This Easy Taco Soup brings all the classic taco flavors—seasoned beef, beans, corn, and fire-roasted chilies—into one comforting bowl. Top it with sour cream, Cheddar, and some chips for dipping!

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced (about 1-1/2 cups)
• 1 pound lean ground beef (93/7 recommended)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 (16-ounce) can chili beans or pinto beans, undrained (see Note 1)
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15.25-ounce) can southwestern corn or plain corn, undrained
• 1 (4-ounce) can mild diced green chiles, undrained (fire-roasted if possible)
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
• Chips for dipping
• Toppings as desired (see Note 2)

• 1 tablespoon ground chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste (I use about 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper)

1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it softens and becomes translucent, which usually takes about 3 minutes. Push the softened onions to the sides of the pot and increase the heat to high. Add the ground beef to the center of the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Continue to cook until the beef is fully browned. If there is any excess grease, carefully drain it off.

2. Once the beef is browned, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and all the seasoning ingredients (chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano) to the pot, along with salt and pepper to taste. Sauté this mixture, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. This step helps to bloom the spices, enhancing their flavor.

3. Add the remaining soup ingredients to the pot: chili beans (undrained), black beans (drained and rinsed), southwestern corn (undrained), mild diced green chiles (undrained), crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine all the delicious ingredients.

4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Let the soup simmer, uncovered, for 10-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering time allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your preference (see Note 3).

5. Once the soup has reached your desired consistency and flavor, ladle it into individual bowls. Garnish generously with your chosen toppings, such as sour cream, shredded Cheddar cheese, tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, green onions, avocado slices, or lime wedges. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting and flavorful Easy Taco Soup!

Note 1: Chili Beans vs. Plain Beans

Chili beans are canned beans that come in a seasoned chili sauce, which naturally adds a wonderful layer of flavor to the soup without any extra effort on your part. If you’re unable to find chili beans at your local grocery store, you can easily substitute them with ranch beans or plain pinto beans. If using plain pinto beans, make sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the pot.

Note 2: Creative Topping Ideas

While we suggest a core set of toppings, feel free to get creative! Our favorite optional toppings include: sour cream, shredded Cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend), fresh green onions, chopped cilantro, diced ripe avocado, fresh lime wedges for a zesty squeeze, and sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) for an extra kick of heat.

Note 3: Adjusting Soup Consistency

The beauty of homemade soup is that you can easily tailor its consistency to your liking. If you prefer a thinner soup, simply add an extra splash of chicken or vegetable broth during the simmering stage. For a thicker, heartier soup, you can either add a few more cans of beans (drained and rinsed) or allow the soup to simmer for a longer period, uncovered, to reduce the liquid content.

Storage & Freezing Reminders:

Remember that this soup stores wonderfully! In an airtight container, it lasts 3-5 days in the fridge, and it only gets better with time. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.