What to Serve with Taco Soup: 50+ Easy Side Dishes
Taco soup warms you up with its rich flavors of beans, meat, and spices. Finding what to serve with taco soup can make your meal even better.
I love how a good side dish turns this simple soup into a feast! You’ll find many options here that work for any taste or diet.
From bread to salads to sweet treats, these sides will make your taco soup night a hit with family and friends.
Why You’ll Love Taco Soup?
Taco soup is so easy to make when you’re busy. It has bold, warm flavors that make everyone happy. You can add any toppings you like. I bring it to parties and my friends always ask for more!
What to Serve with Taco Soup?
You can pair taco soup with many tasty sides. Try bread, rice, salsa, chips, salads, beans, cheese dishes, veggies, meats, drinks, or desserts to make a full meal.
Bread and Tortilla
Warm bread and soft tortillas soak up all the yummy soup. My family fights over these sides when I make taco soup for dinner!
- Mexican Cornbread: Sweet corn bits mix with spicy peppers in this moist bread. I love the crispy edges! Your soup needs this perfect match.
- Flour or Corn Tortillas: Warm them up and fold to scoop soup. The soft bite goes so well with chunky soup. You’ll want extras!
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: Butter, garlic, and melty cheese top crusty bread. The rich taste works with spicy soup. My kids always ask for more.
- Mexican Bolillo Rolls: Crisp crust hides soft insides perfect for soaking up soup. Break them open while hot. You’ll love this simple side.
Rice Dishes
Rice dishes soak up the tasty soup broth and make your meal more filling. I always make extra rice because it goes so fast!
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Fresh lime juice and green cilantro make plain rice exciting. The tangy kick cuts through the rich soup. You won’t have leftovers!
- Mexican Red Rice (Arroz Rojo): Tomatoes give this rice its pretty color. Small veggie bits add a nice crunch. I love how it soaks up the soup.
- Spanish Rice: Gently spiced with mild peppers and tomato sauce. The soft grains catch all soup flavors. Your family will want seconds.
- Coconut Rice: Sweet coconut milk makes this rice creamy and rich. The hint of sweetness balances the spicy soup. My guests always ask how I made it.
Salsa
Fresh salsas add bright flavors and crisp textures to each spoonful of soup. You can make them as mild or spicy as you like!
- Roasted Corn Pico: Sweet corn gets smoky when roasted with peppers. The pop of each kernel is fun to eat. I make this all summer.
- Rainbow Pepper Salsa: Colorful bell peppers make this salsa pretty and sweet. The crunch works with soft soup. Your bowl looks so nice with this.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro mix for a simple topping. The bright taste wakes up your soup. I chop mine chunky.
- Avocado Salsa: Creamy avocado chunks with lime juice and cilantro. The rich taste cools the spicy soup. You’ll want this on every bowl!
Chips and Dips
Crunchy chips and creamy dips add fun textures to your taco soup meal. I put these in the middle of the table for easy sharing!
- Tortilla Chips with Guacamole: Crisp tortilla chips dunk into creamy mashed avocado. The cool dip balances the hot soup. Your friends will finish this fast!
- 7-Layer Taco Dip: Beans, sour cream, cheese, and veggies stack in tasty layers. Each scoop gives many flavors. I never have leftovers.
- Bean Dip: Smooth refried beans mixed with cheese and spices. The thick dip clings to chips perfectly. You can make it mild or spicy.
- Poblano Queso Dip: Shredded cheese with mild green chili peppers. The stretchy strings pull from chip to mouth. My party guests crowd around this dip!
Easy Salads
Light, fresh salads balance the rich, hearty soup with crisp veggies and zingy dressings. You’ll love these easy sides!
- Avocado Tomato Salad: Creamy avocado chunks with juicy tomatoes and red onion. The simple mix needs just lime juice. Your soup needs this fresh side.
- Mexican Street Corn Salad: Grilled corn kernels mix with creamy sauce and spices. The sweet pops taste like summer. I crave this with my soup.
- Mexican Coleslaw: Crisp cabbage in light, tangy dressing with a hint of spice. The crunch works with soft soup. I make big batches.
- Cucumber Salad with Cilantro and Lime: Cool cucumber slices in bright lime dressing. The light taste refreshes between soup bites. You’ll feel so healthy!
- Mexican Chopped Salad: Lots of veggies cut small with a simple dressing. Each bite has many flavors and textures. My go-to when I need color.
- Mexican Fruit Salad: Sweet fruits tossed with lime juice and chili powder. The sweet-spicy mix surprises your tongue. I serve this to wow guests.
Bean-Based Sides
More beans might seem funny with bean soup, but these sides add new flavors and textures. You’ll see how well they work together!
- Refried Beans: Smooth, creamy beans cooked with spices until soft. The rich side makes taco soup more filling. I top mine with cheese.
- Black Beans with Lime: Whole beans brightened with fresh lime juice and cilantro. The firm texture contrasts with soup. Your plate needs this simple side.
- Charro Beans (Frijoles Charros): Pinto beans cooked with bacon and peppers in a tasty broth. The smoky flavor adds depth. I make these for cook-outs.
