Is there anything more exhausting than the nightly dinner table standoff? You’ve lovingly prepared a meal, only to be met with a chorus of “I don’t like that” or the dreaded, silent, food-pushing shuffle. I feel you. I’ve been there more times than I can count.
That’s exactly why this Savory Ground Beef Taco Soup has become our family’s weeknight superhero. It’s the one dish that magically bridges the gap between “what the adults want” and “what the kids will actually eat.”
Imagine the cozy, inviting aroma of taco night, but in a warm, comforting bowl. It’s a hug in a mug, and I promise, it’s about to make your life so much easier.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Category: Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes (or 4-6 hours on low in a slow cooker)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!
I’ve learned that the secret to winning over little taste buds lies in a few key tricks, and this soup has them all. It’s all about giving them a sense of control and familiarity.
First, the flavors are a known winner. It tastes just like taco night, which is already a favorite in most households. Second, and this is the real game-changer, it’s a “deconstructed” meal. Kids can pick and choose what they want from the topping bar, making them feel like they built their own perfect bowl.
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
I always keep these simple items on hand for last-minute dinner rescues. You probably have most of them in your pantry right now!
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This
Getting my kids involved in the kitchen has been a total game-changer for their willingness to try new foods. It builds excitement and pride in the meal they helped create.
Their favorite jobs for this recipe are setting up the topping station with shredded cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips. For older kids, they can be in charge of rinsing the canned beans and corn—it’s a simple, safe task that makes them feel like a crucial part of the team.
Savory Ground Beef Taco Soup Recipe
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Savory Ground Beef Taco Soup Recipe!
Nutrition Information
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
This process is so straightforward. You can have this simmering on the stove (or in your crockpot) in no time flat.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef with the diced onion over medium-high heat until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef and stir for one minute until it’s wonderfully fragrant.
- Add the black beans, pinto beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the pot. Stir everything until it’s perfectly combined.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Ladle into bowls and let everyone go wild at the topping bar!
Fun Twists for Different Tastes
The beauty of this dish is its incredible flexibility. You can easily tweak it to please every single person at your table.
For sensitive palates, use a can of mild diced tomatoes without green chilies. For the adults or more adventurous eaters, add a diced jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce to your individual bowl. You can even stir in a block of cream cheese at the end for an extra creamy, indulgent version.
Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)
This soup is a lifesaver for meal prep! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Let the soup cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 4 days. Reheat single portions in the microwave, or warm the whole batch gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if it has thickened up.
Nutrition Notes
- Protein-Packed: Thanks to the ground beef and beans, this soup is filling and satisfying.
- Fiber Rich: The beans and corn provide a great source of dietary fiber.
- Customizable: You can control the sodium by using low-sodium broth and beans.
- Veggie Boost: It’s a sneaky way to get kids to enjoy a variety of vegetables.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! This is one of my favorite crockpot taco soup methods. Simply brown the beef and onion, then add everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. It could not be easier.
Can I use chicken instead of ground beef?
You bet. For a delicious chicken taco soup crock pot version, use 1 lb of shredded, cooked chicken breast. Just add it in with the other ingredients and simmer until heated through.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes beautifully! Cool it completely and store it in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
This recipe has saved our dinner routine on more than one occasion, and I truly hope it brings the same peace and full bellies to your table. It’s proof that you can have a flavorful, satisfying meal that doesn’t end in a negotiation.
I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Did your picky eater surprise you? Please leave a comment and rating below!