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Taco Soup is one of the EASIEST dinner recipes of all time! Just dump, simmer, and enjoy in under 20 minutes!

One of the quickest and easiest soup recipes you’ll ever try! If you like the Mexican flavors in this Taco Soup, you might also like Chicken Taco Soup, Tortilla Soup, or Enchilada Soup.

Taco Soup recipe with tortilla strips in a white bowl.
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The quickest, easiest Taco soup

We all love a delicious and easy soup recipe, right?? One of my all-time favorite meals that is not only yummy and simple, but quick, is our favorite easy Taco Soup recipe.

This easy Taco Soup is one I make more often during the winter when it’s cooler, but is also still great all year long! It’s obviously a soup version of taco salad, so if you like taco salad you’ll definitely love this recipe.

The best part of all is that it takes 20 minutes TOTAL to make. Yes, you heard me right!! Twenty minutes to prep and cook this entire meal!

Another great part about this recipe is it’s made from mostly canned foods, pantry staples we always have on hand. All you have to do is just pop open a few cans, add a few spices, and you have a super delicious and easy meal that the whole family will enjoy.

All the canned goods required to make easy taco soup.

nearly all Ingredients from cans!

This soup is sometimes nicknamed “7 Can Taco Soup” because it’s made from just seven cans (plus a few seasonings). Here are the specific canned goods required:

  • Chili with Beans
  • Black Beans
  • Tomato Sauce
  • Diced Tomatoes
  • Corn
  • Green Chiles

The only other ingredients I use that aren’t canned are ranch dressing mix and taco seasoning mix! You can either buy the individual packets, or if you have large containers of seasoning, it is equivalent to 3 TB.

Taco soup ingredients in a large pot.

How to make Taco Soup

Not only are the ingredients for this recipe simple – the steps themselves are even simpler!

TOSS ‘EM IN. All you have to do is throw all of the ingredients into a large pot. No particular order, just toss em all in! Maybe stir a couple of times to combine everything well, then turn on the heat.

SIMMER. Bring the soup to a boil and simmer for about 15 minutes. Once it’s hot and ready, you can serve it with your favorite toppings.

You can use anything you like, but we really like these toppings:

  • Sour cream
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Tortilla strips
  • Cilantro
  • Sliced avocado

Other cooking methods

Make this soup in the Instapot:

  1. Set the Instant Pot to “Saute.”
  2. Once hot, add ingredients to the pot.
  3. Place the lid on and set the valve to “Sealed”.
  4. Press the “Soup” button and set timer for 20 minutes.
  5. Once the soup is done, turn valve to “Quick Release”.

Make this soup in the Crockpot: We have a slow cooker version that’s a tad different but just as good. Check it out HERE. Or for this particular recipe, cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 6-7 hours. 😉

Recipe Tips

How to thicken the soup: If you find your soup isn’t thick enough for your liking simply mix 2-3 tablespoons of flour or Cornstarch to ¼ c of broth from the soup. Once mixed add the broth back into the main pot of soup and stir.

Add your own meat: This recipe uses a can of chili with beans and meat. If you want to add your own meat then, use 3 cans of Mexican beans and add 1 pound of cooked ground beef, or for a leaner version use ground turkey or chicken. 

Making your own  Homemade Taco Seasoning  is great because you can easily adjust the ingredients to your taste. Our recipe includes chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, paprika, cumin, salt and pepper. Increase or decrease any of the ingredients to make it exactly the way you like it. 

Serve with:

Making ahead and storing

Make ahead of time. Easily make this soup 1-2 days ahead of time. Store in in airtight container in the fridge. Heat on the stove or in a crockpot until warm.

Freezer Meal. Taco soup makes a great freezer meal. Mix all ingredients pour in an airtight container and freeze. To cook remove from freezer and throw it straight in the crockpot for 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low. You can also thaw overnight and heat on the stove top until warm.

Leftovers. Place left overs in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months.

