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–+ servings
A rustic bowl of taco soup topped with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, and crushed tortilla chips, photographed overhead on a dark wood table with colorful napkins

Taco Soup

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Can opener
  • Colander for draining beans
  • Ladle

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef 80/20 recommended for best flavor
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 oz taco seasoning packet or 2½ tablespoons homemade blend
  • 1 oz ranch seasoning packet optional but highly recommended
  • 15 oz canned kidney beans drained and rinsed
  • 15 oz canned black beans drained and rinsed
  • 15 oz canned corn drained, or use frozen corn
  • 14.5 oz canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes do not drain
  • 10 oz canned Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles do not drain
  • 3 cups beef broth low-sodium preferred
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Toppings (Optional)

  • shredded cheddar cheese
  • sour cream
  • sliced jalapeños
  • crushed tortilla chips or Fritos
  • fresh cilantro chopped
  • lime wedges
  • sliced avocado or guacamole

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook for 7–9 minutes, until browned and cooked through with no pink remaining. Drain off excess fat, leaving a thin coating in the pot.
  • Sprinkle half of the taco seasoning (and ranch seasoning if using) over the browned beef and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 1 minute.
  • Add the drained kidney beans, black beans, and corn to the pot. Stir to combine.
  • Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, Rotel tomatoes, and beef broth. Add the remaining taco seasoning and stir everything together.
  • Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded and the broth has slightly thickened.
  • Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lime juice as needed.
  • Ladle into bowls and serve hot with your choice of toppings — shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges are all highly recommended.

Notes

Make Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day. Make it up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of broth.
Freezer Friendly: Cool completely and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Slow Cooker Option: Brown the beef and onion on the stovetop, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
Creamy Version: Stir in 4 oz softened cream cheese or 1 cup sour cream during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Sodium Tip: Use low-sodium canned goods and low-sodium broth to reduce overall sodium content significantly.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 32gFat: 16gSodium: 890mgFiber: 10gSugar: 6g
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