This Taco Soup and Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe is where it’s at. It’s sooooo delish! This gluten free soup is also dairy free and a healthy meal option for the whole family.
{Recipe updated from it’s 2016 release!}
It’s soup season.
Wait?
When isn’t it soup season at our house? Ha!
Of course, soups are thought to be a seasonal dish, but we eat soups ALL. YEAR. LONG.
Because I want to. And my kids want to. So the decision is easy.
With that said, when the weather creeps over 80 degrees we naturally crave grilled foods over soup. However, Split Pea Soup and this Taco Soup recipe are still regulars in our menu rotation.
BUT now that it’s fall…bring it on. Soups, stews, chilis, stoups (thicker than soups, thinner than stews- a cute Rachael Ray catchphrase). Let’s do this!
This dairy free Taco Soup recipe has been a popular dinner recipe in our home for almost 10 years now.
My sweet friend, Ashlie, shared it with me when we were first married and I have been making it ever since. It has quickly become a favorite with my family and friends too which has led to my own sharing of this recipe.
A few slight changes have been made over the years to “healthify”. For instance, I add more vegetables and use gluten free homemade seasoning mixes.
You know me, it physically hurts to not throw in that lone zucchini on the counter. 😉
Here’s Your Grocery List
- 1 lb ground meat (turkey, beef, venison) – Any ground meat will work! We have even used ground bison.
- 1 onion – White, red, or yellow
- 1 bell pepper – I usually use green but red, yellow or orange are always pretty!
- 1 small zucchini – I typically have diced zucchini in my freezer from our summer garden.
- 2 cups frozen corn or 15 oz can – Pretty self explanatory!
- 28 oz can diced tomatoes
- 15 oz can of beans – I use an organic Tri-Bean Blend (kidney, black, and pinto beans) from Wal-Mart
- 2 cups water or bone broth (LOVE Kettle & Fire bone broth in this soup! “HappiHomemade” saves you 20%)
- 3 Tbsp homemade taco seasoning or 1 packet
- 3 Tbsp homemade ranch seasoning or 1 packet (RECIPE HERE)
- salt and pepper
- Optional Toppings: plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, avocado, or lime wedges
You will love that there are only 3 simple instructions to make this soup!
Easy Taco Soup Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the meat. Add in remaining ingredients and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Taste. Add more seasoning such as chili or cayenne powder, salt, or pepper if needed. I’ve been known to stir in a few drips of Frank’s Hot Sauce to kick it up a notch!
- Top with plain Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, avocado, or lime wedges!
If you are vegetarian, omit the ground meat and add a can of beans in it’s place. Black, pinto, or navy beans are a great option.
Related Recipe: Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix
In addition, you can quickly throw this soup together when you return home from work in the evening or use your crock-pot like my friend, Ashlie. That way it is ready and waiting for you after a long day.
Call me crazy, but I feel like this needs to be said…
Don’t let the thought of homemade seasonings scare you off, store bought packets of ranch and taco seasoning are just fine. I made it like that for years and it was just as delicious! Believe me, taco soup seasoning is simple and only requires these two packets or homemade versions. Easy peasy!
But promise me you will give these homemade seasonings a chance sooner rather than later, okay?
Homemade Taco Seasoning
5 Tbsp chili powder
4 Tbsp ground cumin powder
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Place all spices in a small jar. Tightly seal with a lid and shake shake shake (I’m channeling my inner Taylor Swift 😉 ). Store this seasoning for months in your pantry or cupboard!
Now let’s show you how to make this healthy and easy Taco Soup recipe!
Easy Taco Soup
Equipment
- soup pot
- knife
- cutting board
- can opener
- wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground meat (turkey, beef, venison)
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- 2 cups frozen corn or 15 oz can, drained
- 28 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 15 oz can of beans, undrained I used an organic Tri-Bean Blend (kidney, black, and pinto beans) from Wal-Mart
- 2 cups water or bone broth (LOVE Kettle & Fire bone broth in this soup! “HappiHomemade” saves you 20%)
- 3 Tbsp homemade taco seasoning or 1 packet
- 3 Tbsp homemade ranch seasoning or 1 packet (RECIPE HERE)
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the meat. Add in remaining ingredients and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Taste. Add more seasoning such as chili or cayenne powder, salt, or pepper if needed. I've been known to stir in a generous drip of Frank's Hot Sauce to kick it up a notch!
- Top with plain Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, avocado, or lime wedges!
Notes
Send me your own taco soup photos for me to share on social media! E-mail me or send me a message on Instagram Pinterest, or Facebook. Happy cooking!
