Hamburger Taco Soup Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a hearty, comforting meal that brings together the flavors of two beloved dishes, look no further than Hamburger Taco Soup. This recipe is a twist on traditional taco fillings, reimagined in soup form. The beauty of this dish is that it combines the savory, umami-packed goodness of ground beef with the spice and zest of taco seasoning, all simmered into a rich, flavorful broth.

But here’s the kicker: It’s not just easy to make, it’s versatile, filling, and totally customizable based on what you’ve got in your kitchen. This soup is perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or even a crowd-pleasing dish at your next gathering. Think of it as the ultimate cross between a taco salad and a chili. You’ll want to dip tortilla chips in it, pile on toppings like sour cream, cheese, and salsa, and still be going back for more.

Let’s dive into this delicious creation, shall we? Get ready for an explosion of flavors in every bite.

This Hamburger Taco Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s got all the classic taco seasonings, with the added bonus of being a soup that you can really sink into. Here’s the recipe to make this easy-to-make, delicious dish:

Ingredients Needed

Ground Beef (1 lb): The heart of the soup, offering a rich and meaty base that soaks up all the seasoning and adds depth.
Onion (1 medium): Adds sweetness and complexity to the soup. It’s sautéed first to bring out its flavors.
Garlic (2-3 cloves): A must for flavor depth. Fresh garlic gives the soup an aromatic edge.
Taco Seasoning (1 packet or 2 tbsp homemade): This is where the signature taco flavor comes from. Packed with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder, it infuses the soup with a perfect balance of heat and savory notes.
Tomato Sauce (1 can, 15 oz): This thickens the broth and adds richness.
Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz): For a chunkier texture and a burst of juicy, tangy flavor.
Kidney Beans (1 can, drained and rinsed): Adds a hearty, protein-packed element to the soup.
Corn (1 can or 1 cup frozen): A little sweet crunch to balance out the savory elements.
Beef Broth (2 cups): The base of your soup. You can substitute with chicken broth if you prefer a lighter flavor.
Salt & Pepper (to taste): Season to bring everything together.
Optional Toppings: Sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, tortilla chips, cilantro, salsa, or jalapeños for a little extra kick.

Cooking Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients
- Start by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic. Open your cans of tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and corn. Drain and rinse the beans to get rid of any excess sodium or preservatives.
Brown The Ground Beef
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat up a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain off any excess fat.
Sauté The Onion And Garlic
- In the same pot, add a bit more oil if necessary, then toss in the chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion softens and turns translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, just until fragrant.
Add The Taco Seasoning
- Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, stirring to coat the beef, onions, and garlic evenly. Let this cook for another minute or two to bring out all the spices.
Combine The Liquids
- Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir well to combine. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Add The Beans And Corn
- Toss in the kidney beans and corn, then stir everything together. Let the soup simmer for at least 20 minutes, but longer if you want the flavors to develop more. Stir occasionally, and add more broth if you prefer a thinner consistency.
Season And Serve
- Taste your soup and adjust with salt, pepper, or even more taco seasoning if needed. Once everything is perfectly balanced, ladle the soup into bowls.
Top It Off
- Serve hot with your favorite taco toppings-sour cream, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, or even avocado slices. The toppings add an extra dimension of flavor and texture.

Ingredient Insights

Ground Beef: Ground beef is your base protein here, providing a rich, hearty flavor. However, you can always opt for lean ground turkey or chicken to make the soup a little lighter while still maintaining a great texture. The fat in the beef adds to the richness of the broth, which is what gives the soup its depth.
Taco Seasoning: The taco seasoning is what really makes the soup shine. It’s a blend of spices that typically includes chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and sometimes cayenne pepper. These spices combine to create that familiar taco flavor you know and love, but with the added benefit of soaking into the soup.
Beans and Corn: Kidney beans are a traditional addition, offering a soft texture and earthy taste. The corn, on the other hand, provides a pop of sweetness and crunch. Together, they make the soup more filling and nutritious.
Tomatoes & Tomato Sauce: The diced tomatoes give the soup some chunkiness, while the tomato sauce smooths out the broth, making it rich and satisfying. These two ingredients are the backbone of the soup’s base.

Expert Tips

Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or chili flakes when you’re sautéing the onions and garlic. You can also use spicy taco seasoning, or even a bit of hot sauce to kick things up a notch.
Make It Ahead: Hamburger Taco Soup is one of those dishes that actually gets better as it sits. The flavors have more time to meld together, so consider making it a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat when ready to serve.
Add More Veggies: Want to sneak in more vegetables? Consider adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach. The great thing about this soup is that it’s incredibly adaptable.
Freezing Tips: This soup freezes well. If you want to make a batch for future meals, just let it cool completely and store it in freezer-safe bags or containers. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Version: Skip the beef and add more beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, for extra protein. You can also add tofu or tempeh for a meat-like texture without the meat.
Creamy Taco Soup: For a creamier version, stir in a cup of heavy cream, half-and-half, or even cream cheese just before serving. This will give the soup a velvety texture and an even richer taste.
Add More Heat: If you love a spicy soup, try adding diced green chilies, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, or even a splash of hot sauce right before serving.
Slow Cooker Version: For a hands-off approach, brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic ahead of time, then dump everything into a slow cooker. Set it on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The soup will cook to perfection while you go about your day.

Final Words

Hamburger Taco Soup is one of those recipes that just feels like home. It’s simple, filling, and bursting with the flavors we all love-ground beef, tomatoes, taco seasoning, and all the fixings. What’s great about it is that it’s so customizable. Whether you’re sticking to the classic recipe or adding your own twist, it’s always delicious.

Plus, the ingredients are easy to find, and most of them are pantry staples, so you can whip this up even when you don’t have a lot of time to plan ahead.

Hamburger Taco Soup Recipe