- Mexican Baked Beans with Chorizo: Sweet beans mixed with spicy sausage meat. The rich dish feels special and fancy. You can make it ahead.
Cheesy Side Dishes
Cheesy, creamy sides add richness that makes your soup meal feel extra special. I love watching the cheese stretch as you take a bite!
- Cheesy Poblano Corn Enchiladas: Corn and mild peppers wrapped in tortillas with sauce. The cheesy bake complements simple soup. Your family will cheer.
- Crispy Air Fryer Nachos: Crunchy chips topped with melted cheese and toppings. The quick side adds a fun crunch. I make small batches fresh.
- Cheese Quesadilla: Cheese melted between folded tortillas, cut in wedges. The simple side pleases picky eaters. You can add chicken or veggies.
- Chili Con Queso: Smooth, melty cheese sauce with mild green chilies. The dip works with chips or spooned on soup. My pot always empties fast!
Grilled and Roasted Vegetables
Cooking veggies brings out sweet flavors that balance the spicy soup perfectly. I love how the char marks look on my plate!
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn cobs covered in creamy sauce and cheese. The messy fun food makes soup night special. I could eat three!
- Grilled Zucchini: Light green slices with nice grill marks and a smoky taste. The simple veggie balances heavy soup. You won’t miss meat.
- Roasted Bell Peppers: Sweet peppers get even sweeter when browned in the oven. The soft pieces mix well with the soup. I love the bright colors.
- Spicy Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Orange cubes with crisp edges and soft middles. The sweet-hot mix makes the soup more exciting. I add extra spice.
Protein-Packed Additions
Extra protein turns your soup into a feast that fills up even hungry folks. You can choose your favorite meat to match your soup!
- Grilled Chicken Tenders: Juicy white meat with nice char marks and simple spices. The lean protein balances bean-heavy soup. I slice mine thin.
- Chorizo Sausage: Spicy pork sausage with a deep red color and bold taste. The rich meat makes soup special. You only need a little.
- Shrimp Skewers: Pink seafood threaded on sticks with a lime marinade. The light protein works with a hearty soup. My coastal friends love this pairing.
- Carnitas (Slow-Cooked Pork): Tender, shredded meat with crispy edges and rich flavor. The juicy bites take soup up a level. I cook mine all day.
Drinks to Pair with Taco Soup
The right drink makes your soup meal complete and helps cool your mouth between bites. I always offer at least two options!
- Horchata: Rice milk sweetened with cinnamon and vanilla. The cool, sweet drink calms spicy soup. You’ll want big glasses of this.
- Agua Fresca: Fruit blended with water and a touch of sugar. The light, refreshing sips cleanse your palate. I like cucumber lime best.
- Margaritas: Tequila mixed with lime juice and orange liqueur over ice. The tart adult drink cuts through rich soup. Your dinner guests will approve!
- Mexican Hot Chocolate: Rich cocoa with cinnamon and a hint of chili. The warm, sweet drink pairs with soup on cold nights. I add whipped cream.
Desserts to Finish the Meal
Sweet treats end your meal on a happy note and balance the spicy soup. You deserve something special after dinner!
- Churros with Chocolate Sauce: Fried dough sticks rolled in cinnamon sugar. The crisp outside hides the soft inside. I dip mine twice in chocolate.
- Flan: Smooth egg custard with caramel sauce on top. The jiggly texture and sweet taste refresh your mouth. Your guests will be impressed.
- Tres Leches Cake: Soft cake soaked in three kinds of milk. The sweet, wet cake feels special yet simple. My family fights for the last piece.
Best Toppings for Taco Soup
These simple extras go right on top of your soup to add flavor, texture, and fun. I put them all in small bowls so everyone can choose!
- Tortilla Chips or Tortilla Strips: Add crunch to each spoonful. The corn flavor works so well.
- Shredded Cheese: Melts into the hot soup. I use cheddar or Mexican blend.
- Sour Cream: Adds cool, tangy richness. Just a spoonful cools spicy soup.
- Diced Tomatoes: Fresh cubes add bright color and juicy pops. So pretty!
- Green Onions or Chives: Mild onion taste and pretty green color. Chop them small.
- Avocado Slices: Creamy, rich fruit adds healthy fat. Use ripe ones.
- Jalapenos Slices: Spicy green rings for heat lovers. Remove seeds for less fire.
- Black Olives: Salty little rings add a unique flavor. Kids love to put them on fingers!
- Fresh Cilantro: Bright, leafy herb adds a fresh taste. Some people think it tastes like soap.
- Hot Sauce: Lets each person add their perfect heat level. Keep a few kinds out.
- Lime Juice: Squeezing fresh lime adds bright, acidic zing. One wedge per bowl works.
- Chopped Bell Peppers: Sweet crunch and pretty colors. Cut them very small.
Final Thoughts
Taco soup tastes even better when you serve it with the right sides and toppings.
I’ve shown you over 50 ideas, but you can mix and match to make your perfect meal.
Some days I want simple chips and cheese, while other times I make three or four sides for a big dinner.
The best part is how you can change things up each time you make taco soup!
What do you like to eat with your taco soup? Try some new ideas from this list next time!
Share your favorite combos in the comments and let me know which sides were a hit with your family.