Approximately how big is each serving? I made a huge batch awhile back but now need 1 serving for specific calories and have no idea how to figure it out
Hi Mikayla! I think (not 100% sure) a serving is about 2 cups. 🙂
This recipe was so great! I’ve made taco soup many times but usually use ground meat and the prepared taco and ranch seasonings. This time I used ground turkey and used the recipes for seasoning you provided and it honestly came out better than it usually does! This will definitely be on our rotation. Thank you!
Lindsey, you just made my day! THANK YOU SO MUCH for making this delicious recipe and then telling me about your experience. So glad you enjoyed it. Happy Eating!
This looks a awesome recipe
Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy it!
Tastes so good! I used turkey meat!!!!
Awesome!! So glad you enjoyed it, Rachael. Thanks for the sweet comment. Blessings to you!
I just made this and I am very excited! I didn’t have zucchini but replaced it with green chilies. I made the taco seasoning and ranch and my husband and I was so obsessed smelling it. It smells heavenly in my home and I can’t wait to try it. I have a friend that just had a heart attack a few months ago and need to cook some healthy meals. This is great right now in windy Colorado. Thank you so much
Hi Jennifer! It is windy here in SD too and guess what? I’m making this soup tonight too! It is the perfect soup for this weather and for your friend that has suffered a heart attack. I wish him(her) the best! Thanks for sharing your recipe experience with me. Happy eating!
Do you happen to know the calorie count for this meal per serving?
Hi Courtney, I have 270 calories/serving which is about 2 cups of soup. However, calorie calculators greatly differ so who really knows. Ha! I hope this helps a little bit though ????
I forgot to drain the hamburger meat! but it smells delicious????
Oooops! I am sure it still tasted amazing. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. Happy eating!
I mean wow! I have tried several recipes..and this is the bomb! That taco seasoning is perfect..the ranch mix goes amazingly well with it. I wish I could post the way it smells when simmering .LOL..thank you and your friend for sharing. He is really gonna enjoy this!!
Yaaaaayyyy for taco soup and sweet individuals like you that share your recipe experience with us! I am just finishing up some leftovers of this right now. I will be honest, I will be a little sad when it’s my last bite. 😉 Blessings to you, Cherlon!
Can you make this without the ranch seasoning? I can’t stand ranch dressing and it really turns me off from anything related.
Hi Brittany,
Yes, you can make this soup without the ranch seasoning. You may want to add some flavors that you do like such as garlic, parsley, and onion powder in place of the ranch seasoning and leave out the dill if that is flavor you do not prefer. 🙂 I hope you enjoy the soup!
You cannot taste any ranch like flavor when added in to the soup. I’m sure it adds subtle background flavors, but go ahead and try it without.
Thank you for sharing, Kathy! Happy eating and many blessings to you!
Made this tonight- my first time making taco soup. I’ve had friends tell me about it, but I always get stuck at the ranch packet. When I typed, “all natural taco soup” up yours came. Oh my gosh, so delish! My entire family, kids too, love it! Thanks so much for sharing ; ))
Woot woot!! Cindy, we just LOVE this soup too and I TOTALLY know what you mean about ranch packets. Thanks for giving this recipe a try. 🙂 We are a soup sort of family so you may enjoy these other recipes too! Blessings to you and happy eating! https://happihomemade.com/10-best-clean-eating-soups-chili-stews/
Just barely made this. Absolutely delicious! The small modifications I made was I used less onion and used canned tomatoes that also included diced jalapeños for an extra kick, and added Siracha as well toward the end (I’m a spicy gal ????) seriously, this is becoming a staple this winter!
Gianna, yay for new recipes that become a part of our meal rotation. Thank you SO much for sharing your recipe experience and how you have made it your own. Blessings to you!!
I made a big pot of this for 3 people, just to get us through our busy work days when we can’t cook as much. This was so yummy, I made it twice in one week because it was gone in a day and a half! I love that I can get my comfort food feeling without feeling guilty! Thanks for this!
2x in 1 week?! Woot woot for Taco Soup!! So glad you all enjoyed it so much. It certainly is a delicious recipe for one or many. 😉 Thanks for your kind comment, Megan!
Thank you so much for publishing this! I have spent the past 10 min (once I got it in my head I wanted to make Taco Soup) to find a recipe that did not include 1000+ mg of sodium! A packet of taco seasoning and a packet of ranch seasoning? While you’re at it, might as well buy your favorite diuretic! Lol : ) So, thank you for taking the time to share your own seasoning blend!
You are too kind, Jamie! It is my pleasure to share our family’s favorite healthy recipes. I hope you enjoyed this soup!! PS…We just made it last weekend! YUM!
Your soup looks simply delish!! I like the fact that it’s quick and easy!! My husband passed away recently so I’m just cooking for myself now. I’m going to the market to buy all the ingredients needed to make your soup and the cornbread idea to go along with it is just great!! I can freeze small portions for myself. The only problem I have are the spices you use with it! I can’t do spicy anymore, bothers my stomach! Instead of Cayanne Pepper and Pepper Flakes, what other seasoning can I substitute in its place? I do like the idea of the yogurt dip that Leanne suggested!!
