This hearty vegan Taco Soup is a fall-inspired twist on classic Taco Tuesday, packed with plant-based protein and vibrant flavors. Serve it with a customizable topping bar for a meal everyone will love!

Taco Tuesday is a long-standing tradition in my home, dating back to when my kids were in preschool. It’s the perfect way to bring vegans and non-vegans together around the table with a build-your-own taco bar that lets us all enjoy the same meal, just customized to our tastes. Now that it’s soup season, I decided to put a cozy, fall twist on our taco routine and create a hearty, plant-based Taco Soup.

This recipe captures all the zesty, satisfying flavors we love in our tacos while maintaining the fun of choosing our own toppings to make it just right. Packed with plant-based protein, vibrant veggies, and a warming broth, this Taco Soup is just as versatile as our traditional taco bar and a great addition to your Taco Tuesday lineup. I can’t wait for you to try it with your family!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This vegan Taco Soup checks all the boxes for a family-friendly, easy, and delicious dinner that’s bound to become a new favorite on your weekly menu. Here’s what makes it such a winner:

Quick and Easy: Made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, this Taco Soup comes together in just 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying and fast.

Versatile: This soup is a crowd-pleaser for everyone at the table. It’s completely vegan but easy to customize for non-vegan family members. Just set up a topping bar with options like vegan cheese, sour cream, or even traditional taco toppings like shredded cheese or cooked ground beef for those who prefer it.

One-Pot Wonder: Say goodbye to piles of dishes! This recipe is made in one pot, meaning cleanup is a breeze, and you’ll get layers of flavor from the onions, vegan ground “beef,” beans, and spices all simmered together.

Family-Friendly: This soup brings the fun of Taco Tuesday to a bowl, where everyone can add their favorite toppings. It’s a hit with kids, adults, and anyone who loves customizable meals where everyone can build their own bowl.

Great for Meal Prep: This Taco Soup stays fresh in the fridge for up to a week, and it freezes well for make-ahead dinners. Make a big batch, and you’ve got ready-to-go meals for busy nights, quick lunches, or a cozy dinner waiting in the freezer.

What You Need To Make Easy Vegan Taco Soup

Olive Oil: It’s my go-to for sauteing everything together.
Onion: Sauteed onions are essential in my taco fillings, so of course, they’re also the savory base of the soup.
Vegan Ground “Beef”: This is optional but if you’re going for the “meaty” texture you get in a taco, you’ll want to include it. This is my favorite brand.
Taco Seasoning: This is the key to capturing that classic taco flavor. Adjust the amount depending on your preferred spice level — this is my favorite blend.
Vegan Broth: A flavorful liquid base that ties everything together. Vegetable or “chicken-style” vegan broth like this one both work well here.
Salsa: Choose your favorite store-bought jar or fresh tub. I prefer a chipotle blend, for a little heat, adding another layer of taco-inspired flavor.
Diced Green Chiles: Mildly spicy, these chiles add a little kick that complements the other flavors without overpowering the dish.
Black Beans & Pinto Beans: These beans boost the protein and fiber in the soup, making it more nutritious and satisfying. These are my family’s favorites (and most traditional in taco fillings) but you can swap with whatever you have in your pantry.
Suggested Toppings: Customize each bowl with your family’s favorite toppings to satisfy everyone’s preferences. In my house, that includes shredded cheese, sour cream, homemade guacamole and pico de gallo, and shredded lettuce.

How To Make Easy Vegan Taco Soup

Sauté Aromatics: Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in the vegan ground “beef” and taco seasoning, cooking for about 5 minutes until fragrant.
Add Liquids and Beans: Pour in the vegan broth, salsa, green chiles, and beans, stirring well to combine.
Simmer to Perfection: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Allow it to thicken for about 5 minutes.
Serve and Garnish: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings.

Tips For Making Easy Vegan Taco Soup

Meal Prep:

Make Ahead: This soup only gets better with time! Prepare it a day or two in advance, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will meld beautifully, and it’ll be ready to heat up whenever you’re ready.
Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for batch cooking, this Taco Soup freezes well in individual portions. Freeze it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. (I’m obsessed with these and these.) When you’re ready for a quick, comforting meal, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

Storage:

Refrigerate: Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5-7 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze in portions that fit your household’s needs. Store in freezer-safe containers or bags and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Adapting for Non-Vegans:

Add Ground Beef: If you’re serving non-vegan family members or friends, consider cooking and offering traditional ground beef or shredded chicken on the side. They can add it as a topping or mix it into their bowl.
Additional Toppings: Set up a toppings bar with both vegan and non-vegan options, including traditional cheese, sour cream, and extra guac. This way, everyone can customize their bowl just the way they like it, creating a meal that’s as flexible as it is delicious.

What To Serve With Easy Vegan Taco Soup

This soup is fantastic as a stand-alone dish, but pairing it with some sides can create a more complete and satisfying meal. Here are some delicious ideas to try:

Warm Tortillas or Tortilla Chips: Serve with warm flour or corn tortillas for dipping, or a side of tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch. Crumble the chips right into the soup for added texture!
Mexican Rice: Add a scoop of Mexican rice on the side or directly into the bowl for a bit more substance. The flavors pair perfectly with the zesty soup, adding extra heartiness.
Simple Side Salad: A fresh side salad with crisp romaine, cucumber, tomatoes, and a zesty lime vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the soup’s rich flavors. Top with a sprinkle of pepitas for added crunch.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: If you’re craving a taste of summer, grilled corn adds a subtly sweet, smoky element that complements the soup’s bold flavors. You can also cut the corn off the cob and mix it into the soup for a fun twist.
Stuffed Jalapeños: For those who enjoy a bit of spice, serve with stuffed jalapeños on the side. Fill them with vegan cream cheese or shredded vegan cheese, bake until bubbly, and enjoy with the soup!

FAQs

Can I make this soup spicier?

Yes! Add a chopped jalapeño or extra green chiles for more heat, or include spicy salsa.

Is there a substitute for vegan ground “beef”?

Absolutely! Crumbled tempeh, lentils, or additional beans can add similar texture and protein. .

How can I thicken the soup further?

If you prefer a thicker consistency, simmer the soup longer or add a tablespoon of tomato paste when adding the beans and salsa.

Can I use homemade taco seasoning?

Yes! Adjust the flavor to your liking by using a homemade blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Easy Vegan Taco Soup

Table of Contents