No Bean Taco Soup

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Spice up your mealtime with this easy-to-make No Bean Taco Soup! Packed with savory spices, tender seasoned meat, and a rainbow of vibrant veggies, this Tex-Mex-inspired dish brings pure comfort to your bowl.

Not only does this taco soup come together in no time, but it’s also perfect for any night of the week. You’ll love how this low-carb, flavor-packed soup delivers all your favorite taco flavors—without the shell!

Original Recipe: November 2020 | Update: July 2023

I don’t wait for soup season to enjoy this hearty bowl of goodness—it’s perfect for Taco Tuesday any time of year! The bold flavors and endless opportunities to pile on my favorite taco toppings make it a dish I can’t resist.

If you’re a soup lover like me, you’ve got to try some of my other favorites, like this potato corn chowder, creamy cheeseburger soup, and my go-to chili recipe (yes, I consider chili a soup!).

Why you’ll love this taco soup with ground beef

• No beans – We’re not bean lovers at my house, so this soup is perfect for my family! Add one can of rinsed black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans to the soup if you love beans.
• A simple recipe full of flavor – Perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends, this soup is a crowd-pleaser that will leave the whole family asking for seconds! Top the soup with your favorite taco toppings, including shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a picture-perfect presentation.
• One-pot meal – I love to serve one-pot meals at large gatherings. It makes entertaining so simple, and this soup is especially fun when a toppings bar is added to the mix.

Simple ingredients

Soup ingredients and substitutions

• Ground Beef – Ground turkey or ground chicken are good substitutes.
• Onion and Red Bell Peppers
• Garlic Cloves – Substitute 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for one garlic clove.
• Taco Seasoning – Use a packet from the grocery store or try my homemade version. The recipe is below.
• Tomatoes with Green Chilies – The original Rotel is my go to.
• Beef Broth – Two teaspoons of beef base with two cups of water can be substituted for the beef broth.
• Corn – My favorite way to make taco soup is with fresh corn, but you can use canned or frozen.

Soup Toppings

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Fresh cilantro
• Avocado
• Green onion
• Jalapenos
• Lime Wedges

The skies the limit when it comes to garnishing this Mexican ground beef taco soup!

How to make ground beef taco soup

Step 1: In a Dutch oven or large skillet, brown ground beef with onion and red bell pepper over medium-high heat. Drain excess grease from the pan.

Step 2: Add tomato paste, garlic, and taco seasoning. Cook over medium heat for 2 – 3 minutes allowing the taco seasoning to bloom but not allowing the garlic to burn.

Step 3: Add tomatoes with green chiles (I prefer Rotel tomatoes), beef broth, and corn. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Top with favorite garnishes and serve with tortilla chips.

How to make Easy Taco Seasoning

This simple taco seasoning is an excellent substitution for store-bought taco packets. It’s easy to make, and you likely have all the ingredients in your spice drawer. Double or triple this recipe to have extra for all your favorite Mexican dishes.

• 1 tablespoon Chili Powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoon Cumin
• 1 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 1/2 teaspoon Oregano
• 1 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes

Store homemade taco seasoning in an airtight container for up to 6 months. You will need 2 tablespoons for the soup; the seasoning recipe makes approx. 4 tablespoons.

What to serve with taco soup

Taco soup is great with cornbread or a simple salad, but I usually serve with tortilla chips and salsa.

How to make crock pot taco soup

1. Brown ground beef with garlic, onion, red bell pepper, and taco seasoning.
2. Add ground beef mixture and all ingredients (outside of the recommended garnishes) to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
3. Garnish and serve.

How to make instant pot taco soup

1. Select the saute function. Brown ground beef with garlic, onion, red bell pepper, and taco seasoning. Add all other ingredients (outside garnishes) to the instant pot and stir everything well.
2. Close the lid and seal the pressure valve. Set on high for 10 minutes in the manual setting, then let the pot release naturally.
3. Garnish with your favorite toppings and serve with tortilla chips.

Taco soup variations

• Make chicken taco soup by substituting three cups of cooked diced chicken for ground beef. I would also switch out the beef broth for chicken broth.
• Make ranch taco soup by adding a packet of ranch dressing mix. The subtle ranch flavor is a great addition.
• Add rinsed kidney, pinto, or black beans if you like beans.
• Make a vegan taco soup by adding meatless crumbles in place of the ground beef.

Can you freeze taco soup

Absolutely! I love to double this recipe and freeze the leftovers. Be sure to let the soup cool completely before storing it in a freezer bag or airtight container. Label and date the bag. If using a freezer bag, it’s a good idea to double-bag the soup before placing it in the freezer.

How to store taco soup for the next day

Taco soup is good in the fridge for up to 5 days. Be sure to cool the soup completely before storing it in an airtight container.

More popular Mexican recipes

Empanadas – Trust me, these perfect little hand pies will be a huge hit at your next tailgate, pot-luck dinner, or Cinco de Mayo party!

Southwest Chicken Breast – These boneless, skinless chicken breasts are full of Mexican flavor and bake perfectly in just 18 minutes.

Southwest Chili with Beef and Chorizo – You’ll love this unique take on an American classic because, let’s face it, there’s nothing better than a big ole’ pot of chili!

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