What if I told you dinner could be effortless, delicious, and done in just one pot? This 5 Ingredient Taco Soup is here to make your busy weeknights a breeze. Packed with hearty flavors, it’s the perfect combination of simplicity and satisfaction—no endless chopping or complex steps required. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving a comforting meal after a long day, this recipe delivers every time.
With pantry staples like canned beans and diced tomatoes, you’ll have a quick and easy recipe ready to warm hearts and bellies. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—customize it to suit your preferences, or keep it as is for a foolproof favorite. Ready to transform your dinner game? Let’s get started!
Your Recipe Guide
Key Benefits of 5 Ingredient Taco Soup
Why should this 5 Ingredient Taco Soup become your go-to recipe? Let me count the ways:
- Quick and Easy: With just five simple ingredients, this soup comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on energy.
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in a single pot, saving you from a pile of dishes afterward—because who doesn’t love that?
- Family-Friendly: Its rich, hearty flavors appeal to everyone, from kids to adults, and you can easily adjust the spice level to suit your family’s preferences.
- Versatile and Customizable: Whether you want to keep it classic, go vegetarian, or add a little extra kick, this recipe is incredibly adaptable.
- Budget-Friendly: Using pantry staples and affordable ingredients, you get a wholesome meal without breaking the bank.
This taco soup isn’t just a recipe—it’s your secret weapon for those “what’s for dinner?” dilemmas. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, it’s a dish you’ll keep coming back to again and again.
Ingredients for the Perfect 5 Ingredient Taco Soup
Here’s all you need to whip up this delicious 5 Ingredient Taco Soup:
- Ground Beef (1 lb): The heart of the soup, adding rich flavor and a satisfying texture. You can swap it for ground turkey or skip it entirely for a vegetarian version.
- Taco Seasoning (1 packet): This is where the bold, zesty flavor comes from. Use a store-bought packet or mix your own spices for a personal touch.
- Canned Beans (1 can, 15 oz): Black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans—choose your favorite! They add protein and make the soup hearty and filling.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (1 can, 15 oz): This ingredient brings just the right balance of tangy and spicy. Regular diced tomatoes work too if you prefer a milder taste.
- Chicken Broth (3 cups): The base that ties everything together, making the soup perfectly warm and comforting. You can substitute with vegetable broth for a different twist.
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Sliced jalapeños
- Chopped cilantro
- Crumbled tortilla chips
These five ingredients create a simple yet flavor-packed soup. And with the toppings, you can take it from good to mind-blowing. Ready to bring these ingredients to life? Let’s move on to the instructions!
Step-by-Step Instructions for 5 Ingredient Taco Soup
Follow these simple steps to create your hearty and flavorful 5 Ingredient Taco Soup:
- Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease to keep the soup light and not overly oily.
- Add the Taco Seasoning
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef, stirring to coat evenly. This step ensures the seasoning infuses into the meat, giving it that bold, zesty flavor.
- Combine the Ingredients
- Pour in the canned beans (do not drain them), diced tomatoes with green chilies, and chicken broth. Stir everything together to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer to Perfection
- Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 15–20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom.
- Taste and Adjust
- Before serving, give the soup a taste. Adjust the seasoning with salt or a pinch of extra taco seasoning if needed. If you like it spicier, add a dash of hot sauce or some sliced jalapeños.
And there you have it—your delicious, satisfying taco soup is ready to serve! Ladle it into bowls, pile on your favorite toppings, and enjoy the perfect balance of hearty and zesty in every spoonful.
Pro Tips to Customize Your 5 Ingredient Taco Soup
To make this 5 Ingredient Taco Soup your own, here are some pro tips and fun variations to try:
- Swap the Protein:
- Not a fan of beef? You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you’re going vegetarian, use a plant-based protein like lentils or tofu for a hearty, meat-free version.
- Make it Spicy:
- Want to turn up the heat? Add sliced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to give your soup a kick. For even more flavor, consider using a spicier variety of diced tomatoes with green chilies.
- Slow Cooker Adaptation:
- If you prefer the slow cooker method, brown the ground beef first, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll have a perfect, hands-off dinner waiting for you!
- Add Extra Veggies:
- Bulk up the soup with more vegetables like corn, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition and texture. Frozen veggies work great here too!
- Substitute the Broth:
- For a different flavor profile, you can swap the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter taste or even beef broth for a richer base.
- Garnishes and Toppings:
- Get creative with your toppings! Aside from the classic cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips, try avocado slices, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of cilantro for added freshness and crunch.
