Taco soup is a fantastic dish for a cozy evening, effortlessly bringing together comforting flavors in a single bowl. But to truly elevate your taco soup from a simple meal to a hearty feast, pairing it with the right side dishes is key. Whether you’re looking to add texture, flavor contrast, or simply round out the meal, we’ve got you covered. Here are 15 of the best side dishes that complement taco soup perfectly, transforming it into a satisfying and complete dining experience your family will love.
Bowls of taco soup topped with cheese, offering a warm and inviting meal idea.
Taco soup itself is incredibly versatile – a pantry-friendly recipe that can be easily prepared in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. Its robust flavor profile makes it an excellent base to build upon. By adding complementary side dishes, you can create a balanced meal that caters to different tastes and ensures everyone leaves the table feeling full and content.
And remember, you can use your favorite taco soup recipe for this – be it a slow cooker version or a quick instant pot taco soup. The beauty of these side dishes is their ability to enhance any taco soup recipe you choose.
Close-up of a tortilla chip scooping up taco soup, highlighting the enjoyable texture combination.
Delicious Side Dishes for Taco Soup
1. Tortilla Chips
A classic and undeniably perfect pairing, tortilla chips are a must-have with taco soup. Enjoy them crumbled on top for a satisfying crunch, or use them for dipping to savor every last bit of the flavorful broth. For an extra layer of enjoyment, serve them alongside salsa, guacamole, or nacho cheese sauce.
2. Rice
Serving rice, whether white rice or Mexican rice, alongside taco soup adds substance and helps create a more filling meal. Rice complements the soup’s flavors beautifully and can be mixed directly into the soup for a heartier, all-in-one dish.
3. Cornbread
Considering taco soup’s resemblance to chili, especially with the addition of corn, cornbread becomes an obvious and delightful side. The slightly sweet, buttery, and soft texture of cornbread provides a wonderful contrast to the savory and tangy soup.
Plate of golden cornbread muffins, suggesting a sweet and soft side dish option.
4. Roasted Corn
Roasted corn on the cob is a simple yet flavorful vegetable side dish that aligns perfectly with the Tex-Mex inspired flavors of taco soup. Whether steamed, grilled, or oven-roasted, corn topped with butter, salt, and pepper is a delicious and nutritious addition. For a more elaborate version, consider making Elote (Mexican street corn) with cilantro, feta, and a creamy, tangy mayo dressing.
5. Green Salad
The combination of soup and salad is always a winning formula, and it works wonderfully with taco soup. A light and refreshing green salad offers a counterpoint to the richness of the soup. A simple salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots, dressed with a vinaigrette or ranch dressing, is an excellent choice.
Overhead shot of a spinach salad with apple and cranberries, showcasing a refreshing and light side.
6. Quesadillas
While taco soup is quite filling on its own, quesadillas make a simple and satisfying side dish. Cheese quesadillas, in particular, are easy to prepare and can be served alongside the soup or used to scoop it up, functioning similarly to tortilla chips but with a cheesy twist.
7. French Fries
Though not a traditional pairing with soup, french fries are a surprisingly delicious side for taco soup. Their salty and crispy nature complements the soup’s flavors, and they are also enjoyable for dipping directly into the soup.
Plate of crispy french fries with dipping sauce, suggesting a less conventional but tasty side.
8. Coleslaw
Classic coleslaw, with its creamy and crunchy texture, offers a refreshing contrast to the warm soup. For a flavor profile that better matches taco soup, consider a Mexican-style coleslaw which often includes lime and cilantro.
9. Fruit Salad
A fruit salad provides a sweet and refreshing element to balance the savory richness of taco soup. Use seasonal fruits for the freshest flavors and create a simple fruit salad by tossing your favorites together. To elevate it, add a dollop of yogurt, whipped cream, or a drizzle of honey.
Rainbow fruit salad in a white bowl, presenting a colorful and sweet side dish.
10. Refried Beans
Even though taco soup often contains beans, serving refried beans as a side adds an extra layer of heartiness and protein to the meal. This is a great way to make the meal even more substantial and satisfying.
11. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread, or garlic breadsticks, is a versatile side that complements almost any soup. While not a typical Tex-Mex pairing, garlic bread offers a comforting and flavorful addition to a bowl of taco soup.
Garlic breadsticks with melted cheese and butter, showcasing a comforting and savory side.
12. Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salad is a light and crunchy side dish that pairs wonderfully with soup. Its refreshing flavor and crisp texture provide a palate-cleansing counterpoint to the richness of taco soup.
13. Jalapeno Poppers
Often served as appetizers, jalapeno poppers can also function as a spicy and flavorful side dish. The creamy cheese filling and spicy jalapenos offer a delightful kick that can complement the milder flavors of taco soup.
14. Potato Skins
Potato skins, loaded with cheese, bacon, and sour cream, are a hearty and flavorful side dish that pairs surprisingly well with taco soup. The crispy and salty potato skins offer a textural contrast and rich flavor that enhances the overall meal.
Baked potato skins topped with cheese, bacon, sour cream, and green onions, suggesting a hearty and savory side.
15. Taco Dip or Seven Layer Dip
For a truly Tex-Mex inspired feast, consider serving taco dip or seven-layer dip alongside your taco soup. These dips, layered with refried beans, sour cream, cheese, tomatoes, and more, are a delicious and interactive side that perfectly complements the soup’s flavors.
Seven-layer taco dip, showcasing a layered and flavorful Tex-Mex side dish.
Top Toppings to Elevate Your Taco Soup
Beyond side dishes, the right toppings can dramatically enhance your taco soup. Here are 13 fantastic toppings to consider:
- Tortilla Chips or Tortilla Strips
- Shredded Cheese
- Sour Cream
- Diced Tomatoes
- Pico de Gallo
- Avocado Slices
- Guacamole
- Green Onions or Chives
- Diced Jalapenos
- Black Olives
- Fresh Cilantro
- Hot Sauce
- Lime Juice
Bowls of taco soup with various toppings like cheese, sour cream, and cilantro, demonstrating customizable options.
With this extensive list of side dishes and toppings, you’re well-equipped to create a memorable and satisfying taco soup meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend feast, these pairings will transform your taco soup into a culinary delight perfect for any time of year, especially on a cool day.
