This classic and super easy 7-can Taco Soup recipe is simple and full of flavor! Serve over rice or with corn chips, topped with cheddar and sour cream!
This is one of those recipes that has 487 million variations. Everybody has one and swears theirs is the best taco soup recipe. But the truth is, it’s just too delicious not to share here too.
And, did I mention it’s easy? Like no homemade taco seasoning just a packet of taco seasoning and a ranch dressing mix kinda easy. Like brown some meat (ground turkey or lean ground beef both work) and open a few cans of beans and rotel tomatoes from the pantry and throw in some spices… easy peasy. 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. It’s a recipe we use over and over again. I think I’ve even got this easy taco soup recipe memorized now!
Can you make taco soup in a crockpot?
Absolutely you can cook up this taco soup in the crock pot or any slow cooker! As a matter of fact, that is one of my favorite ways to cook it. Just brown and drain your ground beef before you add it to the crockpot, then dump in all your taco soup ingredients, and let it fill your home with delicious fragrance all day long!
Can you freeze taco soup or reheat leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze this taco soup and reheat it for leftovers. It’s one of those soups that just gets better with time. It will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer in a freezer safe and airtight container for up to 3 months.
What should you serve with taco soup?
As I mentioned above, we like to serve our taco soup over rice. I know lots of folks like to scoop it up with tortilla chips. I’ve even seen some slice an avocado and place that on top. I prefer a little sour cream on top with some shredded cheese and a bit of cilantro in a big ol’ bowl! Yum!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ 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
Nutrition
* If nutritional values are provided, they are an estimate and will vary depending on the brands used. The values do not include optional ingredients or when ingredients are added to taste. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, I recommend grabbing your favorite brands and plugging those ingredients into an online nutritional calculator.
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Congrats Stacey on your new book! I’ve been using your recipes I believe for 17 years. Yours and Christy’s recipes have been staples for us. I miss Christy but she found a good person to replace her and she is doing another good work on FB now. Looking forward to getting your new book. There is something special about a cookbook where you can sit in your favorite chair and turn pages like my grandmother did. We especially like your Taco Soup but we like so much more too!
Thank you so much, Shelley! I appreciate you being on this journey with me for so long! I just talked to Christy this morning!
Quick to make. Perfect for cold days. Enjoyed it with corn chips sour cream and extra taco cheeses.
Sounds great! So glad you enjoyed it!
Stacey, my friend, you’ve done it again! The only thing I changed was to add another jar of corn and a few more black beans, both of which I had canned last year. This recipe made enough to feed the two of us supper and enough extra to can 3 quarts to share with our granddaughter. Thank you for yet another favorite.
You are too kind! So glad to see it turned out great for you, Shirley!
You make me hungry & I’m going to cook a big pot of soup today . I found your site & now I confused. I CAN’T FUGURE WHICH ONE TO FIX!!!!!
Ha! Sounds like it’s time to make a list! Hope they all turn out great for you!
Delicious. So easy to prepare for a quick dinner. Family loves recipe.
Thanks, Janice!
Best taco soup ever! I share it with my daughter and her family too. We all enjoy it. Thank you.
Thank you, Pamela!!
Very good. Made it just like it was. Than you!😃
You’re so welcome! Glad to hear you enjoyed it!
I used ground Italian sausage and was very pleased
Great idea! Glad you enjoyed it!
Absolutely delicious! I used ground turkey with a little soy sauce in place of the beef. We just loved this!
Sounds great! So glad y’all enjoyed it!
it would be overnight in crockpot, I think that would be low setting. ty
You’ll need to brown the ground beef in advance, then put it all in the slow cooker. Overnight might be too long. I’m thinking like 4 to 6 hours on low would work.
can you by chance crockpot this soup.
This is another terrific recipe that’s packed full of flavor and textures. You are a genius.
you suggested cooking in crockpot. What amount of time on high and low?
You’ll need to brown the ground beef in advance, then put it all in the slow cooker. I’m thinking like 4 to 6 hours on low would work.
