Delicious flavors of tacos in this Southwestern Taco Soup, this recipe will warm any tummy on a cold winter night as it's full of warm spices, aromatic vegetables, beans and beef. Made in four easy steps with pantry staples this recipe will be your new family favorite!
James first told me about this recipe a few hunting seasons ago. He came home from the camp raving about a friend's easy taco soup that they had eaten while there. He put me to work trying to recreate this dish.
Next time try my Corn and Crab Bisque recipe, for another delicious cold weather favorite soup!
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If you are looking to create a 'south-western' theme for the night, you could start by offering this delicious Guacamole Dip.
Be careful though, whenever I bring this dip to friends houses if they're cooking, they fuss me because it's so good everyone can't stop eating it and barely have enough room left for their food!
What makes this recipe so yummy
- This recipe uses mostly pantry staples. Most of the ingredients you will already have in your home, this makes it really easy to whip together at any time!
- The ingredients of beef and beans with the ranch seasoning and taco seasoning really give it that almost chili-like flavor and instantly makes everyone want a bowl.
- A delicious soup, perfect for first time cooks. The whole family will love it.
Groceries you'll need: Ingredients
See recipe card for quantities.
Recipe walkthrough: Instructions
This is an overview of the recipe steps. For more detailed instructions visit the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Recipe variations and substitute ideas
- Beans - Black beans help retain that south-western flavor but if you prefer you can swap them out. Most beans will work in this recipe, like pinto beans are great, or kidney beans.
- Meat - I have ground beef in the recipe card, but venison can be used. You could even use ground turkey if you prefer!
- Salt - This recipe can become too salty really quick, this is why I use a low sodium beef broth. If you have to go further due to a salt restriction, swap out the tomatoes for a low-salt version. The beans need to be rinsed anyway which will eliminate some of the sodium, but you could use frozen instead! You'll have to change up the seasonings too. Eliminate the ranch mix and taco seasoning and use Cumin, Chili powder and Oregano (to taste).
- Bell Pepper - Adding Bell Pepper (Green) would add another flavor profile that would be good.
- Chicken Broth - this would work if you don't have beef broth.
- Homemade Taco Seasoning - feel free to use this instead of the packaged stuff if you have some made already!
- Green Chiles (green chilies)- for extra heat.
- Ground Chicken - use this instead of beef.
- Cream Cheese - add a few tablespoons of this for creaminess.
- Enchilada Sauce - another option to help with the southwestern flavors.
- Like More/Less Spice - if you like your taco soup spicier feel free to add jalapenos or use the hot version of the tomatoes and chilies. The same goes in reverse if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Slow Cooker - Not surprisingly slow cooker taco soup is great. Follow steps 1-3 then add to the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6. Then add the corn and beans for the final 30 minutes of cooking.
- Kid friendly - This recipe is in fact kid friendly, my kids love it! They don't mind a little zip to their food though. If yours need it to have 'zero zip' use just chopped tomatoes instead of tomatoes and chilies.
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How to store leftovers
After this soup has cooled completely, store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat using the microwave.
This recipe does freeze well. Store in a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Once all ingredients are added and is ready, serve immediately with a choice of your favorite toppings.
Mel's kitchen notes
- Using Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix really helps expand that flavor profile! I don't know about you but I use ranch seasoning in almost anything. It has that zesty flavor that everyone loves so much.
- Using a Dutch Oven pot will help cook the soup evenly. A large soup pot or a cast iron pot.
- Adding toppings you would normally add to a taco will give your dish even more pezazz. I like grated cheese, sour cream, red or green onions, avocado, cilantro, tortilla chips.
About The Author
Melanie Cagle
Melanie is a professional cook, food photographer and Cajun food connoisseur. Since 2020 she has been sharing rigorously tested recipes and tutorials right here on this blog.
Her work has been featured on Fox News channels, Yahoo news, Southern Living and more.
Frequently asked questions: FAQ's
Any toppings you would normally add to your taco. Grated cheese, sour cream, avocado, red/green onions, tortilla strips and corn chips all work well.
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Southwestern Taco Soup
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Canola Oil
- 2 Pounds Ground Beef
- 1 Each Yellow Onion diced, large
- 4 Cloves Garlic Minced
- 3 (10 Ounce) Cans Diced Tomatoes and Chilies
- 4 Cups Beef Broth low sodium
- 1 (14 Ounce) Can Cream of Tomato Soup
- 1 (1 Ounce) Packet Taco Seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon Ranch Dressing Mix
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 12 Ounces Frozen Corn
- 1 (14 Ounce) Can Black Beans drained and rinsed
- 1 (14 Ounce) Can Ranch Style Beans
- Optional Toppings chopped red onion, avocado, sour cream, tortilla chips
Instructions
- In a large cast iron pot, or dutch oven, heat the oil over a medium heat. Add the ground been and onions and cook for about 5 minutes, or until there is no more pink.2 Tablespoons Canola Oil, 2 Pounds Ground Beef, 1 Each Yellow Onion
- Add the garlic and cook a further 2 minutes, then drain the fluid.4 Cloves Garlic
- Stir in the tomatoes and chilies, beef broth, tomato soup and seasonings. Cover and simmer for 30-45 minutes.3 (10 Ounce) Cans Diced Tomatoes and Chilies, 4 Cups Beef Broth, 1 (14 Ounce) Can Cream of Tomato Soup, 1 (1 Ounce) Packet Taco Seasoning, 1 Tablespoon Ranch Dressing Mix, Salt and Pepper to taste
- Add the corn, black beans and ranch style beans. Cook for a further 15 minutes.12 Ounces Frozen Corn, 1 (14 Ounce) Can Black Beans, 1 (14 Ounce) Can Ranch Style Beans
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.Optional Toppings
Nutrition
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