Is it just me, or does the phrase “What’s for dinner?” sometimes feel like a tiny, daily pop quiz you didn’t study for? I get it. You’re staring into the fridge, hoping for inspiration, while the chorus of “I don’t like that” plays in the background.
That’s exactly why this Ground Beef & Bean Taco Soup is my weeknight superhero. It’s the one-pot wonder that somehow gets a “thumbs up” from everyone at my table. Even from the one who thinks beans are suspicious and the one who believes all foods should be separate. If you love this style of meal, you should also try my Savory Ground Beef Taco Soup for another flavorful one-pot option.
Think of all the best parts of taco night—the savory meat, the cozy beans, the fun toppings—but in a warm, comforting bowl. It’s a hug in a mug. And the best part? It comes together with almost zero effort, especially if you let your slow cooker do the work.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex / American
- Category: Soup, Main Dish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (or 4-6 hours on Low in a crockpot)
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!
I’ve learned a few secrets over the years. This soup hits them all. First, it’s familiar. The flavors taste just like taco night, which is already a win in their books.
Second, it’s deconstructable. Kids can pick around what they don’t like (for now!). The beans and corn are soft and mixed in, but they can be spotted. This gives them a sense of control.
Finally, the toppings are a game-changer. Letting them build their own bowl is like a fun, edible craft project. Suddenly, they’re invested in the meal they helped create.
Ground Beef & Bean Taco Soup Recipe
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Ground Beef & Bean Taco Soup Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
Nothing fancy here! I bet you have most of this in your pantry right now. That’s the whole point.
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch dressing mix (the secret flavor boost!)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes & green chiles (like Rotel)
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This
Getting little hands involved is my number one trick for beating picky eating. It builds excitement and pride. Here are two perfect jobs for them.
Job 1: The Rinser. Give them a colander and let them rinse all the beans and corn. It’s a wet, splashy job they’ll love. It also shows them the beans come from a can and aren’t scary.
Job 2: The Topping Station Captain. When the soup is done, set out small bowls of shredded cheese, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, and avocado. Let your child be in charge of setting up the topping station for the family. For another cheesy, savory favorite that’s always a hit, check out this Cheesy Beef Taco Soup recipe.
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Don’t let the list of ingredients fool you. This is seriously one of the easiest soup recipes you’ll ever make. I’ll walk you through it.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the taco seasoning and dry ranch mix to the meat. Stir for about 1 minute until it’s super fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce. Give everything a good stir, scraping up any tasty bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add all the drained beans, corn, and the can of diced tomatoes & green chiles. Stir to combine.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes so all the flavors can become best friends.
- That’s it! Ladle into bowls and let everyone go wild at the topping station.
Crockpot Taco Soup Method: For an even easier night, brown the beef and onion first (this step adds great flavor), then dump everything into your slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours. Done!
Fun Twists for Different Tastes
Every family is different. Here’s how to make this taco soup recipe work for your crew’s unique tastes.
For sensitive palates, use mild taco seasoning and a can of plain diced tomatoes instead of the tomatoes with green chiles. You can even serve a little broth with just meat and corn on the side.
To power it up, stir in a cup of cooked rice or small pasta at the end for extra-hearty bowls. For the adults, top with sliced jalapeños, a squeeze of lime, or a dash of hot sauce.
Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)
This soup is arguably even better the next day. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. I like to freeze it in individual portions for instant lunches or those “I can’t cook” nights. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Nutrition Notes
- This soup is a great source of protein and fiber from the beef and beans, which helps keep everyone full.
- Using lean ground beef and low-sodium broth and beans are easy ways to adjust the sodium level.
- The beans provide plant-based protein and important nutrients like iron and folate.
- Toppings like avocado add healthy fats, while cheese adds calcium.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this without the ranch packet?
You can! The ranch packet adds a creamy, herby flavor, but the soup will still be delicious without it. Just add a little extra taco seasoning or a pinch of dried dill and garlic powder.
My soup is too thick. How can I thin it out?
No problem! Simply add a little more beef broth, some water, or even a splash of tomato juice until it reaches your perfect soup consistency. It thickens as it sits, so you may need to do this when reheating leftovers, too.
What other toppings do you recommend?
Get creative! We love sliced olives, a dollop of guacamole, chopped cilantro, or a spoonful of salsa. Leftover cooked rice or quinoa at the bottom of the bowl is also a fantastic addition.
So there you have it—my family’s secret weapon against the dinnertime blues. It’s flexible, forgiving, and full of flavor. This easy soup recipe has saved my sanity more times than I can count. If you’re looking for the ultimate in convenience, my Tex-Mex 7 Can Beef Taco Soup is an incredibly easy and tasty pantry-staple meal.
I truly hope it brings a little peace, and a lot of empty bowls, to your table. Now, go enjoy a dinner where you’re not a short-order cook!
I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Please leave a comment and rating below!
