5 Tasty Taco Soup Recipes to Try
Taco soup is the perfect combination of comfort food and flavor-packed excitement. With its roots in Tex-Mex cuisine, taco soup is a flexible dish that can easily be adapted to suit different dietary preferences, whether you’re craving a creamy version or a light, healthy alternative. In this post, we’ll explore 5 tasty taco soup recipes that you can try out, from classic to spicy, creamy to vegetarian.
Table of contents
Why Taco Soup is the Ultimate Comfort Food
Taco soup is easy to make, comforting, and can be packed with so many flavors and textures. Whether you’re using ground beef, chicken, or beans, taco soup always delivers a satisfying meal. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can adjust the heat level to your preference, add different toppings, and even experiment with the ingredients based on what you have in your pantry.
Let’s dive into the five recipes that will take your taco soup experience to the next level!
1. Classic Taco Soup Recipe
Overview
The classic taco soup recipe features ground beef, beans, and corn, all seasoned with a taco seasoning mix. It’s a hearty, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want something filling yet simple.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb (450 g) |
| Black beans | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Corn (frozen or canned) | 1 cup |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Taco seasoning | 1 packet |
| Beef broth | 3 cups |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 2 minutes, until the onions become translucent.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and beef broth to the pot. Stir everything together to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a simmer, reduce the heat, and cook for 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, or cilantro.
Variations
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- If you want a bit of heat, add some chopped jalapeños or chili flakes.
2. Spicy Chicken Taco Soup
Overview
For those who love a little kick in their meal, this spicy chicken taco soup is perfect. The combination of tender shredded chicken and spicy seasonings will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast (shredded) | 2 cups |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups |
| Jalapeños (diced) | 2 (adjust based on spice preference) |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Corn | 1 cup |
| Black beans | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Taco seasoning | 1 packet |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, add the chicken breast and chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 20 minutes. Shred the chicken using two forks.
- Sauté the Veggies: In another pan, sauté the onions, garlic, and jalapeños in a bit of oil for about 3 minutes, until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the sautéed veggies to the pot with the chicken and broth. Stir in the diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, and taco seasoning.
- Simmer: Let the soup simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. If you like your soup spicier, feel free to add extra chili powder or hot sauce.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with sour cream, shredded cheese, and a squeeze of lime.
Variations
- Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken for an even quicker option.
- You can adjust the level of spice by adding more or fewer jalapeños or chili flakes.
3. Creamy Taco Soup
Overview
If you prefer a creamy and indulgent taco soup, this recipe is for you. Cream cheese or heavy cream adds richness, making it a luxurious version of taco soup that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef or chicken | 1 lb (450 g) |
| Cream cheese (cubed) | 8 oz (225 g) |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Black beans | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Corn | 1 cup |
| Taco seasoning | 1 packet |
| Beef or chicken broth | 3 cups |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: In a large pot, brown the ground beef or chicken over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the Veggies: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot, and cook until softened.
- Add Dairy: Stir in the cream cheese, letting it melt into the mixture. Then, pour in the heavy cream and stir until everything is well combined.
- Combine the Rest of the Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, taco seasoning, and broth to the pot. Stir everything together.
- Simmer: Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the cream to infuse the soup with flavor.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, or cilantro.
Variations
- For extra flavor, sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese on top.
- You can swap out the cream cheese for half-and-half if you want a lighter version.
4. Healthy Taco Soup (Low-Carb Version)
Overview
If you’re watching your carb intake, this low-carb taco soup will satisfy your cravings without compromising on flavor. The use of cauliflower rice or zucchini instead of traditional grains keeps it light and healthy.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground turkey or chicken | 1 lb (450 g) |
| Cauliflower rice | 2 cups |
| Tomatoes, diced | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Black beans | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Corn (optional) | 1 cup |
| Taco seasoning | 1 packet |
| Chicken broth | 3 cups |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: In a large pot, brown the ground turkey or chicken over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened. If you want to add extra veggies, this is the time to throw in some bell peppers or zucchini.
- Combine the Rest: Add the diced tomatoes, cauliflower rice, black beans, corn (optional), taco seasoning, and chicken broth. Stir everything together.
- Simmer: Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the cauliflower rice to absorb all the flavors.
- Serve: Top with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a squeeze of lime.
Variations
- Add spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
- If you’re not worried about carbs, you can add regular rice or quinoa as a filler.
5. Vegetarian Taco Soup
Overview
This vegetarian taco soup is loaded with protein-rich beans and packed with flavor, making it a hearty option for those who prefer to skip the meat.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Black beans | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Kidney beans | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Corn | 1 cup |
| Tomatoes, diced | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium |
| Bell peppers (diced) | 1 cup |
| Taco seasoning | 1 packet |
| Vegetable broth | 3 cups |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
Instructions
- Sauté the Veggies: In a large pot, sauté the onion, bell peppers, and garlic until softened.
- Add Beans and Corn: Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, and corn.
- Add Broth and Seasoning: Pour in the vegetable broth and taco seasoning. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes to let all the flavors come together.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with avocado, fresh cilantro, or lime.
Variations
- Add tofu or tempeh for extra protein.
- If you like a bit of heat, add some chopped jalapeños or chili flakes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make taco soup in advance?
Yes, taco soup is a great make-ahead meal! You can prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually improve as it sits. If you’re using a slow cooker, you can also prep everything the night before and refrigerate the ingredients until you’re ready to cook.
2. Can I freeze taco soup?
Absolutely! Taco soup freezes well. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
3. How can I make taco soup spicier?
To add more heat, try adding chopped jalapeños, extra chili powder, or a splash of hot sauce. You can also use spicy taco seasoning or add other spicy ingredients like chipotle peppers for a smoky kick.
4. Can I make taco soup without beans?
Yes, you can easily make taco soup without beans if you prefer a bean-free option. You could replace the beans with extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or cauliflower rice for a lighter, lower-carb version.
5. What are some topping ideas for taco soup?
Taco soup is all about customization! Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, tortilla chips, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime. You can also add jalapeños, green onions, or hot sauce for extra flavor and spice.
Conclusion
Taco soup is one of those dishes that never gets old because there are endless variations to suit every taste. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic, creamy, or healthy version, these 5 taco soup recipes are guaranteed to be a hit in your kitchen. Don’t be afraid to get creative with toppings and spices to make them your own!
Now it’s your turn—try one of these recipes and let us know which one becomes your favorite. Whether you enjoy it with shredded cheese, sour cream, or a sprinkle of cilantro, taco soup is the ultimate comfort food that’s always full of flavor.