Prepare to fall in love with easy shortcut ground beef taco soup! It’s a great way to use up taco night leftovers and even tastes amazing the next day!
I made a mistake. In a fit of Type-A perfectionism, I deleted this post. I loathed the photos so much I was like nope, no way, gotta go and took down this recipe off the site.
I promptly received a flood of emails, DMs and comments asking where the recipe went. My t-rex readers were making this soup on a regular basis and noticed its absence right away.
First off, I’m honored you guys have been loving this recipe!
Second, I am so so sorry and promise to be less of a perfectionist when it comes to my photos. I need to remember that not every photo needs to be gorgeous and stylized and a photo of soup can simply be a photo of soup!
This soup happens to also be ridiculously tasty too.
I’m a huge fan of revamping tasty leftovers into even tastier new dishes. It saves time, saves money, and makes crazy busy days just a little bit easier. There’s really only one rule: No boring leftovers!
Of course this soup couldn’t be boring if it tried, especially since it’s a glorified fiesta in a bowl! In fact, it’s the fiesta that never ends!
It all starts with taco night. As inevitable as breaking my tacos into a million pieces within the first bite, is the fact that we’re going to have some serious leftovers. I know how much I should cook for two, but honestly if I’m in the kitchen anyways, I might as well make enough for two or three meals, right? It’s a total lifesaver when lunch rolls around the next day and I’m still in stretchy pants and covered in neon pink paint, stickers, and copious amounts of peanut butter. Leftovers to the rescue!
Leftovers to the rescue!
I love using the Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup base from Pacific Foods for this soup. You could also use a quart of your favorite tomato soup for the base or use a combination of crushed fire roasted tomatoes and tomato sauce for a similar taste and texture. All options are delicious!
Taco Soup Ingredients
- 1 quart Pacific Organic Red Pepper and Tomato Soup
- 2 cups black beans
- 1-2 cups leftover taco meat
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
- salt and pepper to taste
Tasty Taco Soup Toppings and Extras – choose your favorites!
- shredded cheese
- tortilla chips
- greek yogurt or sour cream
- red pepper flakes
- guacamole
- fresh chopped avocado
- salsa
- pico de gallo
- chopped or pickled onions
- jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- cilantro or green onions
Any and all your favorite taco toppings will make great mix-ins for this soup. Prevent waste and clean out that crisper!
I also have recipes for a delish Cheesy Chicken Taco Soup and Vegetarian Taco Soup if you’re looking for a similar recipe featuring different protein options.
Shortcut Ground Beef Taco Soup
I hereby dub this leftover-rescuing superhero of a soup Taco Night 2.0 and it’s officially what I’ll be doing with all my taco night leftovers from here on out! Nachos were the old go-to (because YUM!) but this soup is a waaaaay healthier option plus I still get to let a few tortilla chips in on the action. Done deal!
This rockin’ recipe yields 4 smaller servings or 2 big meal sized bowls if you’re hungry!
Shortcut Ground Beef Taco Soup
Ingredients
- 1 quart Pacific Organic Red Pepper and Tomato Soup
- 2 cups black beans (drained + rinsed)
- 1-2 cups leftover taco meat
- 1/2-1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
- salt and pepper to taste
TOPPINGS + EXTRAS – choose your favorites
- fresh cilantro
- shredded cheese
- tortilla chips
- crispy tortilla strips
- greek yogurt or sour cream
- red pepper flakes
- fresh chopped avocado
- salsa
- chopped tomatoes
- pico de gallo
- jalapeños
- pickled red onions
- chopped onion
- all your favorite taco toppings make great mix-ins for this soup. Prevent waste and clean out that crisper!
Instructions
- Bring a pot to medium heat with a quart of red pepper and tomato soup.
- Add black beans, taco meat, bell peppers, chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper and simmer for 15-20 minutes or so until peppers have softened and the flavors have had a chance to mingle.
- Give it a taste and add any additional seasoning as desired. I added a little extra cayenne pepper for a kick! The amounts of cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder can all be amped up as desired. Season to taste and have fun with it!
- Top with all your favorite taco toppings and dig in! This soup is great right away and fabulous the next day too!
Notes
Nutrition
Much like it’s crunchy hand-held counterpart, taco soup is one of those super simple, easily customizable meals that can be made a million and one ways and taste great every time. When there’s a slew of leftovers in the fridge, or we can’t figure out what on earth to eat, this default dish has our back! With so many combinations possible, every night can be taco night! Or in this case, taco soup night!
So, what are you waiting for? Show those leftovers some love!
- Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake
- 15 Recipes for Leftover Chipotle Peppers
- 7 Delicious things to do with Leftover Chili
- Love Your Leftovers: Recipes to Make with Leftover Spinach Dip
- Vegetarian Chili Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
- Easy Vegetarian Chili Cheese Dip
If you get a chance to try this shortcut ground beef taco soup recipe, let me know!
Leave some love in the comment form below or tag your photos with @peasandcrayons on Instagram so I can happy dance over your creation. I can’t wait to see what you whip up!
My 9 year old asked for seconds which means you know this dinner will be happening again soon!
Ahhh yay! Happy to hear it!
I am always looking up ways to use up leftover taco meat. Thanks for the recipe!
You’re super welcome! xo
This soup is fantastic!!
Yay! Thanks Jessica!