Let me tell you about a recipe that has truly saved the day in my house more times than I can count: this incredibly easy 7-can taco soup. I stumbled upon this idea during a week where my pantry was full but my energy was completely empty. I needed something fast, something everyone would eat, and something that wouldn’t leave a mountain of dishes.
Pulling out a few cans felt like a long shot, but what happened next was pure magic. In fact, in less than 20 minutes, we were sitting down to a steaming, flavorful soup that tasted like it had been simmering for hours.
This “dump and go taco soup” is now our family’s official emergency meal, and frankly, we crave it even on nights when we’re not in a rush. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that proves you don’t need a lot of time to create a meal filled with love and flavor. So, let’s dive into the ultimate pantry hero recipe that will change your weeknights forever.
Why You’ll Love This “Pantry Hero” Recipe
Beyond its incredible taste, this soup is a true lifesaver for so many reasons. For instance, it’s not just about convenience; it’s about making life a little bit easier without sacrificing a delicious, home-cooked meal.
- Incredibly Easy: Seriously, if you can open a can, you can make this soup! There’s practically no chopping involved, which consequently makes cleanup an absolute breeze.
- Budget-Friendly: Because the recipe is built around affordable canned goods, it’s one of the most budget-friendly meals you can make. It’s proof that you don’t need to spend a lot to eat well.
- Super Fast: This is a true 20 minute taco soup recipe. It’s perfect for those chaotic evenings, game days, or whenever you need a warm, comforting meal in a hurry.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of two key seasonings creates a zesty, savory broth that tastes surprisingly complex. It’s a simple recipe that absolutely does not taste simple.
The 7 Cans You’ll Need (+ 2 Seasonings!)
The heart of this recipe is its simplicity. You just need these seven cans, which you might already have waiting in your pantry. In addition to the cans, you’ll need two packets of seasoning to bring it all to life.
| Can # | Ingredient | Notes |
| 1 | Canned Chicken or Cooked Ground Beef | Use canned chicken for the ultimate dump-and-go meal. |
| 2 | Canned Corn | Drained. Adds a pop of sweetness. |
| 3 | Canned Black Beans | Drained and rinsed. Provides great texture and protein. |
| 4 | Canned Pinto Beans | Drained and rinsed. Makes the soup extra hearty. |
| 5 | Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles | Undrained (like Rotel). This is key for zesty flavor. |
| 6 | Canned Tomato Sauce | Adds depth and a rich tomato base. |
| 7 | Canned Chicken or Beef Broth | The liquid that brings it all together. |
Besides the cans, the two powerhouse seasonings you need are one packet of Taco Seasoning and one packet of dry Ranch Seasoning.
How to Make 7-Can Taco Soup (Step-by-Step)
You are just three simple steps away from a delicious bowl of soup. It really is this easy!
Step 1: Dump and Stir
First, open all seven of your cans. Be sure to drain the corn and drain and rinse the beans to remove any excess sodium and starchy liquid. Then, pour everything the chicken, corn, beans, undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth into a large pot or Dutch oven. Give it all a good stir to combine.
Step 2: Add Seasonings
Next, sprinkle both the taco seasoning and the ranch seasoning packets over the ingredients in the pot. Stir well until the seasonings are fully dissolved into the broth. This is where that amazing taco soup with ranch seasoning flavor comes from!
Step 3: Simmer and Serve
Finally, bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes. This gives all those wonderful flavors a chance to meld together. After that, it’s ready to serve!
Pro Tips and Simple Variations
While this 7-can taco soup is fantastic as is, you can certainly add your own little touches to make it perfect for your family.
- The “Secret” Ingredient: Whatever you do, don’t skip the Ranch seasoning! It might sound a little odd, but it adds a cool, creamy, and tangy flavor that perfectly balances the spicy notes of the taco seasoning. It’s truly what makes this soup unforgettable.
- Make it Creamy: For an even richer, creamier soup, stir in about 4 ounces of softened cream cheese during the last 5 minutes of simmering. Let it melt completely into the broth for a luscious finish.
- Control the Spice: If you’re serving little ones or just prefer a milder soup, be sure to use the “mild” version of diced tomatoes with green chiles. On the other hand, if you want more heat, use the “hot” version or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
The Best Toppings for Taco Soup
Setting up a toppings bar is a fantastic way to let everyone customize their bowl. Here are some of our favorites:
- Shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese
- A Dollop of Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
- Crushed Tortilla Chips or Strips for crunch
- Diced Fresh Avocado
- A Sprinkle of Fresh Cilantro
Storing and Reheating Instructions
This soup makes for amazing leftovers, as the flavors get even better overnight. Simply let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, just warm it gently on the stovetop until heated through.
FAQs about 7-can taco soup
Can I make this in a Crockpot?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for the slow cooker. Just dump all the ingredients in, stir, and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 1-2 hours.
Do I need to drain the cans?
Yes, it’s best to drain the corn and to drain and rinse both cans of beans. However, do not drain the can of diced tomatoes with green chiles, as that liquid is full of flavor.
Can I use different beans?
Of course! Feel free to swap in kidney beans, chili beans, or even chickpeas depending on what you have in your pantry.
What can I serve with 7-can taco soup?
This soup is a hearty meal on its own, but it’s absolutely wonderful with a side of warm cornbread, a simple salad, or a cheesy quesadilla for dipping.
Conclusion
This 7-can taco soup is the embodiment of what we love at Crumb Recipes: a simple, delicious meal that brings everyone together without any stress. It’s a testament to the fact that you can create something truly special from a few humble pantry staples, and I hope you’ll give this recipe a try!
I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Please leave a comment and a rating below your feedback truly makes my day.
For more simple and delicious recipes just like this one, be sure to follow me on Pinterest! I’m always pinning the best easy weeknight meals, and I’d love to share them with you.
7-Can Taco Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Open all cans and drain/rinse beans and corn as needed.
- Add all 7 cans (including chili, broth, tomatoes, and sauce) to a large pot over medium heat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and bring soup to a simmer.
- Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with toppings of choice.
