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The Best Taco Soup Recipe (Ready in 30 Mins!)

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Are you searching for a meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious? Imagine dumping a handful of pantry staples into a pot, and 30 minutes later, serving up a steaming, flavorful bowl of comfort that the whole family will devour.

This Taco Soup recipe is the ultimate weeknight hero. It’s packed with protein-rich beans, sweet corn, savory spices, and vibrant tomatoes, creating a soup that tastes like a deconstructed taco in a bowl. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd, prepping meals for the week, or just craving a cozy, spicy dinner, this “dump-and-go” soup delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Get your tortilla chips ready!

Ingredients

This recipe relies on convenient canned goods and simple spices to create a robust flavor profile in no time.

IngredientAmount/QuantityNotes
Great Northern Beans2 (14-ounce) cansRinsed and drained
Diced Tomatoes1 (28-ounce) canDo not drain; juice adds flavor
Mexican-Style Corn1 (14-ounce) canDrained
Water1 cupOr vegetable broth
Chili Powder2 tablespoonsAdjust for heat
Dried Parsley Flakes2 teaspoons
Ground Cumin2 teaspoonsEssential taco flavor
Dried Oregano¾ teaspoon
Garlic Powder¾ teaspoon
Onion Powder¾ teaspoon
Kosher Salt¾ teaspoon
Ground Pepper½ teaspoon
Optional Toppings:
Crushed Tortilla ChipsFor crunch
Grated CheeseSharp cheddar or Mexican blend
Sour Cream / Greek YogurtAdds creaminess
Fresh CilantroFor a fresh finish
AvocadoSliced or diced

Timing

This soup comes together incredibly fast, making it perfect for busy evenings.

  • Preparation Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Total Time: Approximately 25 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a hearty, flavorful soup with practically zero prep work.

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Place a large, deep soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the rinsed Great Northern beans, the entire can of diced tomatoes (with their juices), the drained Mexican-style corn, and the cup of water.

  • Actionable Tip: Rinsing the beans removes excess sodium and starch, while keeping the tomato juice adds essential acidity and body to the broth.

Step 2: Season the Soup

Stir in all the spices: chili powder, dried parsley, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the liquid.

Step 3: Simmer and Serve

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Continue heating, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, or until the soup is hot and the flavors have melded together. Taste and add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot!

Nutritional Information

Nutritional information is an estimate per serving (based on 6 servings) without toppings.

  • Calories: 81 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Fat: 1 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: Variable (approx. 400-600 mg depending on canned goods)
  • Potassium: 339 mg
  • Vitamin A: 942 IU
  • Vitamin C: 12 mg
  • Calcium: 48 mg
  • Iron: 2 mg

Healthier Alternatives

This vegetarian soup is naturally healthy, but you can customize it further:

  • Lower Sodium: Use “no salt added” canned beans, corn, and tomatoes to significantly reduce the sodium content.
  • Boost Protein: Add a can of black beans or pinto beans, or brown 1 lb of lean ground turkey or beef with the spices before adding the liquid ingredients for a meatier version.
  • More Veggies: Stir in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or a handful of spinach during the simmering stage for extra nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

This Taco Soup is a meal in itself, but the toppings are what make it truly special!

  • Classic Taco Bar: Set out bowls of shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, and salsa so everyone can customize their own bowl.
  • Creamy Twist: Stir a dollop of plain Greek yogurt into your bowl for a protein-packed, creamy finish.
  • Side Dish: Pair with a simple green salad or a slice of cornbread for a heartier meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

For the best soup experience, avoid these minor pitfalls:

  • Draining the Tomatoes: You need that tomato juice for the broth! Solution: Only drain the beans and corn.
  • Over-boiling: Boiling too hard can make the beans mushy. Solution: Keep it at a gentle simmer just to heat through.
  • Bland Soup: Canned ingredients can vary. Solution: Always taste before serving and adjust the salt, chili powder, or cumin to your preference.

Storing Tips

This soup stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day!

  • Refrigerate: Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze: This soup freezes perfectly. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes until steaming.

Conclusion

This Taco Soup recipe proves that a delicious, wholesome dinner doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. With its pantry-friendly ingredient list and incredibly fast cook time, it’s the perfect solution for those nights when you need comfort food fast. It’s savory, satisfying, and completely customizable—a true family favorite in the making.

Ready to spice up your dinner routine? Give this easy recipe a try and let us know what your favorite toppings are in the comments below! We love hearing from you. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe for more easy and delicious meal ideas!

FAQs

Q1: Can I add meat to this recipe?

Absolutely! Brown 1 pound of ground beef, turkey, or chicken in the pot first. Drain any excess fat, then add the remaining ingredients and simmer as directed. This adds protein and makes the soup even heartier.

Q2: Is this soup spicy?

It has a mild kick from the chili powder. If you prefer it milder, reduce the chili powder to 1 tablespoon. For more heat, add a diced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper.

Q3: Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on Low for 3-4 hours or High for 1-2 hours, just until heated through and flavors are melded.

Q4: Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the soup ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your taco seasoning spices (if using a blend) and any toppings like tortilla chips are certified gluten-free.

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The Best Taco Soup Recipe (Ready in 30 Mins!)


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  • Author: Evelyn Marcella Rivera
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 Servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This Taco Soup recipe is the ultimate weeknight hero. It’s packed with protein-rich beans, sweet corn, savory spices, and vibrant tomatoes, creating a soup that tastes like a deconstructed taco in a bowl. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just craving a cozy, spicy dinner, this “dump-and-go” soup delivers big flavor with minimal effort in under 30 minutes.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 (14-ounce) cans Great Northern Beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (28-ounce) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (14-ounce) can Mexican-Style Corn, drained
  • 1 cup Water (or vegetable broth)

Spice Blend:

  • 2 tablespoons Chili Powder
  • 2 teaspoons Dried Parsley Flakes
  • 2 teaspoons Ground Cumin
  • 3/4 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 3/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Pepper

Optional Toppings:

  • Crushed Tortilla Chips
  • Grated Cheese
  • Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
  • Fresh Cilantro

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: Place a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the rinsed beans, the undrained tomatoes (juices included), the drained corn, and the water.
  2. Season the Soup: Stir in the chili powder, parsley, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to distribute the spices.
  3. Simmer and Serve: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until the flavors have melded and the soup is hot. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • Add Meat: For a heartier version, brown 1 lb of ground beef or turkey with an onion before adding the other ingredients in Step 1.
  • Rinse Beans: Rinsing the beans removes excess sodium and starch, giving the soup a cleaner flavor.
  • Keep the Juice: Do not drain the tomatoes! The juice adds essential acidity, flavor, and body to the broth.
  • Freezer Friendly: This soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Soup, Main Course, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering, Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex, American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup)
  • Calories: 81 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 1 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
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