Taco 'Bout Yummy Taco Soup
Warm, cozy, and packed with bold taco flavors, Taco 'Bout Yummy Taco Soup is the perfect school lunch option that students will love! This hearty soup is filled with seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and zesty spices, creating a flavor-packed fiesta in every bite.
Get the Recipe
Recipe created, standardized, and tested with love, by Melissa
*Images and webpage created with assistance from Gamma.ai and ChatPGT 4o, 2/23/2025
Why You'll Love It
Picky Kid Approved
Delicious taco taste that even our picky kids love. Great for all grade levels.
Budget-Friendly & Easy
Commodity ingredients… plant forward… simple prep. Less ingredients means less waste.
Meets NSLP Guidelines
2 oz eq meat + ½ cup vegetable per 1 cup serving. Add a grain for Grab and Go.
Top 9 Allergen Free
Inclusive meal that all students can eat, even those with Top 9 allergens.
Recipe Ingredients
  • 95 oz eq cooked ground beef crumbles - any type (= 7 lb, 15 oz of 85/15 raw beef)
  • 7 cups Onion, diced (= 2.3 lb)
  • #10 can Kidney beans
  • #10 can Black beans
  • #10 can Corn
  • #10 can Diced Tomatoes
  • Half a #10 can Tomato Sauce
  • 9 oz packet of Reduced Sodium Taco seasoning
Dietitian Recommendation: This recipe works best with low sodium ingredients.
Directions: Taco Soup Steps
1
Mise en Place
Open cans, don't drain. Thaw onions night before, if frozen.
2
Brown the Beef
Brown beef if from raw, add onions partway through. Heat to 155°F+ for 17 seconds.
3
Drain
If needed, drain the beef mixture.
4
Add Ingredients
Add taco seasoning, undrained cans of beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Mix well.
5
Simmer
Simmer 15-20 minutes.
6
Serve:
Be Top 9 Allergen-Free with Tortilla Chips or Strips, or serve with Cornbread or a Wheat Dinner Roll.
Serving Options
Creative & Kid-Friendly Grain Twists
Whole-Grain Soft Pretzel Bites
A fun, dippable option kids will love!
Whole-Grain Cheese Crackers
Adds a cheesy, crunchy bite to complement the soup.
Whole-Grain Cornbread Muffin
Adds a slightly sweet balance to the savory soup.
Whole-Grain Quesadilla Wedges
Serve a small cheese quesadilla for a fun, taco-inspired meal.
Kyle's "Picky Kid" Comments
"This is good! It's thick, more like a stew. I would love this at school. I would offer this in the winter, not in the summer. And cheddar cheese makes a great side topping."
"Try to not chop the beef down into teeny bits. I like seeing the chunks of beef- it feels hearty, like a real meal that will last me through the day."
Mel's Comments: As a Mom
Sneaky Veggies
This is a basically bowl of veggies and Kyle didn't even notice. Score!
Efficient Ingredients
Short ingredient list and whole cans ensures no ingredients go to waste.
Satisfying Preparation
Dumping whole cans into the pot in was oddly satisfying. 😂
Mel's Comments: As a Dietitian

1

Allergen-Free
This recipe is Top 9 Allergen free, making it safe for most dietary restrictions. Add GF tortilla chips for the win!

2

Easy Prep
Requires no special skills to prep. Fine for our even our most ill-equipped kitchens and staff that is still learning.

3

Reasonable Portions
A reasonable volume for a full creditable serving. Flexible scoop sizes and meal pattern crediting that makes sense.

4

Safe Handling
Consistency is like a stew, so no sloshing. Reduces chance of burns, is easy to transport for central kitchens, and holds well.
Mel's Comments: As a Human

Leftover Love
We had leftovers and it was even better the day after!

Energy Boost
Best of all, this made my body feel great. I powered through the day with steady energy for hours.
Thank You!
We hope you enjoyed learning about our TACO BOUT YUMMY Taco Soup recipe, a kid-friendly, nutritious, and easy-to-prepare option for your school menus... and at home.
*Webpage created with assistance from Gamma.ai and ChatPGT 4o, 2/23/2025. Taco Soup made with love, by Melissa.