Ground beef taco soup is a fast, spiced pot of browned beef, beans, corn, and tomatoes simmered in a savory broth and topped with cheese, sour cream, avocado, and crunchy tortilla chips.
It cooks in one pot in about forty five minutes, feeds a family of six, and holds well for leftovers, so it works for busy weeknights and casual gatherings.
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Why This Ground Beef Taco Soup Recipe Works
Browning the beef with onion and garlic builds a savory base, and the chili powder, cumin, and paprika bloom in the pot for deeper flavor.
Two kinds of beans and a cup of corn make the soup thick and filling, so it eats like a full meal rather than a starter.
Toppings let each person customize a bowl, with creamy avocado and sour cream balancing the spice and chips adding crunch.
Ingredients for Ground Beef Taco Soup
- You need lean ground beef, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes with green chiles, tomato sauce, beef broth, corn, black beans, pinto beans, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and your choice of toppings.
- Drain and rinse the canned beans to remove the starchy liquid, and choose low sodium broth so you can control the salt.
Ground beef. Lean beef adds protein and rich flavor, and browning it well gives the soup depth.
Beans and corn. Black beans, pinto beans, and sweet corn make the soup thick and filling.
Tomatoes with green chiles. They bring tang and mild heat, which gives the broth its taco character.
Spices. Chili powder, cumin, and paprika create the classic taco seasoning.
Toppings. Shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, and tortilla chips add creaminess, freshness, and crunch.
How to Make Ground Beef Taco Soup
1. Brown the beef. Cook the ground beef with the onion and garlic in a large pot over medium heat until no pink remains, then drain the fat.
2. Add the seasonings. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and paprika and cook for one minute until fragrant.
3. Add the liquids. Pour in the tomatoes with green chiles, tomato sauce, broth, and corn, and bring the pot to a gentle simmer.
4. Simmer. Cover and simmer for thirty minutes so the flavors blend.
5. Add the beans and serve. Stir in the black beans and pinto beans, heat for five minutes, then ladle into bowls and add the toppings.
Stir the soup every ten minutes while it simmers, because the tomato sauce and beans can stick to the bottom of the pot.
Check the seasoning at the end and add salt only if needed, since canned ingredients and broth already contain salt.
How to Serve Ground Beef Taco Soup
Serve the soup in deep bowls with a squeeze of lime, and set out the toppings so everyone can build their own. garlic cilantro lime rice makes a filling side, and cheddar sausage balls or air fryer garlic bread slices add something to dip. rosemary olive oil focaccia works for a bread basket.
How to Store and Reheat Ground Beef Taco Soup
Cool the soup and refrigerate it without the toppings in an airtight container for up to four days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened. Freeze the soup without the toppings for up to three months, and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
Tips and Variations for Ground Beef Taco Soup
Flag the allergens. Cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips contain milk and corn or wheat, and seasoning mixes may contain soy, so warn guests with allergies and check labels.
Cook the beef fully. Ground beef is safe at 160 degrees F, so cook it until no pink remains.
Handle raw beef safely. Wash your hands, cutting board, and tools with hot soapy water after handling raw beef.
Control the heat. Use mild green chiles for less spice, or add a diced jalapeno for more.
Use a slow cooker. Brown the beef first, then cook everything except the corn and beans on low for five to six hours and add those in the last hour.
Adjust the thickness. Add broth to thin the soup or mash a few beans to thicken it, and adjust the salt to taste.
Freeze portions. Freeze single servings for fast lunches.
Check trusted guidance. For safe handling of soup and leftovers, read the Purdue Extension guide to storing leftovers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Taco Soup
What is ground beef taco soup?
It is a fast soup made with seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and tomatoes, served with taco style toppings.
Can I make ground beef taco soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the beef first, then cook everything on low for five to six hours, adding the corn and beans in the last hour.
What toppings go on ground beef taco soup?
Shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, lime, cilantro, and tortilla chips are the usual choices.
Can I freeze taco soup?
Yes, freeze it without toppings for up to three months.
How do I make it less spicy?
Use mild green chiles and skip any hot sauce, then add heat at the table.
Ground Beef Taco Soup
Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles ten ounce can
- 1 can tomato sauce eight ounce can
- 2 cup low sodium beef broth
- 1 cup corn fresh or canned
- 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can pinto beans drained and rinsed
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheese for topping
- ½ cup sour cream for topping
- 1 avocado sliced for topping
- 1 cup tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
Cooking
- Brown. Cook the beef, onion, and garlic until no pink remains, then drain.
- Season. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and paprika.
- Add. Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, and corn and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer. Cover and cook for thirty minutes.
- Beans. Stir in both beans and heat for five minutes.
- Serve. Ladle into bowls and add the toppings.
