Taco soup is one of those comfort foods that brings a burst of flavor and warmth in every spoonful. It’s a recipe that hits the spot for just about any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a cozy dish for a rainy day, or something to feed a crowd. The beauty of taco soup lies in its simplicity, yet it offers so much flavor that it’ll quickly become a staple in your recipe arsenal.
This dish blends the best parts of a taco – spicy, savory, cheesy – and transforms it into a hearty, satisfying soup. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, meaning you can tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs, making it one of the most customizable recipes out there. Whether you prefer it extra spicy or with a touch of creaminess, taco soup can easily be adjusted to fit your craving.
5 Can Taco Soup Recipe
Ready to dive into a delicious, easy, and quick recipe? Let’s get right into the 5 Can Taco Soup – an incredibly simple, yet mouthwatering soup made with five basic canned ingredients.
Ingredients Needed
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1 can of kidney beans (or black beans)
- These beans add protein, fiber, and a nice hearty texture to the soup.
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1 can of corn (whole kernel or creamed)
- Sweet corn brings a subtle sweetness to balance out the spices and adds a juicy pop with every bite.
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1 can of diced tomatoes (preferably with green chilies)
- Adds a tangy, savory base with a slight heat from the chilies.
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1 can of tomato soup (or a can of chili beans if you prefer extra heat)
- The creamy texture of tomato soup makes the base thick and luscious, perfect for a satisfying bowl of soup.
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1 Packet Of Taco Seasoning Mix
- This is the magic ingredient that ties everything together, packing in tons of bold, zesty taco flavors in one convenient package.
Cooking Instructions
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Prepare The Base
In a large soup pot, pour in the tomato soup, kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Stir gently to combine the ingredients. This will form the base of your taco soup.
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Season The Soup
Open the taco seasoning packet and sprinkle it into the soup mixture. Stir well to make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the soup.
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Simmer To Blend The Flavors
Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the richness of the soup.
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Optional: Add Meat
If you’d like to add some extra protein, brown 1 lb of ground beef or turkey in a separate skillet and stir it into the soup about 10 minutes before serving. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick alternative.
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Garnish And Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls, then top with your favorite taco toppings – sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, crushed tortilla chips, or jalapeños. Enjoy!
Ingredient Insights
- Kidney Beans or Black Beans: These are excellent sources of plant-based protein and fiber. Black beans, in particular, have a slightly richer flavor, while kidney beans hold their shape better when cooked, making them great for texture in soups.
- Corn: A naturally sweet addition, corn adds a contrast to the spiciness of taco seasoning and provides a delightful crunch if you’re using whole kernel corn. It also has essential nutrients like vitamin C and potassium.
- Tomato Soup: This is the unsung hero of taco soup. The tomato flavor is tangy but rich, giving the soup its creamy base. Tomato soup also brings a velvety consistency that blends perfectly with the beans and corn.
- Taco Seasoning: A blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano, taco seasoning is a shortcut to bringing the perfect blend of flavors to any taco-inspired dish. You can always make your own seasoning mix if you want to control the heat and flavors more precisely.
Expert Tips
- Spice It Up: If you prefer a spicier soup, consider adding some diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or even a few pinches of cayenne pepper. Adjust according to your heat tolerance.
- Use Leftovers: If you have leftover taco fillings, like seasoned ground beef or chicken, throw them into the soup for added flavor and a heartier dish.
- Make It Creamy: For a richer, creamier version of taco soup, stir in a bit of cream cheese or sour cream toward the end of the cooking process. This gives it a velvety texture and mellows out the heat.
- Slow Cooker Version: If you have more time, you can easily make this in a slow cooker. Just dump all the ingredients in and cook on low for 4-6 hours. This allows the flavors to really develop and the beans to soften even more.
Recipe Variations
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Vegetarian Taco Soup
Leave out the meat and add extra beans or some quinoa for protein. This makes the soup not only vegetarian but also a great option for those looking to reduce their meat intake.
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Low-Carb Version
To make this soup keto-friendly or lower in carbs, replace the corn with zucchini or cauliflower rice. You’ll still get that comforting texture without the extra starch.
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Creamy Chicken Taco Soup
Add shredded rotisserie chicken to the base, and for a creamy twist, stir in some heavy cream or cream cheese. This variation makes it extra rich and satisfying.
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Southwest Chicken Taco Soup
Add a can of diced green chilies and a handful of cilantro for a burst of southwestern flavor. You can also garnish with fresh avocado slices to complement the richness.
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Spicy Beef Taco Soup
For a more traditional flavor, brown ground beef with onions and garlic before adding it to the soup. You can also throw in a few tablespoons of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for smoky heat.
Final Words
Taco soup is the kind of dish you can customize based on what you have in your pantry and what your family loves. It’s hearty enough to be filling but light enough to leave you craving more. The 5 Can Taco Soup is a perfect example of how minimal effort can create something that tastes like you’ve been cooking all day. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s packed with flavor. Plus, it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for everything from busy weeknights to weekend gatherings.