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Best 30-Minute Ground Beef Taco Soup Recipe

ground beef taco soup - featured image

This quick and easy taco soup comes together in about 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (or 3 tbsp homemade blend)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles (undrained)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained (or 1.5 cups frozen corn)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) beef broth
  • 1 cup water
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for topping)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for topping)
  • Diced avocado (for topping)
  • Tortilla chips or strips (for topping)
  • Lime wedges (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef (5 minutes): Place a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned all the way through, about 5-7 minutes. Leave about a tablespoon of fat in the pot for flavor.
  2. Sweat the Aromatics (3 minutes): Add the diced onion to the pot with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Bloom the Spices (1 minute): Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat and onion mixture. Stir well to coat evenly. Let it cook for about 30 seconds to a minute to wake up the flavors.
  4. Add the Liquids and Canned Goods (2 minutes): Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with green chiles (undrained), the beef broth, and the water. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  5. Add the Beans and Corn (1 minute): Stir in the drained black beans, kidney beans, and corn. Give it a good stir to combine.
  6. Simmer and Season (15-20 minutes): Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes. Taste after 10 minutes and adjust seasoning with salt and a squeeze of fresh lime juice if desired.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings.

Notes

For a thicker soup, mash half of one can of beans before adding. For a spicier version, add a diced jalapeño with the onions or a teaspoon of chipotle powder. The soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and freezes for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco soup, ground beef taco soup, 30 minute taco soup, easy taco soup, weeknight dinner, meal prep