Cheesy Taco Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for busy nights or when you need something filling. Made with ground beef, beans, corn, and a rich blend of spices, it’s topped off with shredded cheddar cheese for that extra cheesy goodness. The creamy base and warm, flavorful ingredients make this soup a crowd-pleaser.
This dish is easy to prepare and offers a balance of protein, fiber, and delicious flavor. It’s a great way to enjoy the familiar taste of tacos in a cozy, soup form. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or as a party appetizer, Cheesy Taco Soup always satisfies cravings for something savory and cheesy.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Taco Soup
- Quick and Easy Preparation: Cheesy Taco Soup is simple to make, with minimal prep time. You can enjoy a delicious, homemade meal in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Rich and Flavorful Taste: The combination of taco seasoning, beans, and cheese creates a mouthwatering, comforting soup. The cheesy texture and savory spices deliver a satisfying flavor in every spoonful.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein, fiber, and veggies, this soup is both healthy and filling. The beans and ground beef offer a good source of nutrition, making it a well-rounded meal for your family.
- Customizable for Everyone: This soup is versatile and can be tailored to fit your taste. You can add extra toppings like jalapeños, cilantro, or even swap out ingredients to make it your own, ensuring everyone loves it.
Ingredient Notes for Cheesy Taco Soup
- Ground Beef: A classic protein choice that adds richness and flavor. You can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Onion: Adds a savory base to the soup. Use yellow or white onions for a mild sweetness.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a burst of flavor that complements the spices in the taco seasoning.
- Bell Pepper: Adds color and crunch to the soup. You can use any color bell pepper, but red peppers offer a sweeter taste.
- Taco Seasoning: A key ingredient that gives the soup its signature bold, spicy flavor. Choose a mild or hot version depending on your spice preference.
- Black Beans: Packed with protein and fiber, these beans add heartiness to the soup while balancing the spice.
- Kidney Beans: These beans are soft and absorb flavors well, adding a nice texture and extra protein.
- Corn: Sweet corn kernels add a burst of sweetness and texture, pairing well with the other ingredients.
- Diced Tomatoes: These tomatoes create a flavorful broth base, adding acidity and richness to the soup.
- Diced Green Chilies: These provide a mild heat and a zesty kick, perfect for those who enjoy a little spice.
- Beef or Chicken Broth: The base of the soup, adding depth and richness. You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The finishing touch for a creamy and cheesy texture. It melts beautifully, creating a comforting, gooey finish.
- Sour Cream: Adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the spicy soup, making it even more satisfying.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste. These basic seasonings enhance all the other flavors in the soup.
- Tortilla Chips: Crumbled on top, they add a crispy, salty crunch that complements the creamy and soft elements of the soup.
Cheesy Taco Soup Variation
While the classic cheesy taco soup recipe is delicious, there are several variations to explore. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
- Spicy Taco Soup: For those who like a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to your soup. This will give it an extra kick.
- Vegetarian Taco Soup: Skip the meat and use extra beans, such as pinto or kidney beans, for a hearty vegetarian version. You can also add extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots.
- Creamy Taco Soup: For a richer soup, add more sour cream or a block of cream cheese along with the cheddar cheese. This will make the soup even creamier.
- Chicken Taco Soup: Swap out the ground beef or turkey for cooked, shredded chicken for a lighter version of the soup.
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Soup
Cheesy taco soup is versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas to make it even more enjoyable:
- With Tortilla Chips: Serve the soup with a side of crispy tortilla chips for added texture and crunch.
- Topped with Avocado: Sliced avocado or guacamole adds a creamy element to the soup and balances out the spice.
- With a Side Salad: Pair the soup with a simple green salad or Mexican-style coleslaw for a complete meal.
- With Fresh Lime: A squeeze of lime over the soup enhances the flavors and adds a refreshing twist.
- As a Dip: For a fun twist, use the cheesy taco soup as a dip for chips or veggies at your next gathering.
Storage Options
Cheesy taco soup stores well and can be enjoyed as leftovers. Here’s how to store it properly:
- Refrigeration: After your soup has cooled down, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, cheesy taco soup freezes well. To freeze, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Reheating: When reheating, add a little bit of water or broth to thin the soup if needed, as it may thicken when stored.
FAQs About Cheesy Taco Soup
Can I make Cheesy Taco Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily make Cheesy Taco Soup in a slow cooker. Just add all the ingredients and let it cook on low for 4-6 hours until the flavors meld together.
What toppings go well with Cheesy Taco Soup?
Popular toppings for Cheesy Taco Soup include sour cream, shredded cheese, jalapeños, and cilantro. You can also add tortilla chips for a crunchy texture.
Can I make Cheesy Taco Soup ahead of time?
Yes, Cheesy Taco Soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to serve.
How do I make Cheesy Taco Soup vegetarian?
To make Cheesy Taco Soup vegetarian, simply swap the meat for beans or plant-based protein. You can still use the taco seasoning and add plenty of cheese for flavor.
Easy Cheesy Taco Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
- Stirring Spoon
- Can Opener
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Grater
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or chicken (your choice)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning mix)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional for extra spice)
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (more for topping)
- 1 cup sour cream (for serving)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Once cooked, drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the Veggies: Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pot. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Season the Meat: Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir to coat the meat and veggies evenly. Let it cook for another minute to release the flavors.
- Add the Canned Ingredients: Pour in the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with juice), and green chilies (if using). Stir to combine everything.
- Pour in the Broth: Add the chicken or beef broth to the pot and stir well. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
- Add the Cheese: Once the soup is simmering, slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it’s completely melted and the soup becomes creamy.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, top with a dollop of sour cream, a handful of tortilla chips, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro (if desired).