Hi Linda,
I am so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. What a difficult time for you.
I hope you enjoyed this soup and yes, that is a great idea to freeze portions. You can omit the cayenne and red pepper flakes altogether. My mom doesn’t like spicy and she chooses to not add those two spices.
Blessings to you, Linda! Thank you for taking the time to leave this kind comment. 🙂
I have used many different taco soup recipes, and this is good as any. I used one 14 oz can of fire roasted tomatoes and one can of regular. I love the recipes for homemade seasonings, as I swore off packaged ones some time ago.
Claire, thank you so much for your comment. I am SO glad you liked this recipe and appreciated the homemade seasonings used in it. Happy cooking!
Made this for dinner last night. I’m not sure what I love best about this recipe, that the whole family thought it was delicious or that is was super easy and quick to make. Thank you for sharing. We will definitely be having this for dinner again.
That is so great to hear! That is my goal here at G&S 🙂 I am so glad you loved this meal and will be having it again. Blessings to you and thank you so much for making my day with your sweet comment!
So much better than the pre-packaged. Thanks Sammi!
Totally! Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment. 🙂 Happy Eating!
Thanks so much for the Taco soup recipe. I just made it and it is simply delicious and so easy to make. Looking to even more great soups.
You are SO welcome, Clarice! Can I just tell you, you and my grandma share the same name so I already know we would be friends. It is not a common name, but a beautiful one for sure. 🙂 I hope you enjoy a few more soup recipes before the weather warms up!
Thank you for the comments about my name. It’s somewhat of a family name. wanted to ask you if you have a calorie count for the taco soup?
Hi Clarice, I have 270 calories/serving which is about 2 cups of soup. However, calorie calculators greatly differ so who really knows. Ha! I hope this helps a little bit though 🙂
Made this today and just tried a “sample.” AMAZING! Can’t wait to have a full serving for dinner!
That is so great, Nicole! Thank you for telling me 🙂 I just love this hearty soup too! Stop back soon. 🙂
Perfect recipe, Sammi! I could eat tacos every day!
Me too, girl. Me too. 😉 Thanks for stopping by, Agness!
Hi I just made this:). I’m trying to track it, do you know how many cups per serving?
Hi Yen! I think they are about 2 cups/serving. When I am tracking I come up with about 269 calories/ serving. Hope this helps!
Thank you for the idea! I have everything except the ground beef right now, but I do have some top sirloin, I may mix this up this afternoon and see how it does in my pressure cooker (which I’m a little obsessed with at the moment), and serve it with cornbread!
I bet it will turn out great! Love how you are swapping out ground meat with top sirloin. My husband would love that! Plus, with cornbread every meal is a winner. 😉 Yum! Enjoy, Jennifer!
How long do you cook it
Hi Renee! Let it simmer for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together 🙂 I hope you enjoy it!!
I have his going in the crockpot nowand it smells amazing! Any idea on the nutrition info?
Hey Meg, I bet it does smell good! Yay! We are having Sweet & Spicy Chili tonight 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment! Enjoy your soup!
Hi again! If you are looking for calories I have 269 calories/serving with the soup serving 7 people…but who knows! All the calorie counting websites differ. Hope this helps!
My little guy is sick today. When I asked him to select a soup from the list of Pinterest ideas, he went through the list and selected this one. Looks and sounds super yummy. Can’t wait to make it today.
Oh, poor little thing! I hope he feels better soon 🙂 Give him a big hug from me for picking my soup out of all the options! Thanks for taking the time to leave your comment it put a big smile on my face today! Blessings to you both!
Will you share your recipe for your Taco Seasoning.
Hi Carol! Oh course, I will share the recipe with you (if you didn’t see it above 🙂 ) Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to ask your question! Blessings to you 🙂
Taco Seasoning
5 Tbsp chili powder
4 Tbsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayanne pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Place all spices in a small jar. Tightly seal with a lid and shake shake shake. Store this seasoning for months in your pantry or cupboard!
Just made this tonight with venison and LOVED it! If I made it with a greasier meet like beef, I would need to drain the grease before adding the other ingredients to the pot, right? Venison didn’t have enough grease to have to worry about that this time around. Thanks for your addition to our evening through this recipe!
Hi Caroline! I am humbled by your words 🙂 Thank you for making my day! We are like you and typically make soup with our ground venison or buffalo meat so there is no need to drain off the excess fat because there is none. Ha! However, yes, if you used ground beef you would more than likely need to drain it before adding in the remaining ingredients. I appreciate you taking the time to let me know your recipe experience and wish you happy and healthy cooking always. Blessings to you 🙂
I made this tonight and really enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing it!