With these tips and variations, you’ll be able to tailor this taco soup to suit your tastes, dietary needs, and cooking preferences. Whether you prefer it mild, spicy, or packed with extra veggies, this recipe is adaptable enough to become your new favorite!
Serving Suggestions for 5 Ingredient Taco Soup
This 5 Ingredient Taco Soup is a meal on its own, but there are plenty of ways to elevate your bowl with delicious sides and toppings. Here are some serving suggestions that will make your soup even more satisfying:
- Toppings Bar:
- Set up a toppings station and let everyone customize their soup with their favorite fixings. Try shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, and crispy tortilla chips. The more, the merrier!
- Serve with Crusty Bread:
- A warm, hearty bowl of soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or cornbread. It’s perfect for dipping and adds a comforting, rustic element to your meal.
- Pair with a Side Salad:
- A light, refreshing side salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the soup, balancing out the meal beautifully.
- Top with Fried Tortilla Strips:
- For added crunch and flavor, garnish your soup with fried tortilla strips. They’ll add a crispy texture that’s perfect alongside the soup’s smooth, savory base.
- Serve Over Rice:
- For a heartier option, serve your taco soup over a bed of fluffy rice. The rice absorbs the broth, making each bite even more flavorful and filling.
These simple additions can elevate your taco soup experience, making it feel like a restaurant-quality meal at home. Whether you keep it simple or go all out with toppings, this soup is sure to impress!
5 Ingredient Taco Soup
Ingredients
- Ground Beef 1 lb: The heart of the soup, adding rich flavor and a satisfying texture. You can swap it for ground turkey or skip it entirely for a vegetarian version.
- Taco Seasoning 1 packet: This is where the bold, zesty flavor comes from. Use a store-bought packet or mix your own spices for a personal touch.
- Canned Beans 1 can, 15 oz: Black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans—choose your favorite! They add protein and make the soup hearty and filling.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies 1 can, 15 oz: This ingredient brings just the right balance of tangy and spicy. Regular diced tomatoes work too if you prefer a milder taste.
- Chicken Broth 3 cups: The base that ties everything together, making the soup perfectly warm and comforting. You can substitute with vegetable broth for a different twist.
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Sliced jalapeños
- Chopped cilantro
- Crumbled tortilla chips
Instructions
Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease to keep the soup light and not overly oily.
Add the Taco Seasoning
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef, stirring to coat evenly. This step ensures the seasoning infuses into the meat, giving it that bold, zesty flavor.
Combine the Ingredients
- Pour in the canned beans (do not drain them), diced tomatoes with green chilies, and chicken broth. Stir everything together to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low.
Simmer to Perfection
- Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 15–20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom.
Taste and Adjust
- Before serving, give the soup a taste. Adjust the seasoning with salt or a pinch of extra taco seasoning if needed. If you like it spicier, add a dash of hot sauce or some sliced jalapeños.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 25g
Conclusion: Make This 5 Ingredient Taco Soup Tonight!
This 5 Ingredient Taco Soup is a true weeknight hero, offering all the comforting flavors of a classic taco in a simple, easy-to-make soup. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a family-friendly meal, or a satisfying dish that won’t leave you with a mountain of dishes, this recipe has it all. With just five key ingredients, you can create a hearty, flavorful soup that’s customizable and sure to please every palate.
The best part? You can easily adapt it to suit your tastes, spice preferences, or dietary needs. From adding extra veggies to making it spicier, there are so many ways to make this soup your own. It’s a dish that works for busy schedules, picky eaters, and everything in between.
So go ahead, give this easy taco soup recipe a try tonight. You’ll be amazed at how a few simple ingredients can create something so delicious and satisfying!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you get the most out of your 5 Ingredient Taco Soup:
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze taco soup?
Yes! This soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I use different beans?
Of course! Feel free to swap the beans based on your preferences. Pinto beans, black beans, or kidney beans all work well in this soup. Mix it up and see which combination you like best!
How can I make this soup spicier?
If you enjoy a little heat, add extra jalapeños, hot sauce, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also choose a spicier variety of diced tomatoes with green chilies.
What can I serve with taco soup?
This soup is a meal on its own, but it pairs perfectly with sides like crusty bread, cornbread, or a side salad. You can also top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or tortilla chips for extra flavor and texture.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you check the ingredients in your taco seasoning and broth, this soup can be easily made gluten-free. You can also choose gluten-free tortillas for serving if you like!
If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. This soup is super flexible and perfect for customization, so don’t hesitate to get creative and make it your own!
1 thought on “5 Ingredient Taco Soup That Will Blow Your Mind!”