Hearty Taco Soup
A hearty, flavorful taco soup with ground beef, beans, corn, and spices, topped with cheese and served with crunchy taco chips—perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, diced ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, diced ⓘ
- 3 c. hot water ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz.) cans small pinto beans ⓘ
- Taco chips ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can corn or frozen ⓘ
- 4 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 c. mozzarella or cheddar cheese, grated ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a Dutch oven with diced green pepper and onion.
- Add tomatoes, beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper to the beef.
- Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Taste and add seasonings as desired.
- Place taco chips in each bowl.
- Ladle the hot soup over the chips and top with grated cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for lean ground beef. You can also use black beans instead of pinto beans for a different flavor. If you prefer a spicier soup, add more cayenne pepper or include jalapeños. Experiment with your favorite toppings like avocado or sour cream to enhance the dish. For a quicker prep, use canned diced tomatoes with green chilies.
Serving Suggestions
This Hearty Taco Soup is perfect for a cozy family dinner or game day gathering. Serve it alongside cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a fun twist, offer toppings like crushed tortilla chips, diced avocado, or cilantro. It pairs beautifully with Beef Tacos for a Mexican-themed feast, or enjoy it solo with your favorite taco-themed sides.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stove over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to prevent splatters. This soup freezes well too; just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Taco Soup contains roughly 2688 calories, with 94g protein, 354g carbohydrates, and 145g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (367% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (229% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2902mg per serving (126% 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 adapt this recipe by omitting the ground beef and using vegetable broth instead of water. Replace the meat with additional beans, lentils, or textured vegetable protein for added protein. You can also include more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
What can I use if I don’t have chili powder?
If you don't have chili powder, you can create a substitute by mixing equal parts paprika and cumin with a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. Alternatively, use taco seasoning if available; just adjust the amount to your taste, as it may be more concentrated.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To make the soup spicier, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños during cooking. You can also top the soup with a spicy salsa or hot sauce when serving. For an extra kick, consider adding a dash of chipotle powder for a smoky heat.
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).