When I decide what to serve with taco soup, I first figure out who all will be at the table. If it’s just my husband and me, I typically keep it simple.
However, when we have company, I like to choose a couple of sides that I know they’ll enjoy. In other words, it needs to be even more special.
My husband and I both like anything. Well, mostly anything. He’s not much of a veggie lover, but he’ll eat them if he knows there’s something good to go with it.
Some people only cook soup during the winter months, but I like it year-round. My opinion is that if I like it in January, I’ll like it just as much in July. Any kind of Tex Mex or Mexican food is right up at the top of my favorite foods list.
Taco soup is an easy dinner option that is perfect for taco night or any time you want a quick dinner. Add a simple side dish … or two or three. This is the perfect way to keep your family happy, healthy, and well fed.
It’s also a wonderful adult birthday party food. You’ll love the festive flavors that bring any party to life!
23 Delicious Sides for Taco Soup
There is an infinite amount of food you can serve with taco soup. I’ve tried quite a few different things that are mostly based on the mood I’m in when I make it.
I make Instant Pot taco soup, but before I got that amazing appliance that uses high pressure to cook quickly, I cooked it on the stove top in a big soup pot or my Dutch oven.
Another way to cook it is in the slow cooker. If you have time in the morning to toss all the ingredients into the Crock Pot, dinner will be ready when you are. Slow cooker taco soup is perfect when you’re busy during the day but want supper as soon as you get home.
My opinion is that the best way to make it is whatever way you prefer. All versions of this soup are delicious and pretty much taste the same. It’s such an easy recipe that’s also flexible.
There’s nothing better than a hot bowl of soup at the end of a long day. And this is one of our favorites.
This is such a hearty soup, you don’t have to go crazy with sides or toppings. But you can if you want.
Although I’ve listed a bunch of my favorites below, if there’s something else that sounds good, add it. It’s your meal, so you can do whatever you like.
Once you try some of the foods below, you’ll see that they’re all easy recipes with powerful impact. And no one has to know that you didn’t spend all day in the kitchen.
I offer a printable recipe card at the bottom of all of my recipe posts.
1. Chips and Homemade Salsa
Probably the most common—and logical—thing to serve with taco soup is chips with salsa. I love all salsa, but my absolute favorite is this delicious homemade salsa that I make exactly the way we like it.
Every single time I make it, I alter it just a little bit, according to our mood. But I follow the same basic recipe with just a few tweaks of the amount of each ingredient.
When I bring this salsa to get-togethers and potlucks, people ask for the recipe. It’s really good and super easy to make.
2. Taco Dip Deluxe
Another logical side for taco soup is this delicious taco dip deluxe.
It’s basically several layers of yummy goodness.
3. Guacamole
Guacamole is such an easy side or topping to make. As long as you have a ripe avocado and a stabilizer, you’re good to go.
I make this guacamole when I want a blend of flavors, and everyone who tries it has said it’s delicious! You’ll love it with any kind of tortilla chips
4. Jalapeno Corn Muffins
Anything made with cornmeal seems to complement taco soup, and these delicious muffins are no exception.
I enjoy the tasty bits of jalapeño mixed into the batter. And since they’re baked in a muffin tin, you have that delicious crispy outer layer and yummy cornbread flavor inside.
5. 3-Layer Mexican Dip
Sometimes a very simple recipe is all you need to elevate the meal to the next level of deliciousness! And this is a great way to accomplish just that.
You can make this yummy dip in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s so good!
6. Cloud Bread
Cloud bread is made without flour, so it’s naturally gluten-free. If you like something light to go with your soup, this is the best thing I know to serve with it.
Something else I love about cloud bread is that it freezes well. So you can make it in advance and toast it when you’re ready.
7. Waffle Fries
Waffle fries make an excellent side dish for almost any meal. You can serve them on the side or put them in the bottom of the bowl before adding the soup.
I actually like them on the side with some of my favorite taco toppings. So yummy!
8. Creamy Coleslaw
In my opinion, coleslaw is one of the best side dishes for any meal. Winter, spring, summer, and fall are the perfect seasons for this yummy salad.
I’m a big fan of eating it with soup because it’s a great balance with the crunch, and it tastes wonderful.
9. Broccoli Slaw
Did you know that broccoli is a superfood? It’s also super delicious in this recipe.
I love the fact that it adds color as well as nutrition to the meal. So it’s a great side to serve with taco soup!
10. BLT Salad
Traditionalists will love this BLT salad. It’s a great way to start any meal.
Or you can offer it along with the soup if you like.
11. Crispy Zucchini Parmesan Chips
Offer some zucchini parmesan chips for a unexpected pop of deliciousness.
