This soup comes together so quickly, you’ll have this on the table, ready to gobble up in 30 minutes! Perhaps that’s why this is one of our favorite cold-weather meals. We love that this recipe calls for so many pantry staples you should already have on hand! Make sure you do not skimp on those toppings though. This soup is delicious on its own, but with a dollop of sour cream and shredded cheese, it is heavenly. Throw some sliced jalapeños on top and give yourself an extra warming boost. Meh, the cold never bothered us anyway.

For more Mexican-inspired soups, try our Chicken Tortilla Soup or Street Corn Soup which are both ready in 30 minutes or less.

Why Our Recipe

  • Ready in 30 minutes using pantry staples for an easy comfort-food bowl of soup.
  • Full of flavor with ground beef, beans, and all your favorite toppings.
  • Everything is made in just one pot which keeps preparation and cleanup simple.
30 minute Taco Soup topped with grated cheese, jalapeno and sour cream

Not only is this soup packed with flavor, but it’s also a breeze to make. Everything is made in just one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal. It makes for a great weeknight dinner or an easy way to feed a crowd.

Ingredient Notes

  • Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and fat.
  • White Onion: You can use a white or yellow onion.
  • Garlic: Freshly minced garlic offers the best flavor, but you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder if you don’t have fresh.
  • Chicken & Beef Broth: Using both types of broth gives the soup a richer depth of flavor. If you prefer, you can use just one type of broth.
  • Canned Diced Tomatoes: Be sure to use the tomatoes with the juices for added flavor and moisture. Fire-roasted tomatoes can be used for a smokier kick.
  • Black & Pinto Beans: You can easily swap them with kidney beans or cannellini beans if that’s what you have on hand.
  • Frozen Corn: We prefer frozen corn for better texture, but a can of corn also works.
  • Diced Green Chiles: These add a mild heat, but if you’re looking for more spice, feel free to add a can of hot diced chiles or stir in some canned diced jalapenos.
  • Taco Seasoning Mix: We use a homemade mix to control the flavor, but a 1-ounce packet also works. Just watch out for saltiness.

Topping Suggestions

This soup is great on its own, but we sure do love to add toppings! Some classic options include shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and crunchy tortilla chips or strips. For those who like a little extra heat, sliced or pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce will bring the heat. If you’re looking for something more fresh, top your bowl with diced avocado or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.

Homemade Taco Seasoning

Taco seasoning is something you can easily make at home which is why we’ve written this recipe with a homemade blend! The great thing about homemade taco seasoning is that you can customize it to your tastes. Prefer low sodium? No problem! Kids don’t like spice? Just omit the cayenne! If you prefer to use a packet of seasoning, a 1-ounce packet is the amount that you’ll need to replace the seasonings listed in this recipe. 

A pot of taco soup

Meal Prep and Freezer Meals

The flavors only get better as they sit, so feel free to make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.

To meal prep, simply cook the soup according to the recipe, then let it cool before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For easy weeknight dinners, you can portion it out into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches or dinners.

For freezer meals, allow it to cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags for up to 3 months. We prefer resealable plastic bags so they can lay flat for easier storage in the freezer and faster thawing. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. This makes it a great option for busy weeks or to have on hand for last-minute meals.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat on the Stove: For the best results, reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through, about 10 minutes.

Reheat in the Microwave: For a quicker option, place the soup in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute increments on high, stirring in between, until heated evenly.

Soup’s On…

Watch the video below where Rachel will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.