Struggling to find one meal the entire family will eat without a chorus of “I don’t like that”? I feel you. It’s a battle I know all too well in my own kitchen.
That’s exactly why I’m so excited to share our family’s favorite solution: Ground Beef & Bean Taco Soup. It’s the cozy, comforting meal that finally got a “thumbs up” from everyone at my table, and I have a good feeling it’ll do the same for yours. If you’re looking for another crowd-pleasing dinner, you should definitely try our slow cooker sloppy joes recipe for an equally easy win.
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: 6-8
Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!
I’ve found the secret to winning over my kids. This soup is packed with familiar, friendly flavors they already know and love from taco night.
The texture is smooth and inviting, not chunky or scary. Plus, they get to add their own favorite toppings, which makes them feel in charge of their own bowl.
Ground Beef & Bean Taco Soup Recipe
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
PREPARATION
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Ground Beef & Bean Taco Soup Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
This recipe is all about simple, pantry-friendly items. You probably have most of these in your kitchen right now!
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This
Getting my kids to help in the kitchen is a game-changer. It builds their confidence and makes them more excited to try the final product.
For this recipe, I give them safe, simple jobs. They love being my official “can opener” and “stirring supervisor.”
Task 1: The Topping Station. Let them arrange small bowls of shredded cheese, sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips. This is a no-cook job that makes them feel important.
Task 2: The Bean Rinser. Older kids can help rinse and drain the cans of beans in a colander. It’s a great way to teach them a basic kitchen skill.
PREPARATION
Don’t worry, this recipe is incredibly straightforward. I’ll walk you through each simple step. If you enjoy baking, you might also love the savory flavors in our sun-dried tomato basil sourdough bread as a perfect side.
- In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef with the diced onion over medium-high heat. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the taco seasoning and ranch dressing mix packets to the pot. Give everything a good stir and let it cook for one more minute until it’s wonderfully fragrant.
- Pour in the black beans, pinto beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
- Bring the soup to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This lets all the flavors become best friends.
- That’s it! Ladle the hot soup into bowls and let everyone top their own masterpiece.
Fun Twists for Different Tastes
One of the best things about this soup is how easily you can change it up. Here are a few of our family’s favorite ways to mix it up.
For sensitive kids who don’t like spice, use a can of mild diced tomatoes instead of the tomatoes with green chilies. You can even serve a little sour cream on the side to help cool it down.
For the adults, try adding a can of chopped green chiles for an extra kick. Or, stir in a cup of cooked rice right at the end to make it even heartier.
Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)
This soup is a lifesaver for meal prep! Let it cool completely before storing it.
It will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat single portions in the microwave, or warm the whole pot on the stove over medium heat.
You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. I like to freeze it in individual portions for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
Nutrition Notes
While I’m not a dietitian, I always like to have a general idea of what we’re eating. This soup is a well-rounded meal!
- Protein-Packed: Thanks to the ground beef and beans, this soup will keep everyone full and satisfied.
- Fiber Rich: The beans and corn add a great dose of fiber, which is so good for growing bodies.
- Customizable: You can control the sodium by using low-sodium broth and beans. The toppings also let everyone adjust their own bowl.
If you’re craving something sweet after this savory meal, our homemade apple cinnamon rolls make the perfect dessert to complete your family dinner.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! This is one of my favorite crockpot taco soup recipes. Just brown the beef and onion first, then add everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
What other toppings do you recommend?
Get creative! We love sliced avocado, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, or a dollop of Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Of course. Ground turkey or shredded chicken work beautifully in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly if you’re starting with raw poultry.
I really hope this recipe brings as much peace and happy bellies to your home as it has to mine. It’s a true weeknight hero in our house.
I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Please leave a comment and rating below!
