This Spicy Taco Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With tasty ground beef, beans, corn, and lots of spices, it packs a flavorful punch that’s sure to brighten your day.
I love to top it with cheese and crunchy tortilla chips for that extra crunch! Plus, it’s easy to make, so you can whip it up even on a busy night. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This gives a rich flavor to the soup. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well too. For a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or crumbled tofu.
Beans: Kidney and black beans are fantastic choices for protein and fiber. If you don’t have them, feel free to use pinto beans or chickpeas instead, or even leave beans out entirely for a meatier soup.
Taco Seasoning: I love homemade taco seasoning since you can control the spice level. If you don’t have this on hand, you can mix spices like paprika, cayenne, and oregano for a substitute. Store-bought is convenient too!
Cilantro: This fresh herb adds a bright touch to the soup. If you’re not a fan, you can leave it out or use green onions as a substitute for flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Soup Has Amazing Flavor?
Building layers of flavor is key in making this soup delicious. Start by browning the ground beef well; this caramelizes the meat and enhances its flavor. After that, sautéing the onions and garlic helps create a rich base.
- Cook the onions until they are soft and slightly golden; this adds sweetness.
- Add the spices after the meat and onions. This helps to bloom the spices, bringing out their full flavors. Make sure to stir them in for a minute.
- Let the soup simmer to really mingle the flavors. The longer, the better!
Spicy Taco Soup Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (plus extra for garnish)
- Sour cream, shredded cheese, and tortilla chips for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This spicy taco soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to cook. So, you’ll have a delicious, hearty meal ready in around 40 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Cook it until it’s fully cooked through and no longer pink. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from being too greasy.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the cooked beef. Sauté them together for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. This will enhance the flavors in your soup!
3. Add the Spices:
Now it’s time to infuse some flavor! Stir in the taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, as well as salt and pepper. Cook for 1 more minute, stirring continuously, to help release the wonderful aroma of the spices.
4. Mix in the Ingredients:
Carefully add the kidney beans, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and beef broth into the pot. Stir everything well to combine all those delicious flavors.
5. Bring to a Boil:
Turn up the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low to let it simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes. This will help all the ingredients meld together and create a delicious flavor!
6. Finish with Cilantro:
Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh cilantro for a pop of freshness and color. This step really brightens up the soup!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and a handful of crunchy tortilla chips. You can add extra cilantro as a garnish if you like.
Enjoy your hearty, spicy taco soup that warms you up with bold flavors and a little spicy kick!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works well in this soup. Just make sure to brown it fully and drain any excess fat before adding the remaining ingredients.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with additional beans or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor and texture!
Can I Freeze Leftover Soup?
Yes! This soup freezes wonderfully. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it!
What Can I Serve With This Soup?
This spicy taco soup pairs beautifully with cornbread, crusty bread, or a simple side salad. It’s also delicious with extra toppings like avocado or jalapeños for an added kick!
