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Taco soup is a hearty, one-pot dish made with ground turkey, beans, vegetables, and bold seasonings like taco seasoning and cumin. This easy recipe is ready in just 40 minutes and serves 6, delivering a satisfying meal that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a warm bowl of spice, crunch, and creamy toppings like sour cream and shredded cheese.
Living in Portland, where the rainy days often call for something warm and nourishing, I found that this taco soup quickly became my go-to. Its vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients make it a weeknight meal that feels like an indulgence.
Table of Contents
What makes taco soup special?
Taco soup is special because it combines bold flavors, hearty textures, and ease of preparation in a single pot. It’s a versatile dish that allows for customization with toppings, making it a favorite for almost any palate.
- High in protein and fiber, thanks to the lean ground turkey and beans.
- Simple to prepare, requiring minimal prep time and just one pot.
- Easy to personalize with toppings like shredded cheese, tortilla chips, and sour cream.
- Perfect for both busy nights or meal-prepped lunches.
What ingredients do you need for taco soup?
The ingredients for taco soup include a flavorful mix of protein, beans, vegetables, and spices. Together, they create a perfectly seasoned, hearty meal in under an hour.
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips for serving
- Shredded cheese for topping
- Sour cream for topping
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
The taco seasoning and cumin are key to giving the soup its bold, smoky flavor. They bring out the warmth and depth that define its appeal.
How do you make taco soup step by step?
To make taco soup, brown the ground turkey, sauté the aromatics and vegetables, then simmer everything together until the flavors meld. It’s a quick, one-pot recipe perfect for a busy evening.
Step 1 — Cook the ground turkey
In a large pot, brown the ground turkey over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
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Step 2 — Sauté the vegetables
Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
Step 3 — Add the base ingredients
Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, corn, crushed tomatoes, taco seasoning, chicken broth, and cumin. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
Step 4 — Simmer
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5 — Season and serve
Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with tortilla chips, shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped cilantro.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Taco Soup
Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef for ground turkey. It will add a richer flavor but may also increase the fat content.
How long does taco soup last in the fridge?
Taco soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I make taco soup spicier?
To make taco soup spicier, add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce. Adjust the heat level to your preference.
Is taco soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free taco seasoning and confirm other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free, taco soup is naturally gluten-free.
Looking for something similar? Try our savoring the soul: my explosive.
Can I freeze taco soup?
Absolutely! Allow the soup to cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to store and reheat taco soup?
Taco soup is easy to store and reheat, making it great for meal prep. It lasts in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
For best results when reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If reheating from frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight first.
Can you make ingredient swaps in taco soup?
Taco soup is flexible enough for simple ingredient swaps using what you have on hand. Minor adjustments maintain the dish’s flavor and texture.
- Replace ground turkey with ground chicken or beef for a different protein profile.
- Use pinto beans instead of kidney beans for a creamier texture.
- Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make it vegetarian.
What are common mistakes to avoid with taco soup?
A few common pitfalls can affect the texture and flavor of taco soup. Avoid these for a perfect result every time:
- Skipping the step to sauté vegetables, which enhances their sweetness and flavor.
- Not rinsing canned beans, which can leave a metallic taste in the soup.
- Undercooking the soup, which prevents flavors from fully melding together.

Taco Soup
Equipment
- large pot
- cutting board
- knife
- spoon
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 1 medium bell pepper (chopped)
- 2 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 can black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 can kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 can corn (drained)
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- salt (to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
- tortilla chips (for serving)
- shredded cheese (for topping)
- sour cream (for topping)
- chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground turkey over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, corn, crushed tomatoes, taco seasoning, chicken broth, and cumin. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve the taco soup hot, garnished with tortilla chips, shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped cilantro.
Notes
Nutrition

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