This is one of those recipes that has 487 million variations. Everybody has one. But the truth is, it’s just too delicious not to share here too. And did I mention it’s easy? Like brown some meat and open a few cans easy. But it tastes like so. much. more! So here’s my family’s version. We’ve been making it for years.
I love it served over rice, but know lots of folks that like it with some corn chips on top. It’s also great with some shredded cheddar and a dollop of sour cream.
Honestly, I’ll take it just about any way I can get it. It packs a punch of flavor that is reminiscent of chili. I know y’all will love this one. It’s a recipe we use over and over again. I think I’ve got it memorized now! 
Recipe Card
Taco Soup
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans
- 1 (16-ounce) can pinto beans
- 1 (16-ounce) can kidney beans
- 1 (15.25-ounce) can whole kernel corn
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Like Ro*Tel)
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 (1-ounce) packets taco seasoning
- 2 (1-ounce) packets ranch dressing and seasoning mix
- 2 cups water
Optional:
- cooked white rice
- corn chips
- sour cream
- shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large stock pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the onion. Once cooked through, drain the grease away and return the meat and onion to the pot.
- Drain and rinse the three types of beans. Drain the corn. Add the rinsed beans and drained corn to the pot. Add the undrained tomatoes (all undrained) along with the taco and ranch seasoning and water. Stir to combine. Heat until boiling. Reduce and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Serve over rice or with corn chips. Add a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, if desired.
Notes
Can measurements might vary from brand to brand. As long as you use something close to these, the recipe will work just fine. They don't have to be exact.
The brand of taco seasoning will drastically change the flavor of this soup. Choose your favorite. Mine happens to be McCormick.
Did you make my Taco Soup?I'd love to see! Share on Instagram, tag @southernbite, and use the hashtag #southernbite!
I’m going to substitute I one can of hominy for the corn, and just add one can of beans.
Sounds great! Hope you’ll enjoy it!
Our new favorite taco soup recipe!!! So delicious!!
Thanks, Tiffany! We sure love it at our house.
It is delicious .. I have made this before.. but never with the Ranch seasoning … love it!!:)
Thanks, Raegina! You should certainly try adding the ranch. It gives it a serious kick of flavor.
Oh Stacey… I love so many of your recipes… It is cold here in Maine this morning, a balmy 28 degrees ..I wanted some kind of soup, I ran across this recipe and have everything to make this so I am good to go. It is in the crock pot as I write this and smells delish. .. I love soups but Hubby not so much. He loves tacos and chili so I am hoping he likes this. We all like heat so I just might add a jalapeno. I purchased your cookbook and can not wait for it to come. Thank you for all the delicious recipes.
Thank you for all of your support Calene!
This sounds and looks good. I personally would not call it a soup since I like lots of broth/liquid in my SOUP. But putting this over rice is a great idea.
There is quite a bit of broth/liquid in this soup, I just strained most of it away when I shot the photo so folks could see the ingredients.
I have a recipe similar to this one where the beans and corn are added WITH their juices – exception being there are no black beans in my recipe. The other difference is the use of stewed tomatoes and a small can of tomato sauce instead of the crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes. My recipe comes from a church cookbook we put together 20 years ago. No matter what small differences there are, this is a great recipe for cool fall/cold winter days!
It’s such a simple and delicious meal!
My family doesnt really like all the tomatoes. Could i use tomato sauce instead?
I’ve not tried that, but can’t see why it wouldn’t work.
Amanda, my sister’s family doesn’t like the texture of tomatoes, so she just runs canned tomatoes, Rotel etc through the blender first. 🙂
Great tip!
I add chopped garlic,diced red and yellow peppers, chopped zucchini, shredded carrots to the meat- which could be ground beef, turkey or chicken.
Black pepper, dried cilantro, dried parsley . I also only use 1 packet rah seasoning. Instead of water, u can use broth. Before serving, I add chopped spinach.
Top bowl with crushed tortilla or corn chips, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, chopped cilantro, avacado , sour creme or non fat plain Greek yogurt.
Delicious !!
Do I need to modify this recipe to substitute chicken in lieu of ground beef?
Not at all. You’d just swap the ground beef out for shredded, cooked chicken.
This looks sooo good. I’m a bit reluctant to use 4 packets of seasoning though. Does this make it overly salty? Just wanted to check before making it. Thanks! 🙂
I don’t think so at all. But keep in mind, you can find low sodium versions of most of the packets.
