5 Ingredient Taco Soup Recipe

Name: 5 Ingredient Taco Soup
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 pound Ground Beef; 1 Jar of your favorite chunky salsa; 6 cups Beef Broth; 1 (1 ounce) package Taco Seasoning; 1 (10 ounce) bag Frozen Corn

Cook Time: 25 minutes

This hearty Beef Taco Soup is full of flavor and makes a perfect weeknight dinner. Its quick, satisfying, and packed with all the savory taco-inspired goodness you love. Lets dive into the simple steps for creating this delicious dish!

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 (16 ounce) jar chunky salsa
6 cups beef broth
1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning
1 (10 ounces) bag frozen corn

Directions

Step 1: Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring with a wooden spoon to break it up.

Step 2: Sprinkle half of the taco seasoning into the beef. Mix well to ensure its evenly distributed.

Step 3: Continue cooking and stirring until the beef becomes browned and crumbly, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 4: Stir in the salsa, then slowly pour in the beef broth. Mix well until everything is combined.

Step 5: Cover the pot and cook the mixture until it begins to simmer, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Add the frozen corn and the remaining taco seasoning to the pot. Stir to combine.

Step 7: Bring the mixture back to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for an additional 15 minutes. Stir once halfway through the cooking time.

Step 8: Stir one last time, then remove the soup from the heat. Serve hot and enjoy the savory flavors!

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (6 servings in total):

Calories: 306
Fat: 14g (18% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 5g (26% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 67mg (22% Daily Value)
Sodium: 1842mg (80% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrates: 19g (7% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 3g (12% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 5g
Protein: 26g (52% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 5mg (5% Daily Value)
Calcium: 60mg (5% Daily Value)
Iron: 3mg (19% Daily Value)
Potassium: 811mg (17% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may vary based on your individual needs.

The Origins of 5 Ingredient Taco Soup

5 Ingredient Taco Soup is a modern American twist on traditional Mexican flavors, created for home cooks seeking simplicity without sacrificing taste. While traditional tacos date back centuries in Mexico, the concept of a taco-inspired soup emerged in the late 20th century in the United States, particularly in the Midwest and Southwest, where quick, hearty meals are highly valued. This recipe condenses the essence of tacosseasoned beef, salsa, and corninto a comforting, one-pot dish perfect for busy families or casual gatherings.

Regional Variations and Influence

This soup has strong roots in Tex-Mex cuisine, which blends traditional Mexican ingredients with American culinary practices. In Texas and New Mexico, variations may include black beans, pinto beans, or a touch of chili powder for extra heat. Some Southern versions add a splash of cream or cheddar cheese to make the soup richer. While the base ingredients remain similar, the seasonings and garnishes often reflect local tastes, such as fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or tortilla chips served on the side.

How It Differs From Similar Dishes

Unlike chili, which often requires multiple spices, slow cooking, and a variety of beans, 5 Ingredient Taco Soup is intentionally minimalistic and fast to prepare. It also differs from traditional Mexican soups like pozole or sopa de fideo, which have distinct regional broths and preparation methods. The simplicity of this recipeground beef, salsa, taco seasoning, corn, and beef brothmakes it accessible while still capturing the iconic taco flavor in liquid form.

Where Its Commonly Served

This soup is popular as a weeknight dinner, at potlucks, and during casual family gatherings. Its frequently served with shredded cheese, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips, creating a customizable meal for all ages. Restaurants that specialize in Tex-Mex or American comfort food may offer similar taco-inspired soups, but the homemade version is celebrated for its speed, simplicity, and ability to feed a crowd without extensive prep work.

Interesting Facts About Taco Soup

Despite its recent origin, taco soup has become a staple in American home cooking due to its adaptability. The five ingredients approach emphasizes convenience, making it a favorite among busy parents and college students alike. Some cooks even experiment with adding beans, bell peppers, or hot sauce to elevate the flavors. Interestingly, taco soup has been featured in community cookbooks and school lunch programs, illustrating how it has transcended its original comfort-food niche to become a recognized, versatile dish in contemporary American cuisine.

FAQ about 5 Ingredient Taco Soup Recipe

You can store the taco soup leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, make sure it’s heated to a boil to ensure safety.

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative like lentils or crumbled tofu if you prefer a vegetarian version.

Absolutely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. Prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for later use.

This soup is great on its own, but you can serve it with tortilla chips, sour cream, shredded cheese, or avocado for extra flavor. You can also pair it with a side salad or cornbread.

If you don’t have taco seasoning, you can make your own by combining chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjust the amounts based on your taste preferences.

Yes, you can! Brown the ground beef in a skillet first, then transfer it to your slow cooker. Add the salsa, beef broth, corn, and taco seasoning. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.

The soup is mildly spicy due to the taco seasoning and salsa. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use a mild salsa and reduce the amount of taco seasoning or use a less spicy version.

Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will stay good for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils, beans, or tofu. You can also add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for added texture.