5 Ingredient Taco Soup
A hearty, one-pot taco-inspired soup that uses just five pantry staples—ground meat (or a vegetarian alternative), taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, beans, and corn—to deliver bold, customizable flavors in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal-prep, this budget-friendly recipe comes together with minimal prep and cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground beef or ground turkey/chicken Or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version
- 1 packet Taco seasoning Store-bought or homemade chili powder, cumin, garlic & onion powder
- 14 –15 ounces Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies Includes the juices to form the broth; plain diced tomatoes optional
- 15 ounces Canned black beans or kidney beans, rinsed Rinse & drain to reduce sodium
- 15 ounces Canned corn drained Frozen or fresh corn also works
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
- Gather all five ingredients. Rinse and drain the beans and corn if using canned.
Cook the Meat
- Heat the pot over medium heat. Add ground meat (or alternative) and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with your spatula. Stir in the taco seasoning until the meat is evenly coated.
Combine & Simmer
- Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), beans, and corn. Stir to combine, then reduce heat to low.
Finish Cooking
- Let the soup simmer, uncovered, for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra taco seasoning if desired.
Serve
- Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips as desired.
Notes
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Swap meat for extra beans or plant-based crumbles; use dairy-free toppings.
- Make-Ahead: Soup can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen (up to 3 months). Reheat gently on the stove.
- Spice Level: Add a diced jalapeño or pinch of cayenne for heat; use plain diced tomatoes for a milder flavor.
- Batch & Freeze: Double the recipe and freeze half in airtight containers for an easy future meal.
- Toppings & Variations: Try topping with tortilla strips, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, or a drizzle of hot sauce.