Made this last night, so quick and easy. Flavorful. I have made it in the crock pot and it is just as good. Our grandson came for dinner and carried away most of it for his lunches. Luckily it makes a huge amount so the grandparents have leftovers too. I also wish that Stacey would give us a version without package ranch and taco seasoning, the sodium content and “other” ingredients are a little unpleasant. Thanks Stacey for your many wonderful recipes. Enjoyed the buttermilk biscuits video and have printed the recipe. Going to make them when I get the White Lily flour, Amazon.
Thanks so much, Candyce! So glad everyone enjoyed the soup and hope the biscuits turn out great for you as well!
Do you think it would be almost as good if I left out the Hamburger?
maybe I could add something else. I love the idea of serving it over rice.
Thank you
With all the beans, you’ve got plenty of protein, so I think it would be fine to leave it out.
How many people does this recipe serve? Thx! Trying it now.
Lots! 8 to 10 or even more depending on the serving size.
Please make a homemade taco seasoning mix. I hate those packets, and I’ve tried every brand for taco seasoning!! Thank you!
How spicy is it?
I don’t find the soup spicy at all.
Does this freeze well?
Wonderfully!!
Stacey, this looks so good! I think I’ll try it next weekend. Thanks for the recipe.
By the way, your photography is always excellent, but I have to say these photos are stunning. Nice work!
Awww, you’re so sweet! Thanks so much!
Making this tonight! It’s chilly and rainy here in Fl today
Sure hope you enjoyed it!
I’ve made taco soup every which way but loose. Mostly chicken versions. My family loves taco soup so it’s almost a weekly occurrence. I’ve done the ones where you put all the canned beans in and the canned corn. I usually turn my nose up at the ones with seasoning packets.
Well, I tried this one exactly as directed. Bought those seasoning packets. I gotta tell you, man. This one was the bomb. I mean the bomb in a good way, like back in the 90’s. I never would have thought of ranch seasoning for a taco soup. My teenager scarfed that down like there was no tomorrow. And I did do.
Loved it. I have finally found the taco soup recipe of my dreams and I’m not ashamed to admit it comes with seasoning packets. You only live life once.
I couldn’t love this comment any more than I do! I’m so glad you gave it a try and that it turned out great for you. I know folks are afraid of the seasoning packets, but they honestly add SO MUCH FLAVOR! I’m just tickled y’all enjoyed it!
Hey Stacey!
This looks AWESOME! I just overheard two people in Publix trying decide between Chili and Soup. Taco Soup will get my vote every time. 😀
I need more recipes like this – that look irresistible and offer families lots of options. Thank you for sharing great recipes that are easy to follow and don’t take all day to prepare. I hope this is the year that I can finally streamline the cooking process. Thanks for everything you do!
I totally understand, Karen! I share recipes with y’all that we actually eat, so most of the time that’s stuff that’s quick and easy. I sure hope you’ll enjoy this one!
CAN YOU MAKE THIS IN CROCK POT? I SURE HOPE SO.
Sure can! Just brown the ground beef in advance, drain it, then combine everything in the slow cooker. Enjoy!
I am one of those rare people that hate Regular Ranch dressing.
Instead I use the Fiesta Ranch or the Spicy Ranch flavors in my taco soup, and love it!!
Sounds like a GREAT addition!
Hi Stacey,
This recipe sounds wonderful and I’m looking forward to making this soon. I’m thinking I would like to make this in the crockpot. What are your thoughts on crockpot preparation? Any changes?
Thanks!
Trish
Trish, my family always does ours in the crock pot and it works out just perfectly. As a matter of fact, we had it at our daughter’s on Monday night and it was delicious. She put it in on Monday before she left for work on low, and it was ready when we got there. ENJOY!
Yes, it works perfectly! Thanks for sharing, Michele!
It works beautifully in the crock pot. Just brown your meat and drain it, then combine everything in the crock pot. Enjoy!
Yum! Its so blustery outside that I am all about soups right now!
Kari
https://sweetteasweetie.com/
I hope you’ll enjoy this one! 🙂
Taco soup sounds awesome for the winter. Can’t wait to try this! The only thing is I would NEVER use those packets of taco seasoning or ranch seasoning.
Have you ever looked at the ingredients in HV ranch seasoning? Salt, monosodium glutamate, dried garlic, modified food starch, dried onion, maltodextrin, spices, less than 2% of: guar gum, buttermilk, calcium stearate, natural flavor (soy)
Of that long list of ingredients, SPICES is number 8??
Do yourself a favor and mix up your own seasonings or get them from a good source.