Name: 7 Can Taco Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 can Pinto Beans ((15 oz can drained and rinsed)); 1 can Sweet Corn ((15 oz can drained)); 1 can Black Beans ((15 oz can drained and rinsed)); 1 can Chicken Broth ((14.5 oz can)); 1 can Petite Diced Tomatoes ((14.5 oz can)); 1 can Chunk Chicken Breast ((12.25 oz can, drained)); 1 can Green Enchilada Sauce ((10 oz can)); 1 packet Taco Seasoning ((2 oz)); 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder; ½ teaspoon Salt; Fresh Cilantro ((chopped)); Sour Cream; Tortilla Chips; Shredded Cheddar Cheese

This 7 Can Taco Soup is made entirely from pantry staples! Just open the cans, add seasoning, and have a hearty flavorful soup on the table in under 30 minutes for just $2.01 a serving.

Taco soup in a bowl topped with shredded cheese, crushed tortillas and sour cream.

This is my go-to soup the moment the cold weather hits. I set out a full topping bar with shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, and jalapeños and let everyone in our house of 10 build their own bowl exactly the way they like it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

Carrie, the owner, with long dark hair, wearing earrings and a burgundy top, smiles at the camera in front of a textured, beige background.

Made entirely from pantry staples
No chopping no prep — open the cans dump everything in and simmer
Perfect for cold weather, crowds and busy weeknights all fall and winter

It is one of those rare dinners where there are zero complaints at the table and I spent almost no time in the kitchen.

If you love easy budget-friendly stove top soup recipes like this one you will also love our Easy Chili Recipe, Taco Soup Recipe, and Chili’s Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe. They are all made with simple pantry ingredients, ready fast, and perfect for feeding a hungry family on a cold night.

Ingredients

Carrie’s Tip: Always drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the pot. This removes excess sodium and prevents the soup from tasting too salty, especially since the taco seasoning and enchilada sauce already add plenty of flavor.

Pinto beans and black beans — drain and rinse before adding to reduce sodium. Kidney beans or white beans work as substitutes. Double up on one variety if you prefer
Low sodium chicken broth — the base of the soup. Low sodium gives you more control over the final saltiness. Chicken stock works as a substitute
Petite diced tomatoes — adds body and brightness to the soup. Rotel with green chiles works as a spicier substitute
Canned chicken — the no-prep protein that makes this soup truly dump-and-go. Rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken, or ground beef all work as substitutes
Green enchilada sauce — adds depth and a mild heat to the soup. Red enchilada sauce works for a richer flavor or use hot enchilada sauce for more kick
Corn — adds sweetness and texture. Drain before adding
Taco seasoning — use a store-bought packet or our Taco Seasoning Recipe for even better flavor. Homemade taco seasoning is so much better than store bought and takes 2 minutes to make

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

How to Make 7 Can Taco Soup

Step 1 – Add all the ingredients to a large stock pot. Heat over medium high heat.

Step 2 – Bring the mixture to a low simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup is heated through and the ingredients are combined.

Adding the ingredients to a large stock pot.

Step 3 – Serve immediately while warm topped with the cilantro, sour cream, tortillas chips and shredded cheese.

Taco Soup in a bowl topped with cheese, chips, and sour cream.

Tips for Success

Use homemade taco seasoning. It takes 2 minutes to mix together and tastes significantly better than a store-bought packet — keep a jar on hand for recipes like this one
Simmer for the full 20 minutes. The longer the soup simmers the more the flavors develop and meld together — do not rush this step
Set up a topping bar. Put out shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime wedges and let everyone build their own bowl — it makes this feel like a real taco night experience
Double the batch. This soup freezes beautifully — make a double batch and freeze individual portions for quick lunches and dinners all week

Slow Cooker Method
Place all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours until heated through and the flavors have developed.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap canned chicken for rotisserie chicken, leftover shredded chicken, ground beef, or ground turkey
Use red enchilada sauce instead of green for a richer deeper flavor
Add a can of diced green chiles for extra heat and flavor
Use Rotel instead of plain diced tomatoes for a spicier version
Add homemade ranch dressing mix alongside the taco seasoning for a creamy ranch twist
Change the beans — kidney beans, white beans, or a double batch of black beans all work

What to Serve with Soup?

This 7 Can Taco Soup is perfect served by itself. But if you prefer to add a side, her are some of our favorites.

Quesadillas – Make some cheese quesadillas for an amazing side. This is an easy side and pairs perfectly with this soup.
Tortilla Chips – We always make sure we have tortilla chips to serve with this soup. I like to crumble mine over the top but you can easily scoop a bite on the chip.
Rice – Make a batch of cilantro rice or spanish rice for an easy side.

Storage and Freeze Instructions

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. The flavors get even better overnight as everything continues to develop

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Squeeze out all air before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or microwave

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat stirring occasionally or microwave in 60-second intervals until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup has thickened too much in the refrigerator

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you thicken taco soup?

Stir in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch or flour mixed with a little cold water and simmer for 5 minutes until the soup reaches your preferred consistency.

Is this taco soup spicy?

No, as written this soup is mild and family friendly. Add diced jalapeños, hot enchilada sauce, or Rotel to increase the heat level.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of canned chicken?

Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken is actually our favorite substitute and gives the soup even more flavor than canned chicken.

4.88 from 25 votes (9 ratings without comment)