I love cooking, but I absolutely despise doing dishes. The towering pile of pots, pans, and utensils after a delicious meal is my personal nightmare. If you feel the same way, you and I are about to become best friends.
That’s why I’m so excited to share my Ultimate Weeknight Taco Soup – Ready in Minutes. It’s a flavor-packed meal that delivers maximum taste with minimal cleanup. We’re talking about a single pot from start to finish.
What’s better than a home-cooked meal? A home-cooked meal with only ONE pot to clean! This recipe is my go-to for busy nights when time and energy are in short supply. If you’re looking for more easy, one-pot inspiration, you should definitely try my creamy lemon ricotta pasta for a quick Italian twist.
Recipe Overview
Let’s get a quick look at what we’re making. This overview is your at-a-glance guide to a stress-free dinner.
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Category: Soup
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 6
The Magic of a One-Pot (or One-Pan) Meal
I truly believe one-pot meals are a form of kitchen magic. They simplify the entire cooking process from prep to plate.
Ultimate Weeknight Taco Soup – Ready in Minutes Recipe
The Full Ingredient List
My “Less Mess” Cooking Method (Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Ultimate Weeknight Taco Soup – Ready in Minutes Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Everything cooks together in a single vessel. This means the flavors have a chance to meld beautifully. Best of all, you’re left with just one item to wash.
It’s the ultimate hack for a stress-free weeknight. You get a wholesome, home-cooked dinner without the dreaded cleanup crew waiting for you afterward.
All You Need (One Pot & These Ingredients)
Gathering your tools and ingredients is the first step to success. Keeping it simple is the name of the game here.
You’ll need one large pot or Dutch oven. For ingredients, we’re using mostly pantry staples and a few fresh items. This makes the recipe both easy and affordable.
Don’t worry if you’re missing something. I’ll include some simple swaps in the pro-tips section later. Cooking should be flexible and fun!
The Full Ingredient List
Here is everything you’ll need to make this delicious soup. I promise, the list looks longer than the effort required.
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 4 cups beef broth
My “Less Mess” Cooking Method (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time. I’ve included my best tips for keeping the mess to an absolute minimum.
- Brown the ground beef with the diced onion in your large pot over medium-high heat. This is where all the flavor starts, so take your time here.
- Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess grease. This simple step makes the final soup much less greasy and more enjoyable.
- Add the minced garlic and taco seasoning. Stir constantly for about one minute until it becomes incredibly fragrant.
- Now for the easy part! Pour in the black beans, kidney beans, corn, both cans of tomatoes, and the beef broth. Give everything a good stir to combine.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to fully develop. That’s it!
PREPARATION
This soup comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. For another family-friendly option that’s equally simple, check out my cheesy Tex-Mex taco soup which is always a crowd-pleaser.
Pro-Tips for Perfect One-Pot Cooking
These little tips can make a big difference in your cooking journey. They’re especially helpful if you’re new to one-pot meals.
First, use the right size pot. A 5 to 6-quart Dutch oven or stockpot is perfect. This gives everything enough room to bubble away without boiling over.
Don’t stir too much. Once you’ve added all the liquid and beans, let it simmer. Constant stirring can break down the beans and make the soup mushy. Trust the process!
For a healthier twist, you can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. The recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your dietary preferences.
Storing & Reheating (Easy!)
This soup is fantastic for meal prep. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.
Let the soup cool completely before storing. It will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave. You can also gently reheat the entire batch on the stovetop over medium-low heat. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Notes
While I’m not a dietitian, I like to have a general idea of what I’m eating. Here’s a basic breakdown per serving.
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: ~25g
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Fiber: ~12g
If you love the convenience of this recipe, you’ll also enjoy my hearty fiesta chicken taco soup for another delicious variation that’s just as quick to make.
Your One-Pot Questions, Answered
I get a lot of questions about this recipe. Here are answers to the most common ones to help you out.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef and onion first, then add everything to your crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. It’s a true set-it-and-forget-it meal.
What are the best toppings for taco soup?
Top it like you would a taco! Shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, sliced jalapeños, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice are all fantastic choices. Don’t forget the tortilla chips for dipping!
My soup is too thick. How can I thin it out?
No problem at all. Just add a little more beef broth or even some water until it reaches your desired consistency. Remember, you are in control of your soup!
I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. It’s a reliable, delicious, and wonderfully easy solution for those hectic evenings.
You deserve a meal that feeds your soul without burying you in dirty dishes. This one-pot wonder is here to make your weeknights brighter and your sink emptier.
Enjoy all that flavor (and your clean kitchen!). Let me know how it went by leaving a comment and rating below!
