Go Back

Beef Taco Soup – Cozy, Bold, and Weeknight-Friendly

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 for best flavor)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional but great for sweetness)
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional boost)
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (more to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for depth)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) pinto or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained (or 1 1/2 cups frozen corn)
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
  • 4 cups beef or chicken broth
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1/2 lime (optional, for brightness)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Toppings: Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack, sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced jalapeños, avocado, crushed tortilla chips, green onions

Method
 

  1. Warm the pot: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Brown the beef: Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, 5–7 minutes. Spoon off excess fat if needed.
  3. Soften aromatics: Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Season it: Stir in taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Toast the spices for 30–60 seconds to wake them up.
  5. Add the base: Pour in the black beans, pinto or kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomatoes with green chiles, and broth. Stir well.
  6. Simmer: Bring to a gentle boil, then lower to a simmer. Cook 15–20 minutes to let the flavors come together.
  7. Finish and balance: Season with salt and pepper. Squeeze in lime juice if using. Taste and adjust heat or salt.
  8. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, and crushed tortilla chips. Enjoy immediately.