Even non-veggie lovers will want to chow down on these.
12. Bacon Wrapped Jalapeños
Spicy food lovers will devour these bacon wrapped jalapeños, and there’s a good reason. They’re, quite simply, delicious!
Offer these as an appetizer or serve them with the soup.
13. Oven Fried Plantain Chips
If you’ve never cooked with plantains, it’s time to start. They’re a delicious treat that is versatile and goes with a lot of dishes.
Next time you’re at the grocery store, pick up a plantain and try it. Once you discover how delicious they are, you’ll be hooked!
14. Spicy Hot Fire Crackers
Do you like endless spice with your meals?
If you like spice, spice, and more spice, add these spicy hot fire crackers to your menu.
15. Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadilla
This delicious side dish or appetizer from Julia’s Simply Southern pairs extremely well with taco soup.
Serve it either before or during the meal for a wonderful flavor sensation that’s reminiscent of something you’d get at your favorite restaurant or pub.
16. Creamy Cool Fruit Salad
Whether you serve this creamy cool fruit salad as a salad or save it for dessert, it’s something the whole family will enjoy.
The blend of fruit and other goodies makes this a family favorite at our house. And it’s always a hit at potlucks!
17. Mint Chocolate Brownies
A mint chocolate brownie is a great option after eating a hearty meal of taco soup and whatever sides you choose to add.
And no one has to know how easy they are to make!
18. 3-Ingredient Lemon Bars
After an enjoyable meal of flavorful taco soup, serve some lemon bars to everyone at the table.
With only 3 ingredients, they’re super simple but oh-so delicious!
19. Brownie Waffles with Ice Cream
If you like brownies, you’ll love these brownie waffles. Serve them with ice cream topped with chocolate or caramel syrup and some whipped cream.
20. Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
Everyone, including the kids will love this delicious dessert after enjoying a bowl of taco soup. I mean, who doesn’t like rice Krispie treats?
Add chocolate and peanut butter to the mix, and you have a real winner. Don’t be surprised if everyone asks for them again … and again!
21. Cheesecake with Homemade Strawberry Topping
Any cheesecake is even more delicious with this homemade strawberry topping.
The great thing about this is that it’s easy to make and has a huge flavor payoff.
22. Pineapple Dump Cake
With only a few ingredients and some super easy steps, this pineapple dump cake is likely to become everyone’s favorite dessert.
I like anything with pineapple in it, so it’s only natural that I make this dessert often. In fact, I can’t get enough of it.
23. Ridiculously Easy Rice Pudding
There’s nothing like the creamy flavor and texture of rice pudding after a spicy meal.
As the name states, this is ridiculously easy to make. Serve it with some whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon on top for a flavorful dessert the family will love!
24. Southern Style Cornbread
This southern style cornbread goes with absolutely everything! It’s perfect on the side with a pat or two of butter. And it’s even better when dunked into your soup!
25. Peach Fluff Dessert Salad
When I first had this delicious dish, it was simply called peachy fruit salad, which is fine. And you can serve it as a salad. However, it’s sweet, so I like it as a dessert after a spicy meal. It’s cool, refreshing, and absolutely yummy!
26. Potato Skins
These potato skins from Julia’s Simply Southern are a great side to serve with any soup. We like them fully loaded with cheese, sour cream, bacon, and salsa. You can add anything that sounds good to you!
27. Homemade Corn Tortilla Chips
After you make these, you might never purchased packaged chips again! They’re that good! And you’ll love the fact that they’re super easy to make! The flavor is unbeatable when they’re fresh, so give it a try and see for yourself!
More Ideas for Taco Soup
If you want to make your taco soup even better, offer some add-ons so people can doctor their soup the way they like it.
Here are some more ideas of what to serve with taco soup:
- Black beans – My taco soup recipe has black beans in it, but some people might want even more.
- Pinto beans – Pinto beans add a lot of flavor and nutrition to everything they’re in.
- Chopped bell peppers – These peppers can help cool things down for anyone who prefers something less spicy.
- Green onions – Chop some green onions or leave them whole.
- Red onion – Red onion has a slightly different flavor, so it’s good to offer as an option.
- Black olives – Almost anything is better when you add a handful of sliced black olives.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – This is the perfect topping for taco soup, in my opinion.
- Tortilla strips – You can either buy them in a bag or make them yourself.
- Other types of corn chips – As I already mentioned, anything made with cornmeal is delicious with taco soup.
- Sour cream – I like to add a dollop of sour cream to my taco soup. It provides a creamy balance for the spicy dish.
- Avocado slices – Add flavor, color, texture, and nutrition to your next bowl of soup.
With the right sides and toppings, this is healthy eating at its finest.