Leftovers can be used to make a second meal such as:

Reheat. If you’re short on time or have a small amount you can reheat in the microwave in 30 second increments, stirring in between, until warm. If you have the time or have a large amount can als reheat on the stovetop or in a crock pot stirring occasionally until warm.

Easy taco soup recipe with ranch dressing in a bowl.

For more easy Soups, check out:

5 from 29 votes

Taco Soup Recipe

By: Lil’ Luna
Taco Soup is one of the EASIEST dinner recipes of all time! Just dump, simmer, and enjoy in under 20 minutes!
Servings: 8
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 20 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 3 (15-ounce) cans chili with beans
  • 1 (15-ounce) can can black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15-ounce_ can tomato sauce
  • 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15-ounce) can corn
  • 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
  • 3 tablespoons ranch dressing mix (or 1 packet)
  • 3 tablespoons taco seasoning (or 1 packet)
  • cups low-sodium beef broth
  • ½ cup water

Toppings

  • sour cream, tortilla chips, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, cilantro

Instructions 

  • Combine all ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
  • Serve warm with your desired toppings.

Video

Notes

Make Ahead: You can easily make this soup 1–2 days ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat on the stove or in a crockpot until warm.
Slow Cooker Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on high for 2–3 hours or low for 6–7 hours.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g, Calories: 21kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 0.02g, Saturated Fat: 0.01g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.003g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 0.1mg, Sodium: 584mg, Potassium: 93mg, Fiber: 0.2g, Sugar: 0.2g, Vitamin A: 90IU, Vitamin C: 0.5mg, Calcium: 1mg, Iron: 0.1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

So Easy & So Yummy

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5 from 29 votes (10 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




47 Comments

  1. Becca says:

    5 stars
    Easiest meal ever- thank you!!

  2. Jenn says:

    5 stars
    Love your recipes! Your attention to detail makes following them super easy! So glad i found your Site!

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Awe, thank you!! I am glad you did, too!

  3. Olivia says:

    5 stars
    Truly one of the best soups out there. All canned items with hamburger and some flavors of ranch and taco seAsoning. So easy to dump everythiNg in a crocKpot and have dinner ready in no time.

  4. Vickie says:

    what are Mexican beans?

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      I’m not sure what’s all in it, but I’ve seen canned beans that are Mexican beans. It’s like chili beans.

  5. Joy says:

    5 stars
    This is my family’s favorite go-to soup! I always have the ingredients on hand. it is so full of flavor & I love that you just throw the ingredients in the pot & takes just minutes to make!

  6. Marie Mar says:

    5 stars
    Hi Luna:

    I love your recipes and that you include the nutritional values. I’m wondering if you can put the serving size on that information. That is important, because some people think 10 bowls or the whole casserole is a serving. I am a diabetic and this information is all important to me. Thank you and keep the recipes coming 🙂 I haven’t tasted the soup, but I can tell it is good. My husband was an executive chef and I know good when I see it. He was also half Mexican like you.

  7. Colleen stevenson says:

    Very tasty and easy too. Yum. Thank you for the receipe.

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      You are so welcome!! I am glad you liked it! Thank you 🙂

  8. Mareth Pediny says:

    What are those crispy tortilla looking things that you use for garnish on a lot of your recipes and how do you make them? Love your site and your recipes all look delish. I plan on trying the taco soup and the cream cheese parmesan asparagus.

  9. Donna Howard says:

    I love your site!! And you!!! And I appreciate so much how you show pictures of the ingredients you’re using. Some of the blogs I see list something and I have no idea what it is and even after googling it I still can’t figure it out. I guess I’m a visual person!! Thank you – and I just happen to have all these cans so guess what’s for dinner!!! love you!!!

    1. Lil' Luna says:

      You’re so sweet, Donna!! How did the soup turn out? I hope the family liked it! 😀 XO

      1. Donna+Howard says:

        5 stars
        delicious!!! Very easy and filling – and we loved it. Thanks again!!!