Oh wow, have you ever wanted a soup that’s super easy and tasty? I felt the same way until I found this easy taco soup recipe! It’s like tacos, but in a bowl — and it’s so fun to make!

The best part? You don’t need fancy stuff. Just simple things like ground beef, beans, and yummy spices. And guess what? You can have it ready fast — even on a busy day!

I love how warm and cozy it makes me feel. It’s like a big taco hug! If you want something quick and yummy, you’re gonna love this!

So, are you ready to make the easiest taco soup ever? Let’s do this together! Keep reading, and I’ll show you how!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Uses easy-to-find pantry staples, no fancy ingredients required.
Quick and Easy: Comes together in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
Customizable: Add toppings like cheese, cilantro, or even avocado to make it your own.
Comfort Food Classic: Warm, savory, and satisfying, ideal for cold weather or anytime you want something cozy.
Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers store well for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings:
This recipe makes about 6 servings. It’s great for feeding a family or having leftovers.

Difficulty:
Easy enough for beginners and quick enough for seasoned cooks.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this easy taco soup, you’ll want to have these basic kitchen tools ready:

Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for browning the beef and simmering the soup.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For breaking up and stirring the ground beef.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure the right amounts of seasoning and liquids.
Ladle: For serving the soup into bowls.
Knife and Cutting Board: If you want to add any fresh garnishes like cilantro.

Ingredients for Easy Taco Soup

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious, easy taco soup (exact amounts will be listed in the recipe card at the end):

Ground Beef: Adds hearty, savory flavor and protein to the soup.
Taco Seasoning: A mix of spices that gives the soup its signature taco flavor.
Beef Bone Broth (or any broth): Provides a rich, flavorful base.
Diced Tomatoes (undrained): Adds texture and a mild acidity that balances the richness of the beef.
Ranch Dressing: Adds creaminess and a tangy twist to the broth.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional): For a melty, cheesy topping.
Cilantro (optional): Fresh, herbal garnish for a pop of color and flavor.

Variations for Easy Taco Soup

This soup is wonderfully versatile. Here are some easy ways to adjust the recipe based on what you have or what you like:

Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the ground beef for leaner options like ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add Beans: Stir in a can of black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans (drained and rinsed) to make the soup heartier and stretch the servings.
Vegetarian Version: Omit the ground beef and add more beans and veggies like corn, bell peppers, and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Spice It Up: Add diced green chilies, a splash of hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Cheesy Version: Stir shredded cheddar cheese directly into the soup for a cheesy base, not just as a topping.
Creamier Soup: Add a dollop of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream to make the broth richer and creamier.

How to Make Easy Taco Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef

Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef.

Cook and break up the meat with a wooden spoon until it’s fully browned and no longer pink—this takes about 5-7 minutes.
Drain excess fat if needed, especially if your beef has a higher fat content.

2. Add Taco Seasoning

Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning over the browned beef. Stir well to coat all the meat evenly with the spices.

Let it cook for another minute, allowing the seasoning to blend into the beef.

3. Add Diced Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and 4 cups of beef bone broth (or any broth you have on hand).

Stir everything together, scraping the bottom of the pot to get all the flavorful bits mixed into the soup.

4. Simmer the Soup

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes. This will help all the flavors meld together and the soup to slightly thicken.

5. Add Ranch Dressing

Stir in ¾ cup of ranch dressing for a creamy, tangy flavor that balances the spices.

Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Adjust Seasonings

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning:

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning if you want stronger flavor.
Add salt and pepper as needed.

7. Serve Hot

Once everything is heated through and well combined, the soup is ready to serve.

How to Serve Easy Taco Soup

This taco soup is perfect on its own, but adding a few toppings makes it even better. Here are some ways to serve and enjoy it:

With Toppings:
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle cheese on top for a melty, gooey finish.
- Fresh Cilantro: Add chopped cilantro for a fresh, herbal note.
- Sour Cream: A small spoonful adds creaminess and cools the spices.
- Avocado Slices: Add richness and healthy fats.
- Tortilla Chips or Strips: Crumble tortilla chips over the top for crunch.
With Sides:
- Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread pairs perfectly with the soup.
- Simple Green Salad: A light salad with lime dressing balances the hearty soup.
- Warm Tortillas: Serve with soft tortillas for dipping.

Storing Easy Taco Soup

One of the best things about taco soup is how well it stores and reheats. Here’s how to keep leftovers fresh:

In the Refrigerator:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot.
- You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through.
In the Freezer:
- Let the soup cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm on the stove or in the microwave.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Use Lean Ground Beef: If you prefer a lighter soup, go for lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7), so you don’t need to drain much fat.
Broth Choice: Bone broth adds extra richness and nutrients, but any beef, chicken, or vegetable broth will work.
Adjust Seasoning: You can always start with less taco seasoning and add more to taste as the soup simmers.
For Thicker Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered a bit longer to reduce the broth. You can also mash some of the tomatoes gently with a spoon to break them down.
Add Veggies: Bulk it up with extras like corn, bell peppers, or beans if desired.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition per serving (without optional toppings):

Nutrient	Amount (per serving)
Calories	320
Protein	22g
Fat	18g
Carbohydrates	14g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	6g
Sodium	780mg

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and can vary depending on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

Easy Taco Soup Recipe

Recipe by Elena SmythCourse: Uncategorized

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

320

kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
3 tablespoons taco seasoning (divided)
4 cups beef bone broth (or any broth)
2 (14.5-oz) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
¾ cup ranch dressing
Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, cilantro

Directions

Brown the Beef:
In a large pot over medium heat, cook ground beef until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Add Seasoning:
Stir in 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning and cook for another minute to coat the meat.
Add Tomatoes and Broth:
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices) and broth. Stir well to combine.
Simmer:
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes.
Stir in Ranch:
Add ranch dressing and stir. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Adjust Seasoning:
Taste and add the remaining 1 tablespoon taco seasoning if desired. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
Ladle soup into bowls. Top with shredded cheese and cilantro if desired. Serve warm.

Easy Taco Soup FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, taco soup is perfect for meal prep. You can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Can I add beans to this recipe?

Absolutely. Black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans (drained and rinsed) are great additions to make it heartier.

What can I substitute for ground beef?

You can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even shredded rotisserie chicken if you prefer.

How can I make this soup spicier?

Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.

Is ranch dressing necessary?

It adds a creamy, tangy flavor, but if you prefer a dairy-free version, you can skip it or use a dairy-free ranch alternative.

Conclusion

This Easy Taco Soup is a go-to meal when you need something quick, hearty, and satisfying. Whether you serve it plain or loaded with toppings, it’s a simple recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or cozy dinners — it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.