Are you on the hunt for a meal that is quick to prepare, bursting with flavour, and guaranteed to be a hit with the entire family? We understand the challenge of finding a weeknight dinner that is both simple and exciting. That’s why we’re so excited to share our cherished Taco Soup Recipe. It’s the perfect solution for your evening meal dilemmas—a comforting, warm bowl that captures all the zesty, bold flavours of a taco in the form of a deeply satisfying, hearty soup. Get ready to meet your new favourite family meal!

This recipe masterfully turns common, everyday ingredients into a truly special dish. It’s far more than just a soup; it’s a well-rounded, fulfilling meal that will have everyone eagerly gathering around the dinner table. We have refined this recipe over time to ensure it is not only packed with incredible flavour but also wonderfully easy to make. Whether you are an experienced home cook or new to the kitchen, you will find this soup a delight to prepare and an even greater pleasure to enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in Just 30 Minutes: This is one of those brilliant 30 minute meals that comes to the rescue on a hectic evening. Less time spent in the kitchen means more quality time enjoying the meal with your family.
• Bursting with Bold Flavours: We use a delicious combination of spices, savoury beef mince, and colourful vegetables to create a soup that is anything but ordinary. Every spoonful is a vibrant celebration of classic taco tastes.
• Wonderfully Versatile: The real magic of this soup lies in the toppings! Each person can create their own perfect bowl with additions like cheese, sour cream, avocado, or crispy tortilla strips. It makes for a fun and interactive dining experience.
• A Satisfying Family Favourite: This is the definition of a hearty family dinner. It is filling, wholesome, and adored by both children and adults, making it an ideal choice for a comforting supper.
• Ideal for Meal Planning: This soup tastes even more incredible the following day, as the flavours have a chance to meld and deepen. It’s perfect for leftovers and also freezes wonderfully for future easy meals.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 500g lean beef mince
• 2 tbsp chilli powder
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 litre beef stock
• 400g tin of chopped tomatoes
• 400g tin of kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 400g tin of black beans, rinsed and drained
• 300g tin of sweetcorn, drained

How to Make the Perfect Taco Soup

We have developed this Taco Soup Recipe to be as straightforward and enjoyable as possible. Just follow these simple steps, and you will have a delicious, steaming pot of soup on the table in no time. For its simplicity and robust taste, it is one of the finest mexican soup recipes around.

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

   Begin by placing a large, heavy-based pot or a Dutch oven over a medium-high heat and adding the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, tip in the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until it starts to soften. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Keep a close eye on it to ensure the garlic doesn’t burn!

2. Brown the Beef Mince

   Add the lean beef mince to the pot. Using a wooden spoon, break up the mince as it cooks. Continue to cook until the beef is evenly browned. This step is key to building a deep, savoury foundation for the soup. When it’s cooked through, carefully drain away any excess fat.

3. Awaken the Spices

   Return the pot to the heat. Sprinkle in the chilli powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let the spices cook for about a minute. This technique, known as “blooming,” gently toasts the spices, which magnificently enhances their aroma and deepens their flavour. If you like preparing your own spice mixes, a Homemade Taco Seasoning would work beautifully here.

4. Build the Flavourful Broth

   Pour the beef stock and the tinned chopped tomatoes into the pot. Stir thoroughly, making sure to scrape up any flavourful browned bits from the bottom. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then turn the heat down to low. Pop the lid on and allow the soup to simmer for at least 15 minutes. This gives all those lovely flavours time to mingle and marry.

5. Stir in the Beans and Sweetcorn

   Add the drained kidney beans, black beans, and sweetcorn to the pot. Let the soup continue to simmer for a further 5 minutes, just until the beans and corn are heated through. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if you feel it needs it—perhaps an extra pinch of salt or a little more chilli powder.

6. Ladle and Customise

   Your delicious soup is now ready to serve. Ladle it into bowls and let the fun begin! We recommend setting up a small toppings bar so everyone can personalise their own bowl. We particularly enjoy a generous spoonful of sour cream, a scattering of grated cheese, some fresh coriander, and a handful of crushed tortilla chips for that all-important crunch.

Topping Ideas and Recipe Variations

One of the greatest joys of this easy ground beef soup is its adaptability. You can enjoy it as it is or easily tweak it to match your family’s preferences.

Must-Have Toppings

Toppings are what transform this soup from simply great to truly memorable. Here are a few of our top suggestions:

• For a Creamy Touch: A dollop of sour cream, Greek yoghurt, or some freshly sliced avocado.
• A Sprinkle of Cheese: Grated mature cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even some crumbled feta cheese.
• A Bit of Crunch: Crushed tortilla chips, homemade fried tortilla strips, or a few toasted pumpkin seeds.
• A Burst of Freshness: Finely chopped fresh coriander, spring onions, or a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice.
• A Kick of Heat: Sliced fresh jalapeños, pickled chillies, or just a dash of your favourite hot sauce.

Fun Recipe Variations

• Try a Different Protein: Feel free to substitute the beef mince with turkey or chicken mince for a lighter alternative. Leftover shredded chicken or pulled pork would also be delicious.
• Create a Vegetarian Version: For a fantastic plant-based option, simply leave out the mince and add an extra tin of beans (pinto or cannellini beans work well) or some pre-cooked lentils. Be sure to use vegetable stock instead of beef. This bean-heavy base is quite similar to our Easy Chilli Con Carne, which can also be made vegetarian.
• Turn Up the Heat: If you’re a fan of spicy food, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a finely chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, or some red pepper flakes when you add the other spices.
• Pack in More Vegetables: Don’t hesitate to bulk up the soup with extra veg. Diced bell peppers, courgette, or a handful of fresh spinach stirred through at the end are all excellent additions.

Storing and Reheating Your Taco Soup

This soup is truly a gift that keeps on giving! The leftovers make for a wonderfully convenient lunch or another effortless dinner.

• In the Fridge: Let the soup cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. In fact, the flavours will deepen and become even richer overnight. For official guidance on food safety, you can always refer to trusted sources like the Food Standards Agency.
• In the Freezer: This soup freezes beautifully. Once it has cooled completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a small amount of space at the top for it to expand. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight if it’s frozen. Then, gently warm it in a saucepan over a medium heat until it is piping hot all the way through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave.

FAQ

Your New Favourite Weeknight Winner

We are truly confident that this Taco Soup Recipe will earn a permanent spot in your meal rotation. It provides all the comfort and flavour you could wish for without requiring you to spend hours in the kitchen. It is a versatile, satisfying, and brilliantly simple dish that adds a touch of fun to the dinner table.

So, the next time you find yourself pondering what to cook for dinner, we hope you’ll decide to give this recipe a go. We are sure that you and your family will fall in love with it, just as we have. And remember to get creative with the toppings!

Have you tried our taco soup? We would be delighted to hear how it went! Please leave us a comment and a rating below to share your thoughts. Happy cooking!

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Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 500g lean beef mince
• 2 tbsp chilli powder
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 litre beef stock
• 400g tin of chopped tomatoes
• 400g tin of kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 400g tin of black beans, rinsed and drained
• 300g tin of sweetcorn, drained

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
2. Add the beef mince, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned all over, then drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the chilli powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until the spices are aromatic.
4. Pour in the beef stock and chopped tomatoes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Add the rinsed kidney beans, black beans, and sweetcorn. Simmer for a further 5 minutes until the beans and corn are heated through. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve with your favourite toppings, such as sour cream, grated cheese, fresh coriander, and tortilla chips.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 452, Carbs: 40g, Protein: 37g, Fat: 16g