Vegetarian Taco Soup

This Vegetarian Taco Soup is an easy weeknight meal that’s loaded with hearty veggies, black beans, a flavorful tomato broth, and homemade taco seasoning. It’s a one-pot meal the whole family will love!

I love making this easy taco soup during the fall and winter months. It’s one of those cozy soup recipes that quickly comes together without too much prep work. Everyone can customize their bowl by adding their favorite toppings to jazz it up.

Some of my favorite toppings for taco soup include sour cream, shredded cheese, thinly sliced green onions (scallions), diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and hot sauce. My husband loves adding a few crispy tortilla chips on top.

What is taco soup?

Taco soup captures the flavors of a taco in a soup bowl. It usually features ground beef, beans, tomatoes, corn, and chili peppers in a spiced tomato-based broth. Then you can top each bowl with your choice of toppings, such as cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, or tortilla chips.

Vegetarian Taco Soup Ingredients

Homemade taco seasoning: My homemade taco seasoning is made using pantry staples, such as chili powder, cumin powder, dried oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Olive oil: This adds richness to the soup.

Onion: You can use a medium yellow or red onion to make this soup.

Bell peppers: I like to use a medium red and green bell pepper. You can use any type of bell pepper you want, such as yellow or orange.

Jalapeño pepper: I like to add this for a kick of heat.

Garlic: Fresh garlic gives this soup good flavor.

Canned tomatoes: I use finely diced or whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand or with an immersion blender.

Vegetable broth: I use Better Than Boullion Seasoned Vegetable Base to make this soup. You can use homemade or your favorite store-bought broth.

Beans: I use black beans in this soup. You can use pinto beans or a mix of both black and pinto beans if you prefer.

Corn: You can use frozen or canned corn. This makes it convenient.

Fresh lime juice: A touch of acid from the fresh lime juice helps to balance out all the flavors in this soup.

Fresh cilantro: This adds a fresh element and bright flavor to this soup.

How to make Vegetarian Taco Soup

Make the homemade taco seasoning. In a small mixing bowl, add chili powder, cumin, kosher salt, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix until combined and set aside. 

Sauté the veggies. In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the onions, jalapeño pepper, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Add the garlic and homemade taco seasoning and let cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the diced tomatoes and let cook for 2 minutes.

Add the vegetable broth and black beans and stir the mixture to combine. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer, uncovered, for 25 minutes. Stir in the frozen or canned corn and let simmer for another 5 minutes.

Stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Taste the soup and add more salt, black pepper, or lime juice if needed. Serve the soup with your choice of additional toppings. 

What’s the different between taco soup and tortilla soup?

Taco soup is a soupier version of chili, usually made with ground beef. It’s hearty, thick, and packed with everything you love about tacos in a bowl. Tortilla soup is a lighter and brothier soup, usually made with shredded chicken and topped with crispy tortilla strips.

Is taco soup healthy?

Yes, taco soup can be healthy when made with plenty of vegetables, such as this vegetarian taco soup recipe. It can be unhealthy when made with high-fat meats, creamy additions, and high-sodium premade taco seasoning packets.

Please let me know how you like this Taco Soup recipe in the comments below! Your feedback and review encourages me to keep creating new and yummy recipes. I hope you love this easy soup as much as I do.

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