Let’s be honest-there’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, hearty soup that fills your home with the aroma of spices, simmering meat, and fresh ingredients. Taco soup with hamburger meat is one of those magical meals. It’s quick, satisfying, and incredibly versatile. Unlike traditional tacos that can be a bit fussy with shells, toppings, and assembly, this soup delivers all the beloved flavors of tacos-savory ground beef, zesty seasonings, beans, corn, and tomatoes-in one hearty bowl.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something flavorful and filling, this soup hits all the right notes. And the best part? It’s simple enough that even novice cooks can whip it up without breaking a sweat, but customizable enough to impress seasoned chefs.
Taco Soup With Hamburger Meat Recipe
This recipe combines the richness of seasoned ground beef with the comforting textures of beans, the sweetness of corn, and the tangy zest of tomatoes and taco seasonings. It’s like your favorite taco transformed into a cozy, spoonable delight.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this soup truly shine:
- 1 pound of ground hamburger meat – your protein powerhouse; lean works best to reduce excess grease.
- 1 medium onion, diced – adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes – the acidity balances the richness of the meat.
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce – for a silky, cohesive base.
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained – a pop of sweetness in every bite.
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed – adds fiber, texture, and heartiness.
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed – complements the black beans and adds body.
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade) – the magical blend of chili, cumin, garlic, and paprika.
- 1 cup beef broth or water – to bring everything together and add richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste – always essential for balancing flavors.
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, tortilla chips, or fresh cilantro.
Cooking Instructions
Here’s where the magic happens, broken down in a conversational, step-by-step manner:
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Brown The Hamburger Meat
- Place a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground hamburger meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
- Once cooked, drain excess grease to keep the soup from being too oily.
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Sauté The Onions
- In the same pot, toss in the diced onions.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn translucent and fragrant. This step adds a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor.
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Add The Canned Ingredients
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, corn, black beans, and kidney beans.
- Mix thoroughly so everything is evenly distributed.
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Season The Soup
- Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and pour in the beef broth (or water).
- Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
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Simmer And Let Flavors Meld
- Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or additional seasoning if needed.
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Serve With Flair
- Ladle into bowls and let everyone top with their favorite garnishes-cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, or cilantro.
Ingredient Insights
- Ground hamburger meat: Using lean beef is preferable to avoid excess grease, but you can experiment with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Tomatoes and tomato sauce: The combination of diced tomatoes and tomato sauce creates a thicker, richer texture while keeping that signature tanginess.
- Beans: Don’t skip the rinsing-they remove excess sodium and prevent a ’canned’ taste.
- Taco seasoning: Store-bought is convenient, but making your own gives you full control over sodium and spice levels.
Expert Tips
- Layer flavors: Browning the meat and sautéing onions before adding liquids intensifies the taste.
- Simmer, don’t boil: High heat can make the soup too thin and overcook the beans. A gentle simmer allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Freeze for later: This soup freezes exceptionally well. Portion into freezer-safe containers for quick meals down the line.
- Adjust spice: Add chopped jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes if you love a kick.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian version: Replace hamburger meat with extra beans, lentils, or meat alternatives.
- Southwest twist: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or even sweet potatoes for more veggies and color.
- Creamy taco soup: Stir in a half cup of sour cream or cream cheese at the end for a rich, velvety texture.
- Spicy version: Use chipotle in adobo, cayenne, or fresh jalapeños to kick up the heat.
Final Words
Taco soup with hamburger meat isn’t just a meal; it’s a versatile, comforting culinary experience. It’s perfect for busy nights, casual family dinners, or even as a crowd-pleasing dish for game days. The beauty of this recipe is in its adaptability-you can tweak it to match your flavor preferences, dietary needs, or the ingredients you already have on hand.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Taco Soup With Hamburger Meat?
The basic ingredients for taco soup with hamburger meat include ground hamburger meat, onion, garlic, taco seasoning, canned tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, corn, and beef broth. Optional toppings include sour cream, shredded cheese, and tortilla chips.
Can I Make Taco Soup With Hamburger Meat In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can. Brown the ground hamburger meat first, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method enhances the flavors and makes the soup even more delicious.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Or Chicken Instead Of Hamburger Meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for hamburger meat. The flavor will be a bit lighter, but the recipe will still work well. You may need to adjust the seasoning slightly to suit your taste.
What Toppings Are Best For Taco Soup With Hamburger Meat?
Common toppings include sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, tortilla chips, diced avocados, fresh cilantro, and sliced jalapeños. These toppings add flavor and texture to the soup.
How Spicy Is Taco Soup With Hamburger Meat?
The spice level can vary depending on your preference. The taco seasoning typically adds a mild spice, but you can adjust the heat by adding more chili powder, diced jalapeños, or hot sauce.
Can I Freeze Taco Soup With Hamburger Meat?
Yes, taco soup with hamburger meat freezes well. Let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bags. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw and heat on the stove or in the microwave.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Taco Soup With Hamburger Meat?
Cooking taco soup with hamburger meat takes approximately 30 minutes if you’re cooking on the stove. If you’re using a slow cooker, it takes about 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
Can I Add Other Vegetables To Taco Soup With Hamburger Meat?
Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, or corn to enhance the flavor and texture of the soup. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning if you add more ingredients.
What Kind Of Broth Should I Use For Taco Soup With Hamburger Meat?
Beef broth is commonly used in taco soup with hamburger meat, but you can also use chicken broth or vegetable broth for a different flavor profile. The broth adds richness and depth to the soup.
Can I Make Taco Soup With Hamburger Meat Ahead Of Time?
Yes, taco soup with hamburger meat can be made ahead of time. It actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours or overnight as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.