Taco soup with ground beef is the kind of recipe that turns a weeknight dinner into something exciting and comforting. This dish brings together all the best flavors of tacos-rich ground beef, zesty seasoning, hearty beans, and crispy tortilla chips-into a warm, flavorful soup that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. Taco soup is one of those dishes that are perfect for busy days when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, so you can tweak it to fit your tastes or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
In this recipe, ground beef is the star of the show, adding a savory depth of flavor that combines wonderfully with a variety of ingredients. And the beauty of taco soup is that it’s one of those dishes that’s almost better the next day, making leftovers something to look forward to!
If you’ve never tried taco soup with ground beef, you’re in for a treat. And if you’re already a fan, this recipe might become your go-to for quick, hearty, and satisfying meals.
7 Can Taco Soup With Ground Beef Recipe
This 7-can taco soup is a crowd-pleaser and super simple to prepare. The name comes from the fact that it uses seven basic canned ingredients, making it easy to throw together on a busy day. The key to making the perfect taco soup is to balance the rich, savory flavors of ground beef with the zesty and tangy elements that make taco seasoning so popular.
Ingredients Needed
You don’t need to spend hours hunting for specialty ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
- 1 lb ground beef – This will serve as the main protein and the rich, meaty base of the soup.
- 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz) – Adds a juicy, slightly tangy depth of flavor.
- 1 can of black beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed – These beans add texture and earthiness to the soup.
- 1 can of corn (15 oz), drained – A pop of sweetness and crunch.
- 1 can of kidney beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed – For an extra layer of richness.
- 1 can of green chilies (4 oz) – This adds a mild heat and complexity to the soup’s flavor.
- 1 packet of taco seasoning mix – The key to achieving that iconic taco flavor.
- 1 can of beef broth (15 oz) – Helps to thin the soup and intensifies the beef flavor.
Cooking Instructions
Now that you have everything you need, let’s dive into the cooking process. The beauty of this taco soup is how little effort it requires. Here’s how you do it:
- Brown the ground beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Add taco seasoning: Once the beef is browned, sprinkle the taco seasoning packet over the meat. Stir to combine, letting the seasoning cook for about 1-2 minutes to bring out its flavors.
- Dump in the cans: Add the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, kidney beans, green chilies, and beef broth to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and develop a rich, hearty base.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite taco toppings. Some good options include shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or crispy tortilla strips for extra crunch.
Ingredient Insights
The ingredients in this taco soup do more than just provide flavor; they all work together to create a balanced and satisfying dish.
- Ground Beef: The foundation of the soup, ground beef is rich in flavor and adds a hearty, satisfying texture to the soup. You can opt for leaner beef if you’re looking to cut back on fat, but a little bit of fat helps enrich the broth.
- Taco Seasoning: Taco seasoning is packed with the classic flavors of cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. It’s what gives the soup that iconic taco flavor, but you can always make your own seasoning blend if you prefer to avoid the store-bought packets.
- Canned Tomatoes: Tomatoes bring acidity and sweetness to the soup, cutting through the richness of the beef and adding freshness. Diced tomatoes are ideal for creating a chunky texture, but you can also use crushed tomatoes if you want a smoother consistency.
- Beans: Both black beans and kidney beans are hearty and help to thicken the soup. They also contribute protein and fiber, making this soup more filling and nutritious.
- Corn: Sweet corn is a perfect balance to the savory flavors. Its natural sweetness brightens the soup, and the slight crunch adds texture.
- Green Chilies: These bring a subtle heat and a smoky undertone that enhances the other flavors without overpowering them. If you like a spicier soup, you can always add extra chilies or a dash of hot sauce.
Expert Tips
To make sure your taco soup is the best it can be, here are some tips from the pros:
- Adjust the spice: If you like things hot, add extra jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to kick up the heat. You can also opt for spicy taco seasoning instead of the mild version.
- Beef options: While ground beef is traditional, you can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat entirely and load up on extra beans and vegetables.
- Add toppings: Don’t skip the toppings-they take this soup from good to great! Some popular choices include sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, chopped green onions, cilantro, and crispy tortilla strips.
- Thicken the soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the beans or use a potato masher to break them down before simmering.
- Make it a one-pot meal: This recipe already uses just one pot, but if you’re looking to make cleanup even easier, consider using a slow cooker or Instant Pot for the same delicious result with less attention required during cooking.
Recipe Variations
The beauty of taco soup is that you can easily customize it to fit your personal taste or dietary preferences. Here are some variations to try:
- Vegetarian Taco Soup: Omit the ground beef and add more beans like pinto beans or black-eyed peas. You can also throw in some extra veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes for added texture.
- Beef and Sausage Combo: Mix ground beef with ground pork sausage for an extra layer of flavor. The sausage will bring a spicy, savory note that complements the taco seasoning perfectly.
- Spicy Taco Soup: If you love spice, add fresh diced jalapeños, a splash of hot sauce, or a few dashes of chili flakes. You can also use spicy taco seasoning or extra green chilies for that extra heat.
- Creamy Taco Soup: Stir in some cream cheese or heavy cream at the end of cooking for a creamy, rich version of taco soup. The creaminess will mellow out the spiciness and add a decadent texture.
Final Words
Taco soup with ground beef is the kind of dish that combines comfort and flavor in a way few meals can. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a meal that’s rich, satisfying, and full of all the bold flavors you love. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, this soup is a great way to make dinner feel like a treat.
Its versatility is also one of its best features-there’s no wrong way to make it. So, get creative, use what you have, and feel free to swap ingredients to match your preferences.