This easy Taco Soup recipe comes together in no time at all yet has so much flavor. With just 5 minutes prep time, you’ll make this one often!
It’s been cold here again in Northern VA. After the monster storm that hit the east last month, we’d gotten some warmer weather, so much warmer that I’d been going for long walks outside again and taking in the fresh air.
But now that it’s 20 degrees again with a wind chill that makes even this former Wisconsin girl stay indoors, I knew it was time for some serious comfort food. Enter this easy taco soup!
When I say that this is an easy Taco Soup recipe, I mean it. The only prep there is – aside from opening a few cans – is chopping half an onion and two garlic cloves! Just add your ground beef or cooked, shredded chicken, then throw in a few cans of delicious goodness.
I use fire-roasted diced tomatoes (once you try fire-roasted you will always use them, they have so much flavor) and a couple cans of diced tomatoes with green chiles. Add cans of corn, black beans, and chicken stock, then just let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
Ingredients for easy Taco Soup
- olive oil
- onion
- garlic
- ground beef or cooked, shredded chicken
- taco seasoning
- tomato sauce
- canned diced tomatoes
- canned tomatoes with green chiles
- corn
- black beans
- chicken stock
Taco Soup variations
- Both ground beef and cooked, shredded chicken work well in this recipe. Try them both to see which is your favorite!
- Although this soup doesn’t need thickening, I’ve made it with extra chicken stock then thickened it with a cornstarch slurry at the end. It’s good both ways! You can also just let it simmer longer on the stove until it’s thickened to your liking.
- Add some heavy cream at the very end of cooking (about 1/4 cup to start then add more if you want it even creamier). Simmer for another minute or so after adding the cream.
- Another way to make this a creamy taco soup is to add cubes of softened cream cheese. If I have some on hand, this is one addition that I always make! Don’t be concerned if the cream cheese doesn’t melt completely into the soup – the little pieces make for one delicious bite!
- Add some adobo sauce (from a can of chipotle chiles in adobo sauce) for a smoky flavor with some spice. You can also just finely chop one of the chiles and add that, too.
- If you’re more of a meat lover, double the chicken or beef, then skip the beans and/or corn. Another option is to double the entire recipe, then triple the beef but keep the corn and bean amounts the same.
How long does taco soup last in the refrigerator?
This will last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen in one big batch or individual portions. The quality will be best before 3 months but feel free to leave it frozen for up to 6 months.
Some friends and I got together to watch the Better Call Saul premiere (have you watched it yet? If you’re a Breaking Bad fan like I am, do yourself a favor and tune in)! We all felt like hibernating with this cold weather and this easy taco soup was perfect for the occasion.
Everyone brought a snack and the hit was definitely tortilla chips since they go so well together. This is a thick soup, especially the next day, and a few of us were “dipping” it with some extra cheese and sour cream. It’s that versatile and it really does taste like a taco.
I love that it’s so simple and that everyone loves it, from kids to adults. It’s not spicy at all but you could easily throw in some jalapeños on top or sauté them with the onions. If it’s a party, just dice some and let your guests add them to their bowls.
Easy Taco Soup Recipe
This is a great weeknight recipe that's packed with flavor. Use either chicken or beef!
Ingredients
- 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb ground beef or cooked, shredded chicken (see notes)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 8-oz can tomato sauce
- 1 14.5-oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained (can substitute regular)
- 2 10-oz cans tomatoes with green chiles, undrained (such as Rotel)
- 1 14.5-oz can corn, drained
- 1 15-oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 14.5-oz can chicken stock
- coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
Toppings
- shredded cheddar or a Mexican-blend cheese, crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, green onions, chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat a large pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil and, when it's shimmering, add the chopped onions. Saute for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the ground beef and cook it until almost no pink remains. (If using cooked chicken, add it now). Drain off any fat.
- Add the garlic and cook for about one minute, stirring occasionally.
- Add the taco seasoning and stir to combine. Add the remaining ingredients, stir and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes (or longer), stirring occasionally. Season to taste with the salt and pepper.
- Ladle into bowls and add your desired toppings.
Notes
You can use either beef or chicken for this recipe. When I use chicken, I usually just pick up a rotisserie chicken and use that, however you can use a pound of any cooked chicken (grilled chicken is especially delicious).
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 462Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 97mgSodium: 1226mgCarbohydrates: 32gFiber: 9gSugar: 9gProtein: 37g
This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix.
- Smoked Cream Cheese - May 14, 2024
- Caprese Bites Appetizer Recipe - March 10, 2024
- Bruschetta Caprese Recipe - March 6, 2024