Beef Taco Soup has been a family favorite of mine ever since I was a little kid. I can still remember the first time my mom made it – the heavenly aroma of simmering spices and tender beef would fill the entire house, making my mouth water in anticipation. Even as a picky eater back then, I couldn’t resist a big bowlful of that comforting, flavor-packed soup.
Mom would ladle it up piping hot, topped with crispy tortilla strips, a dollop of cool sour cream, and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. I’d curl up on the couch, holding the warm bowl close and slurping up every last drop. It was the perfect meal to enjoy on a chilly autumn evening or a rainy spring day. To this day, that flavor combination of zesty taco seasoning, tender beef, and fresh veggies is my ultimate comfort food.
Why This Beef Taco Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Beef Taco Soup
What makes this Beef Taco Soup recipe so special is the balance of flavors and textures. The key is simmering the beef low and slow to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, while allowing the taco seasoning, tomatoes, and broth to meld together into a rich, satisfying broth. Plus, the addition of kidney beans and corn gives it heartiness and substance. It’s the perfect blend of spicy, savory, and a little bit sweet. One bowl and you’ll be hooked!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Lean ground beef: This provides the protein and heartiness. Look for at least 93% lean to keep it healthy.
- Onion: Sautéing the onion first builds a flavorful base for the soup.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds depth and aroma.
- Taco seasoning: This seasoning blend is the star of the show, delivering all those classic taco flavors.
- Beef broth: The liquid base that brings everything together.
- Diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes with their juices add texture and acidity.
- Kidney beans: For extra fiber and protein.
- Corn: Frozen or canned corn kernels add a sweet crunch.
Step-by-Step Beef Taco Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Beef Taco Soup
This Beef Taco Soup comes together quickly on the stovetop, taking just about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven to cook everything in. Let’s get started!
1- In the pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, making sure to crumble it as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
2- Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
3- Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, kidney beans, and corn. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed – you may want to add a pinch more taco seasoning or salt and pepper.
5- Ladle the hot Beef Taco Soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced avocado.
6- Serve the Beef Taco Soup immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
A few pro tips for making the best Beef Taco Soup:
– Brown the beef really well to develop that savory, caramelized flavor.
– Use low-sodium broth and canned goods to control the salt content.
– Simmer the soup for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
– Customize the spice level by adjusting the taco seasoning amount.
– Don’t be afraid to get creative with toppings and mix-ins!
Serving and Storing Your Beef Taco Soup
Perfect Pairings for Beef Taco Soup
This Beef Taco Soup is a meal all on its own, but it also pairs deliciously with a few simple sides. Serve it with a fresh green salad, some homemade cornbread or tortilla chips, and an ice-cold beer for the ultimate comfort food feast. It’s perfect for game day gatherings, casual family dinners, or any night you need a hearty, satisfying meal.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Beef Taco Soup will keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat portions as needed. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
This recipe is also great for meal prepping. You can make a big batch on the weekend and portion it out for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. The flavors actually intensify the longer the soup sits, so it’s even more delicious the next day.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Beef Taco Soup
Creative Beef Taco Soup Variations
While this classic Beef Taco Soup recipe is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to mix it up. Try swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or shredded chicken. You can also change up the bean variety, using black beans, pinto beans, or a combination. Diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash make a tasty seasonal twist. And for extra smokiness, stir in a bit of chipotle chili powder or adobo sauce.
Making Beef Taco Soup Diet-Friendly
To make this Beef Taco Soup recipe healthier, simply use low-sodium broth and canned goods. You can also cut back on the amount of beef and load up on extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. For a gluten-free version, serve it over cauliflower rice or with gluten-free tortilla chips. And to make it vegan or vegetarian, substitute the beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute that will work just as well in this Beef Taco Soup recipe. The cooking time and method will be the same.
Q: How can I make the soup thicker?
A: If you’d like a heartier, stew-like consistency, you can mash or purée some of the beans directly in the pot. You can also let the soup simmer a bit longer to reduce the liquid. Just be sure to stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Q: Can I freeze leftover Beef Taco Soup?
A: Yes, this soup freezes very well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers or resealable bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat the soup?
A: For best results, reheat the Beef Taco Soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot throughout. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stopping to stir every 30 seconds.
Q: Can I make this in the slow cooker?
A: Definitely! Beef Taco Soup is perfect for the slow cooker. Just brown the beef, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Beef Taco Soup
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 6
Description
Enjoy the bold flavors of tacos in a hearty, satisfying soup with this easy Beef Taco Soup recipe. Made with ground beef, tomatoes, taco seasoning, and a variety of toppings, this comforting dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 packet taco seasoning
– 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
– 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
– Shredded cheddar cheese, for serving
– Sour cream, for serving
– Crushed tortilla chips, for serving
– Chopped cilantro, for serving
Instructions
1. – In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled, 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. – Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
3. – Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
4. – Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. – Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. – Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans to the pot. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
7. – Ladle the Beef Taco Soup into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, and chopped cilantro.
Notes
– For a spicier soup, add a diced jalapeño or use hot diced tomatoes.
– Customize the toppings to your liking, such as avocado, diced onion, or crushed Fritos.
– This soup freezes well, so it’s great for meal prep. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container and freezing.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican, American
Conclusion
This Beef Taco Soup is guaranteed to become a new family favorite in your house, just like it is in mine. The rich, flavorful broth, tender beef, and hearty veggies and beans make it a comforting and satisfying meal any time of year. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up on the stovetop in just 30 minutes.
I hope you’ll give this Beef Taco Soup recipe a try soon. Let me know how it turns out and be sure to share your favorite toppings and variations! Enjoy.