Print

Easy Kid-Approved Taco Soup Recipe in 30 Minutes

taco soup - featured image

A quick and easy taco soup made with ground beef, black beans, corn, and a rich, savory broth. Perfect for busy weeknights, this kid-friendly recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and is endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 works best)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, crushed tortilla chips, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink (about 5-6 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Bloom the seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning, chili powder (if using), and cumin over the beef and onion mixture. Stir well and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Add the liquids and canned goods: Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes with green chiles. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the drained black beans and corn. Stir well.
  5. Simmer: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash more broth or water.
  6. Taste and adjust: After simmering, taste and add salt and pepper as needed. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.
  7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and let everyone customize with their favorite toppings. Serve hot with lime wedges if desired.

Notes

For a thicker soup, mash some of the black beans with a fork before adding. The soup tastes even better the next day. To freeze, cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco soup, easy taco soup, kid-friendly taco soup, 30-minute taco soup, ground beef soup, black bean soup, weeknight dinner, family dinner