Taco Soup with Just 5 Ingredients – So Easy!

Sometimes the best recipes are the simplest ones. This taco soup uses just five ingredients — ground beef, beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning — yet delivers incredible flavor and comfort. It’s perfect when your pantry is sparse or time is short. In this article, I’ll walk you through the recipe, tips, variations, FAQs, and related recipe ideas so you can enjoy this minimal but mighty soup anytime.

Why I Love the 5‑Ingredient Version

Simplicity That Delivers

On nights when I forget to shop or just don’t want to fuss, this soup is my fallback. Because it leans on pantry staples, there’s almost always something on hand to make it. And despite the simplicity, the flavors stand up beautifully.

Perfect for Budget & Time Crunch

With just five core ingredients, this recipe is light on cost and prep. No extra veggies, no complicated sauces — just the essentials that combine into a satisfying bowl. It’s a reliable “rescue dinner” that feels like you put in more effort than you did.

Ingredients & Tools You’ll Need

Core Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount / Notes
Ground beef (lean)	1 lb (≈ 450 g)
Black beans, drained & rinsed	1 can
Corn, drained	1 can
Diced tomatoes (with juice)	1 can
Taco seasoning mix	1 packet (or ~2 tbsp homemade)

Because we’re keeping it minimal, choose good-quality canned goods (no added sugar or heavy salt) and a seasoning mix you like.

Equipment & Tools

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Colander (for draining beans & corn)

Step‑by‑Step Instructions & Variations

How to Make 5‑Ingredient Taco Soup

1. Heat your pot over medium. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
2. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and taco seasoning. Stir well to combine with the beef.
3. Stir in the drained beans and corn.
4. Add a splash of water (¼ to ½ cup) if the mixture seems too thick to stir; the tomato juice often suffices.
5. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper) as needed. Serve hot with optional toppings.

Minimal Variations & Add-Ons

• Cheese & crema: Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or a dollop of crema for extra creaminess without adding much complexity.
• Spice it up: Add a dash of cayenne, smoked paprika, or chopped jalapeño if you want heat.
• Extra liquid: If the soup is too thick, add a bit of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
• Protein swap: Use ground turkey or a plant-based substitute instead of beef, keeping other ingredients the same.

Storage, FAQs & Final Thoughts

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Let the soup cool slightly before sealing in containers.
• Refrigerate up to 3 days.
• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months (omit any fresh toppings beforehand).
• Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally; add a splash of water or juice if it’s thickened too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really only need five ingredients?

Yes! The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The tomato juice, beans, and beef all carry flavor. But you can always add seasoning, herbs, or toppings if you want to amplify it.

Can I omit draining the beans and corn?

Yes — you can keep the liquid for a thinner soup, but it may dilute flavor slightly. Adjust the seasoning or reduce added water accordingly.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely. It reheats well, and the flavors deepen after sitting. Just hold toppings until serving.

Can I convert this to a crockpot or Instant Pot version?

Yes — for crockpot: brown beef first, then combine everything and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3. For Instant Pot: brown using Sauté mode, add ingredients, pressure cook 5 minutes, then quick release.

Conclusion

Don’t underestimate what five quality ingredients can do. This taco soup proves that less often means more time, less stress, and still big flavor. If you want something richer next time, try our Instant Pot Taco Soup in 20 Minutes or complement it with flavorful comfort like Ground Beef Taco Soup with Pantry Staples. Enjoy your cozy, no-fuss bowl!

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