large pot over medium heat, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
2. Add seasoning:
   Stir in taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
3. Add remaining ingredients:
   Pour in beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and broth. Stir well to combine.
4. Simmer:
   Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes.
5. Taste and adjust:
   Add more salt, pepper, or spice as needed.
6. Serve:
   Ladle into bowls and top with cheese, sour cream, and cilantro.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4–6 servings

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 24g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sodium: 740mg

Tips & Variations

• Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and use an extra can of beans or lentils.
• Add veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach work well.
• Spice it up: Add hot sauce or diced jalapeños.
• Freeze it: Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
• Toppings bar: Let everyone customize with avocado, lime, green onions, or crushed tortilla chips.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a lean, tasty substitute. Add a touch more seasoning to boost flavor.

What if I don’t have canned tomatoes?
Use 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes or 1 cup tomato sauce as a replacement.

Is this gluten-free?
It can be—just use gluten-free taco seasoning and broth.

How should I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Taco Soup

Hearty, one-pot taco soup with beef, beans, and corn. Ready in under 40 minutes and perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• – 1 lb ground beef
• – 1 small onion chopped
• – 2 cloves garlic minced
• – 1 can kidney beans drained
• – 1 can black beans drained
• – 1 can corn kernels drained
• – 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• – 1 can diced tomatoes optional
• – 2 cups beef broth
• – 1 packet taco seasoning
• – 1 tsp ground cumin
• – 1 tsp chili powder
• – Salt & pepper to taste
• – Shredded cheddar sour cream, cilantro (optional toppings)

Equipment

• – Large soup pot
• Wooden spoon
• – Can opener
• Ladle

Method

 

1. Brown beef with onion and garlic in large pot. Drain excess fat.
2. Stir in seasoning, cumin, chili powder, salt & pepper.
3. Add beans, corn, tomatoes, and broth. Stir.
4. Bring to boil, reduce heat, and simmer 20–25 mins.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning.
6. Serve with toppings.

Notes

– Substitute turkey for beef
– Add veggies for more nutrition
– Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months

Conclusion

Taco soup is everything you love about taco night—minus the shell. It’s cozy, filling, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you top it with cheddar and sour cream or keep it simple, this soup is a surefire win for busy nights or lazy weekends.