Taco Soup has all the deliciousness of a taco in a comforting bowl of soup. Topped with crunchy tortilla chips, cheese, onions and avocados.

We LOVE tacos around here. They are a hit whether they are Shrimp Tacos, Fish Tacos, Steak Tacos, basically any kind of tacos and my family is running to the dinner table when I call. But it doesn’t stop there apparently because we also fell head over heels in love with this Taco Soup.

Similar to chili, but a little more broth-y, this soup is packed with flavor. From the taco seasoned ground beef to the beans and all the fixings. This is like your favorite taco in a comforting bowl of soup. Let’s talk about what you’ll need to make it.

Taco Soup Ingredients:

  • GROUND BEEF: You can use 80/20 ground beef or leaner ground beef if you prefer. If you use a ground beef with a higher fat content, just make sure to drain the excess drippings. 
  • TACO SEASONING: Where the “taco” flavor comes from in this taco soup. You can use your favorite store brand or make your own taco seasoning. 
  • ONION
  • JALAPEÑO: To add a little bit of heat. If you are worried that it’s going to be too spicy you can remove the seeds. Learn more about handling chile peppers with my handy guide to chile peppers.
  • KIDNEY BEANS AND PINTO BEANS: Beans will add a bit more texture and protein to the soup. Canned beans work great for this recipe and no need to drain! 
  • FIRE ROASTED TOMATOES WITH CHILES: The fire roasted tomatoes will add a touch of smoky flavor. 
  • WATER 
  • BEEF BROTH: I recommend using low-sodium broth when cooking so that you can control the saltiness of the dish. If you only have regular beef broth that is fine as well, just err on the side of caution when adding additional salt. 
  • CUMIN: Adds a warm, smoky flavor .
  • TORTILLA CHIPS: Make the perfect crunchy topping for the soup. 
  • SOUR CREAM/CHEDDAR CHEESE/MINCED ONION/AVOCADO: Anything that you love to put on top of tacos you can also top this taco soup with. 

Step by Step Photos and Instructions: 

Making taco soup is really easy and it doesn’t need any long simmering time like some soups, making this recipe perfect for weeknights! 

  • Brown ground beef.
  • Add taco seasoning.
  • Add remaining ingredients, except toppings and let simmer 30 minutes.
  • Top with your favorite toppings and serve.
  • STEP #1: In a large pot, cook ground beef over medium heat until all brown is gone. Drain to remove excess grease. Stir in in taco seasoning. Let simmer for 5 minutes. 
  • STEP #2: Add in onion, jalapeños, fire roasted diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, water, beef broth and cumin. Allow soup to simmer 30 minutes. 
  • STEP #3: Ladle soup into bowls and top with toppings. 

Storage and Leftovers: 

This taco soup will keep well in the refrigerator for a few days and can be reheated on the stove or in the microwave. 

Looking for more soup recipes to warm you up on a cold day? Try these!

This Steak and Mushroom Soup is hearty, creamy and comforting!

Beer Cheese Soup is perfect on a cold winter’s day!

Turkey Curry Soup is a great way to use leftover turkey after your holiday meals!

Note: Originally published in 2008. Updated 2023 with new photos, nutrition information, step by step photos and a modified recipe. 

Taco Soup
10m
Prep
35m
Cook
45m
Total

Servings

4

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 ounce taco seasoning
  • 1/2 yellow onion (diced)
  • 1 jalapeno (diced small)
  • 15 oz kidney beans
  • 14.5 oz fire roasted diced tomatoes
  • 15 oz pinto beans
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • salt and pepper as needed
  • tortilla chips
  • shredded cheddar cheese
  • minced onion
  • sour cream
  • avocado

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the beef. Drain excess grease and return to the pan. Add the taco seasoning and stir to combine. Reduce the heat and simmer for five minutes.

  2. Add the onion, jalapeno, kidney beans, pinto beans, fire roasted tomatoes, low-sodium beef broth, water and cumin. Stir all to combine. Cook on medium heat for 30 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

  3. Ladle soup into bowls and add the toppings of your choice. Serve.

Nutrition Facts
Amount per serving
Calories
491
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 7g 9%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 70mg 23%
Sodium 923mg 40%
Total Carbohydrate 63g 23%
Dietary Fiber 20g 71%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 45g
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
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Deseree

Whether it is cooking it, eating it, shopping for it or watching TV about it, food is one of my favorite things.

3 Reviews

  1. Deseree May 26, 2009

    Thanks for the tip and for the thumbs up Phil!

  2. Phil E. Drifter May 24, 2009

    This does sound delicious though, and I love spicy Mexican food and jalapenos and soft shell tacos and stuff like that. Stumbled here, I will give you the thumbs up so you’ll be seeing a lot more traffic soon.

  3. Phil E. Drifter May 24, 2009

    It’s called ‘ground beef,’ not ‘hamburger.’

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