Thanks a bunch, Stacey! I like to think my genius level is somewhere between a mad scientist and a skilled home cook. Glad you enjoyed the recipe!
I’ve been making taco soup for years and often taking it over to neighbors. He came over and asked me if I would make a whole pot just for them. Went to store and bought only items for the soup. It sure added up fast. He was aghast at the cost of just “soup”. But it freezes well plus we have it for a couple days. It’s one of my favorite soups. Turns out it’s their favorite and later that winter he asked for another pot.
I totally get that! Groceries can get pricey, but it really does make a lot. Plus, you get to enjoy it for days or freeze some for later. It’s awesome that it turned into a favorite for both you and your neighbor!
When my daughter comes for dinner she often requests chili, she loves it. First time I made this soup she said she likes it more than chili! My husband and I loved it as well, in fact, that’s what we’re having for dinner tonight. 😋
That’s wonderful! I’m so happy your daughter enjoyed the soup even more than chili, and that it’s a hit with your whole family. Enjoy your dinner tonight!
A few crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese, sour cream and that’s all we need. 🥰
Sounds perfect to me!
Was Great!
Kept it mild with the seasonings & mild Rotel.
Used 2 cups broth instead of the water & 1 lb each of lean ground beef & ground turkey
So glad you enjoyed it!!
a quick & easy to make soup, I didn’t use the black beans don’t like their taste, but that’s just me, served it over a bed of rice and topped with some diced onions and sharp cheddar cheese, the family enjoyed it so no leftovers…..LOL
Sounds great! Glad you enjoyed it!
I have made taco soup many times over the years, but this one has become my new favorite! I made it this evening as per your recipe, and my husband and I found it delicious. Thank you, Stacey for yet another easy and delightful recipe!
I’m so glad to hear y’all enjoyed this version!
Very good. Kind of like a chili. Will definitely make it again. Might try it with shredded rotisserie chicken.
I’ve made it with chicken and loved it that way, too! So glad you enjoyed it!
Oh my goodness this one nailed it for sure, 1000% I’ve definitely found the one I’ve been searching so long and hard for! I made it tonight, & each one of my kids and my husband ALL WENT BACK IN OR SECONDS AND Ny husband and my oldest Even shockingly went in for thirds. However my oldest couldn’t finish hers, but she tried tho. & She even told me “MoM I have a NEW FAVORITE DINNER MEAL” YAY. That’s just made my day. I highly HIGHLY RECOMMEND ANYONE AND EVERYONE TRYING THIS RECIPE! You won’t be disappointed, I GUARANTEE IT!
Oh my goodness this one nailed it for sure, 1000% I’ve definitely found the one I’ve been searching so long and hard for! I made it tonight, & each one of my kids and my husband ALL WENT BACK IN OR SECONDS AND Ny husband and my oldest Even shockingly went in for thirds. However my oldest couldn’t finish hers, but she tried tho. & She even told me “MoM I have a NEW FAVORITE DINNER MEAL” YAY. That’s just made my day.
So thank you so much for making this happen. It was by far the best recipe I’ve ever tried that I’ve found online before in my entire life. Y’all I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS RECIPE ITS A MUST TRY! YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED I GUARANTEE IT!
Thank you, Nicole! I’m so happy to hear the whole family loved it!
Stacey,
You have turned me into an addict with this soup! I’ve made taco soup plenty of times but this is my go-to recipe from now on. And I never thought about adding rice! I added shredded cheese and Fritos and wow, was it good. I made it Thursday and I’ve eaten every day and I’m still not tired of it! Thank you for this great new addiction! 😉
Ha! This makes me happy! I’m so happy to hear you’ve enjoyed it!!
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!
I now use a large can of crushed tomatoes as well as a large can of whole tomatoes (cut up slightly) as a base for Chili, and taco soup…it gives a nice thick base, less watery liquid base…
Great tip! Thanks!
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!
If you think it’s too salty, make your own taco and ranch seasonings. It’s easy to find recipes, even easier to make.
Candyce, you do know that you can make your own seasoning blends right? You don’t HAVE to use store bought ones.
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.