Cindy'S Taco Soup
A hearty, flavorful taco soup with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and green chilies, perfect for a comforting family meal or casual gatherings with a Mexican-inspired twist.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 (1.25 oz.) pkg. taco mix ⓘ
- 1 (.4 oz.) original Ranch dressing mix
- 4 (16 oz.) cans diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can pinto beans, undrained ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can kidney beans, undrained ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can whole kernel corn, drained ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can green chilies, drained and chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Sauté onions in oil until translucent.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in taco mix and Ranch dressing mix.
- Add diced tomatoes, pinto beans, kidney beans, drained corn, chopped green chilies, and salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot with nacho chips, grated cheese, and sour cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or using spicy taco mix. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or use canned beans that are low in sodium. If you're short on time, try making Taco Crockpot Soup for a quicker version. This soup freezes well, so make a double batch for future meals.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty taco soup with crispy nacho chips, a sprinkle of grated cheese, and a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess. It pairs beautifully with Easy Taco Pizza for a complete meal, or you can enjoy it alongside a fresh salad for a lighter option.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover taco soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the soup thickens, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cindy'S Taco Soup contains roughly 1095 calories, with 36g protein, 130g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (79% of the Daily Value), protein (72% of the Daily Value), and iron (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2742mg per serving (119% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this taco soup vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and using vegetable broth. Substitute the meat with extra beans or lentils for protein. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, you can use mild taco mix and omit the green chilies, or add more if you prefer it spicy. Fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice can also enhance the flavor without adding heat. For a more robust flavor, consider including a dash of hot sauce.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! If using fresh tomatoes, about 10-12 ripe tomatoes should be equivalent to the four 16 oz. cans. Blanch and peel them for a smoother texture, and adjust the cooking time as fresh tomatoes may require a bit longer to break down in the soup.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).