Name: Taco Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon mild flavored oil; 1 lb ground turkey (or ground beef or chicken); 1 cup chopped onion; 2 garlic cloves, chopped; 2-4 tablespoons Easy Taco Seasoning or 1 package store-bought taco seasoning; 3 cups beef broth; 2-3 cups tomato juice (such as Campbell’s); 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, not drained; 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 can pinto beans, rinsed and drained; 2 cups frozen whole kernel corn; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; Sliced avocado; Sour cream; Tortilla strips

If you’re searching for a vibrant bowl of comfort that’s both speedy and absolutely irresistible, Taco Soup is exactly what you need. This foolproof recipe is packed with warm Tex-Mex flavors, colorful veggies, hearty turkey, and all the toppings your heart desires, making it the ultimate weeknight dinner or cozy lunch. Every spoonful delivers the classic taco taste you crave, in a soul-soothing, slurpable soup you’ll love coming back to all season long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple pantry staples can transform into dazzling flavors when you make Taco Soup! Each ingredient brings its own oomph, ensuring a rich, colorful, and absolutely delicious bowl. Here’s how everything plays its part:

Oil: Just a teaspoon gets things sizzling and helps the turkey brown perfectly.
Ground turkey: Lean and hearty, this makes Taco Soup satisfying without being heavy. Swap in ground beef or chicken if you like!
Onion: Chopped onion brings sweetness and depth to every bite.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds irresistible aroma and punchy flavor.
Taco seasoning: The magic blend! Use homemade or a low-sodium packet for that signature Tex-Mex kick.
Beef broth: This builds a savory base; swap with chicken or vegetable broth if preferred.
Tomato juice: Adds brightness and body to your soup—use more or less to reach your preferred consistency.
Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies): For tang, color, and just the right hint of heat.
Black beans: Rinsed and drained, they add creamy texture and essential protein.
Pinto beans: Mild and hearty, they soak up all those spicy flavors beautifully.
Frozen whole kernel corn: Sweet bursts of corn keep every spoonful fun. You can use canned if that’s what you have!
Shredded cheddar cheese (for topping): Melty goodness on top for the full taco effect.
Sliced avocado, sour cream, tortilla strips (for toppings): Each adds its own creamy, tangy, or crunchy edge—customize as you wish!

How to Make Taco Soup

Step 1: Brown the Turkey, Onion, and Garlic

Start by heating the oil in a big stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, chopped onion, and garlic. Stir and cook everything together, breaking up the meat as you go, for about 5-7 minutes. You want the turkey browned and the onions softened, with no lingering pink in the meat.

Step 2: Add Seasoning

Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir well to coat the turkey completely. This step gives your Taco Soup its unforgettable flavor, so make sure every bite is beautifully seasoned.

Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Tomato Juice

Next, pour in the beef broth and tomato juice. If you prefer a chunkier soup, start with the lower amount of tomato juice—you can always add more later! Give it all a good stir to combine.

Step 4: Add Beans, Rotel, and Corn

Add the undrained can of Rotel, drained black beans, drained pinto beans, and the frozen corn straight into the pot. Don’t worry about thawing the corn—it will cook up tender and sweet as the Taco Soup simmers.

Step 5: Simmer and Blend Flavors

Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble, uncovered, for at least 20 minutes so all those flavors have time to get cozy together. If you have extra time, let it go up to 40 minutes (or even a whole hour on low), covered or uncovered. The longer it simmers, the better it gets!

Step 6: Serve with Toppings

Ladle the steaming Taco Soup into big bowls and pile on your favorite toppings—think shredded cheddar, sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and crunchy tortilla strips. Ready, set, dig in!

How to Serve Taco Soup

Garnishes

The best part about Taco Soup might just be the toppings! From melty cheddar cheese and creamy avocado to tangy sour cream and salty tortilla strips, garnishes turn a humble bowl into a fiesta. Don’t forget a sprinkle of green onions, a spoonful of pico de gallo, or a few jalapeño slices for added zip!

Side Dishes

Taco Soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, especially loaded with toppings. But for a full spread, try pairing it with warm cornbread, a crisp green salad, or classic rice. If you’re feeling extra, serve with a platter of quesadillas for dipping!

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the bowl! Ladle Taco Soup into mugs for an easy handheld party appetizer, or set up a “taco soup bar” with bowls of assorted toppings and let everyone build their own masterpiece. For a fun twist, serve over a bed of rice or spooned into baked tortilla cups.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Taco Soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Let it cool, then store in an airtight container. The flavors continue to meld, making tomorrow’s lunch even better than tonight’s dinner!

Freezing

If you want to stock your freezer with cozy meals, Taco Soup is a dream. Let the soup cool completely, then ladle it into freezer-safe containers or bags (leave some space for expansion). It’ll keep for up to three months—just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for round two.

Reheating

Reheating Taco Soup is hassle-free! Warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring now and then until hot. If you’re in a rush, you can microwave individual portions—just cover and heat in intervals, stirring halfway through to make sure it’s evenly warmed.

FAQs

Can I make Taco Soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown your turkey, onions, and garlic first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours for maximum flavor and convenience.

What are the best toppings for Taco Soup?

Classic choices like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, and tortilla strips are musts, but you can also get creative with pico de gallo, pickled jalapeños, fresh cabbage, or even sliced olives to suit your taste.

Can I substitute different beans or vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to swap the black or pinto beans with kidney beans or chickpeas, and mix in bell peppers, zucchini, or even chopped spinach for extra color and nutrition.

Is there a way to make Taco Soup vegetarian?

Definitely. Use vegetable broth in place of beef broth and swap out turkey for extra beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute. The soup will still be hearty—and everyone can enjoy it!

How do I control the spiciness of the soup?

For a mild Taco Soup, opt for original-flavor Rotel and a mild taco seasoning. For extra heat, use hot Rotel or stir in diced fresh or pickled jalapeños, plus additional chili powder or hot sauce to taste.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Taco Soup before, now’s the perfect time to dive in! Between its easy prep and all the cozy, zesty flavor, it’s sure to become a new favorite at your table. Don’t forget to make it your own with toppings and sides—your soup bowl, your rules!