Some soups need a grocery run. Taco Soup With Hominy needs a stroll through your pantry and one big pot. Have you ever wanted a hearty dinner using ingredients you already have sitting around? This recipe makes that happen every single time.
I started making this soup on nights when my fridge was basically empty but my pantry was stocked with canned goods. IMO, this soup proves that pantry staples can turn into something genuinely craveable.
Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 1 hour 10 minutes Total time: About 1 hour 20 minutes Servings: 6 to 8
What Makes This Taco Soup So Good?
This soup combines seasoned ground beef with beans, corn, hominy, and fire-roasted tomatoes into one hearty, spiced pot. The hominy adds a chewy, slightly nutty bite that regular corn just can’t match.
Why does hominy make such a difference here? It brings a unique texture and subtle corn flavor that regular canned corn alone doesn’t quite deliver.
Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Rotation
Some soups taste watery and forgettable after all that simmering. This one doesn’t, and here’s exactly why Taco Soup With Hominy earns a permanent spot in your weekly meal plan:
- Uses mostly canned pantry staples
- Comes together with minimal chopping and prep
- Feeds a crowd without much cost
- Freezes beautifully for future easy dinners
- Tastes even better as leftovers the next day
Have you ever needed a filling dinner without an actual grocery trip? This soup solves that problem completely.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here, just simple canned goods and pantry staples that build serious flavor together. Here’s exactly what you need:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 can sliced olives
- 1 (14.5 oz) can kidney beans
- 1 (14.5 oz) can pinto beans
- 1 (14.5 oz) can hominy (substitute with green beans if desired)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can corn
- 2 tablespoons canned jalapeños, chopped
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 2 (14 oz) cans fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1/2 cup water
Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, sour cream, tortilla chips
FYI, you don’t need to drain any of these cans, since the juices actually help build the soup’s flavor and thickness.
How to Make Taco Soup With Hominy (Step-by-Step)
This soup comes together in just a few simple stages, and most of the actual work happens while it simmers on its own. Let’s walk through exactly how it goes.
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef directly into a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook it, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s fully browned with no pink remaining, then drain off any excess fat.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Seasoning
Add the chopped onion and taco seasoning directly into the pot with the browned beef. Sauté everything together for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the mixture smells fragrant and the onion starts to soften.
This short sauté step matters more than it seems. It wakes up all those taco spices before the liquid ingredients go in, giving the whole soup a deeper flavor base.
Step 3: Add the Canned Ingredients
Open all your canned ingredients, including the olives, kidney beans, pinto beans, hominy, corn, jalapeños, and fire-roasted tomatoes. Add every single one directly into the pot along with their juices, without draining any of them.
Step 4: Bring It to a Boil
Pour in the half cup of water, then increase the heat to high. Stir everything together thoroughly and bring the entire mixture up to a rolling boil.
Step 5: Simmer It Low and Slow
Once boiling, reduce the heat down to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let the soup simmer gently for a full hour, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom.
Skipping this long simmer is a rookie mistake. That extra time is exactly what lets all the spices and canned ingredients meld into one cohesive, flavorful soup.
Step 6: Serve It Hot
Once the hour is up, give the soup one final stir and ladle it into bowls while it’s still hot. Add your favorite toppings right before serving for extra flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions That Actually Work
This soup practically invites a full topping bar experience. Try any of these classic additions:
- Warm tortilla chips for dipping
- A slice of cornbread on the side
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- A dollop of sour cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Have you ever turned a simple bowl of soup into a full meal just by adding the right toppings? This recipe makes that easy.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers hold up incredibly well here, which makes this soup perfect for meal prep. Keep these tips in mind:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 to 5 days
- Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally
- Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months
- Reheat frozen portions in the microwave for quick, easy meals
- Add a splash of water when reheating if the soup has thickened too much
Fun Variations to Try Next Time
Once you’ve mastered the classic version, this soup welcomes plenty of creative twists. Here are a few directions worth trying:
- Chicken version: replace beef with shredded cooked chicken
- Vegetarian version: skip the meat and use extra beans instead
- Cheesy version: stir shredded cheddar cheese in right before serving
- Slow cooker version: combine everything and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours
- Southwestern version: add diced bell peppers, corn, and smoked paprika
Have you ever swapped a stovetop recipe for the slow cooker just to make your morning easier? This soup handles that switch beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, it actually tastes even better the next day once all those flavors have had time to meld together.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Absolutely, ground turkey or chicken both work perfectly with the same taco seasoning.
Do I need to drain the canned ingredients? No, keeping all the juices in the pot helps thicken the soup and adds extra flavor throughout.
Can I make this soup vegetarian? Yes, simply skip the meat entirely and add extra beans or vegetables to keep it hearty.
Can I freeze this taco soup? Yes, store it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months without any issues.
Final Thoughts
Taco Soup With Hominy proves that pantry staples can turn into something genuinely satisfying with almost zero effort. It’s hearty, spiced just right, and tastes even better as leftovers the following day.
Make a big pot of this the next time your fridge looks empty but your pantry is fully stocked. Just don’t be surprised when this becomes your new favorite way to use up canned goods.