Oh that is so great, Nik! It makes my heart happy when you share your positive recipe experiences with me. Blessings to you and happy cooking!
Holy Smokes @Sammi Ricke – this recipe(and killer photos) looks amazing! A great winter alternative to Taco Tuesdays.
I’m working on a post for my own blog, TopStretch that focuses on new and fun ways to get some more fiber into your diet – and your kid’s diets too. Would you mind if I used one of the pictures you took and offer a direct link back to this article? I’m always looking for ways to get my readers to eat more beans!
That would be just fine, Rick! Thanks for sharing this recipe with your readers and displaying the appropriate links back. Blessings!
I’m with you, Sammi — soup year round! And this looks like such a good and easy one. I’ve always made my own seasoning blends, partly because I’m allergic to garlic and there isn’t a blend on the market that doesn’t contain garlic powder.
Oh goodness, I bet that is impossible to find any seasonings or other packaged food that does not contain garlic. Thanks for your kind words! I hope you enjoy this soup as much as I do 🙂
Looks great! Just made my grocery list and going to make it this week. Thank you for sharing this recipe. 🙂
Awesome, Lyndsay! You will have to stop back and let me know what you think 🙂 Enjoy!
This looks great! I am especially excited about giving the homemade taco seasoning recipe a try and keeping it available. I usually just throw things in, and it will be nice to have an actual recipe. I haven’t used store-bought seasonings in FOREVER because of the chemicals and salt. Thank you! 🙂
Hi Heidi! That is exactly why it has taken me 2 years to put this recipe out on the blog. I never measure and do the same as you-throw in whatever I have available! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
I’m on my way to the store to get the ingredients for your taco soup. It sounds delicious. Thank you for sharing your recipes with us at Snickerdoodle Create~Bake~Make Link Party!
Yay! What did you think? I can only imagine you loving it 🙂 Take care, Sharon, and thanks for the comment!
I love homemade seasoning mixes, Sammi, and this soup looks amazing! It’s perfect fall comfort food. Sharing. Thank you for being a part of Hearth and Soul.
Hi April! I agree, soups are always a hit when the weather turns crisp 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Yummy! I love the versatility of this recipe. You can add any vegetable or meat you want and vary the seasoning as well. Thanks for sharing this awesome and very seasonal recipe with us on #shinebloghop! So glad you were able to join us this week!
You got it, Maria! This soup is incredibly versatile. There is no way to mess it up. Honest! It tastes amazing each and every time. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you and your family love this soup too 🙂
Love soups! I have different recipes of soups, but this one is must have!☺
I hope you enjoy it, Helena! You mean to tell me this recipe isn’t one of the many Julia Child recipes you have tried? 😉 Happy cooking, girl!
My mouth won’t stop watering this looks so amazing! 🙂
hehe Right?! I hope you and your family enjoy this healthy soup! Take care 🙂
I prefer my own taco seasoning to store bought, but my ranch dressing leaves something to be desired, I will have to check your recipe. Thanks for aprtying with us on Creative K Kids #TastyTuesdays
Hi Audrey! Well I hope you find my ranch seasoning recipe delicious. I tend to think I sometimes don’t love homemade seasonings at first because they lack the saltiness of pre-made mixes. Thanks for stopping by!
This looks delish – can’t wait to try it!
I hope you enjoy it as much as we do, Shelly! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
This sounds and looks amazing! I love soup and I can’t wait to try this…Pinned 🙂
Hi: I really enjoyed reading your home made taco season recipe. This is a beautiful thing. I have a severe allergy to food colours so alot of prepackaged products are off limits for me. I thank you for posting this. I will make this soup and use the spice mix with yogurt for dip and in various casseroles as well. Awesome.
Hi Leanna! Thank you for your kind words. I am so glad you have found a taco seasoning recipe that will provide so much usefulness to you! Great idea to add it to yogurt as a dip 🙂 Take care!
I used Jennie-O turkey taco meat and it was so good! I will definitely be making this again! I used the crockpot and it was so easy! Thanks for the recipe.
Hi Kim! I am THRILLED that you like this soup. Thank you so much for sharing your recipe experience. Happy eating! 🙂
Sammi
This sounds great. I’ve been wanting to make some seasoning packets so this is just perfect! Thanks for linking at Family Joy Blog Link party this week!!
Wonderful! Enjoy your homemade seasonings and thanks for stopping by, Melissa 🙂
I’m with you, we enjoy soup all year long too! As I always say…. Soup is Good Food!! Taco Soup is a favorite at our home and I’m making some today. Yours looks delicious also, YUM! Visiting from Ilka’s Link party. Have a great day!
Oh, I love that,”Soup IS Good Food!” We are meant to be foodie friends, girl 🙂 Blessings to you, Debra!