Imagine a cozy bowl of taco soup, steam swirling up and filling your kitchen with the mouthwatering aroma of spices and simmering goodness. This taco soup is not just any soup—it’s creamy without any cream! With a blend of juicy ground beef (or turkey if you prefer), hearty beans, and sweet corn, each spoonful is like a hug on a chilly day. It’s perfect for busy weeknights because it comes together so quickly. Plus, it’s packed with flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser at the dinner table. Bursting with vibrant textures and a little kick from taco seasoning, this dish is everything you love about tacos—just in soup form!
Craving something delicious that doesn’t take all evening to prepare? You’ve come to the right place. Cook this up, and you’ll be counting down the days until you can enjoy it again!
Why You’ll Love Taco Soup (Creamy, Easy, and Cozy)
This taco soup is so much more than a quick meal. It’s a delightful combination of textures and flavors that makes it a perfect choice for any occasion. Here are just a few reasons why you’re going to fall in love with it:
- Speedy Prep: Get dinner on the table in no time.
- Creamy Comfort: It’s rich and nourishing, perfect for chilly days.
- Pantry-Friendly: Most ingredients are staples you probably already have!
- Meal Prep Winner: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers.
- Dietary Friendly: Easily tailored to fit dietary needs like gluten-free or dairy-free.
- Topping Options: Customize it with your favorite toppings for added flair.
Ingredients for Taco Soup
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey – Adds protein and flavor.
- 1 onion, diced – Provides aromatic sweetness.
- 1 packet taco seasoning – The magic ingredient that gives it that classic taco taste.
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed – Adds heartiness and fiber.
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed – More texture and nutrition!
- 1 can corn, drained – Sweet crunch for balance.
- 2 cans diced tomatoes – Brings acidity and freshness.
- 2 cups beef broth – A flavorful base for your soup.
- 1 cup water – Adjusts the consistency.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Simple seasonings for enhancement.
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips – for an extra delicious finish.
Ready to cook? See the recipe card for exact measurements below.
How to Make Taco Soup
Phase 1 – Prep
- Gather all your ingredients and tools.
- Dice the onion and set it aside.
- Drain and rinse the black and kidney beans and corn.
Phase 2 – Cook/Assemble
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat until fully cooked.
- Add the diced onion and cook until it’s translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and water.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Phase 3 – Serve
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil and then let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Serve hot, topped with your favorite garnishes. Enjoy every warm, cozy bite!
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Use Homemade Seasoning: Mix your spices (chili powder, cumin, garlic powder) for a fresher taste.
- Don’t Skip the Simmer: This helps all the flavors blend beautifully, making the soup taste even better.
- Store in Airtight Containers: Keeps leftovers fresh for days in the fridge.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t rush the browning of the meat. If it’s not browned well, your soup might taste bland—take that extra time!
Using too much liquid can dilute flavors. Always start with the recommended amounts and adjust based on preference.
Forgetting to rinse your beans can lead to a gritty texture. It’s an easy step that makes a big difference!
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free taco seasoning.
- Dairy-Free: Skip the cheese and sour cream or use dairy alternatives.
- Spicy: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
- Herbal: Incorporate fresh cilantro or lime for brightness.
- Instant Pot: Pressure-cook for 10 minutes after sautéing the meat and onions.
How to Serve Taco Soup
Best Pairings: Serve with warm cornbread or a fresh garden salad.
Toppings & Garnishes: Try diced avocado, crispy tortilla strips, or fresh cilantro.
Drink Pairing: A refreshing iced tea or a light Mexican beer pairs great with the spices!
Make Ahead & Storage
Can I Meal Prep This?
Yes! Taco soup is a perfect candidate for meal prep. Make it ahead and enjoy fuss-free meals during the week.
Storing Leftovers
Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days—great for lunches!
Freezing
You can freeze taco soup for up to 3 months. Just remember, the texture may change slightly after thawing, but the flavor will still be amazing!
Reheating
To reheat, warm it in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes! Just toss it in with the other ingredients for extra veggies.
How to make it extra creamy without cream?
Blend a portion of the soup and mix it back in or add avocado for creaminess.
Can I double it?
Absolutely! Just ensure your pot is large enough to hold the extra soup.
How to fix a too-thick soup?
Add more broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
For a soul-warming, flavor-packed bowl, try this taco soup recipe. It’s easy to whip up and delivers creamy comfort without the cream. We’d love to hear what you think—rate this recipe or check out our other delightful soup recipes for more inspiration!
Taco Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey Adds protein and flavor.
- 1 medium onion, diced Provides aromatic sweetness.
- 1 packet taco seasoning The magic ingredient that gives it that classic taco taste.
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed Adds heartiness and fiber.
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed More texture and nutrition.
- 1 can corn, drained Sweet crunch for balance.
- 2 cans diced tomatoes Brings acidity and freshness.
- 2 cups beef broth A flavorful base for your soup.
- 1 cup water Adjusts the consistency.
- to taste salt and pepper Simple seasonings for enhancement.
Optional Toppings
- to taste shredded cheese For an extra delicious finish.
- to taste sour cream Optional creamy topping.
- to taste tortilla chips For crunch and texture.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients and tools.
- Dice the onion and set it aside.
- Drain and rinse the black and kidney beans and corn.
Cooking
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat until fully cooked.
- Add the diced onion and cook until it’s translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and water.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil and then let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Serve hot, topped with your favorite garnishes.