Cheesy Taco Soup is a flavorful, creamy soup that combines taco seasoning, ground meat (beef or turkey), beans, tomatoes, and cheese. It’s like having tacos in a bowl but with all the goodness of a soup. The creamy texture comes from heavy cream and melted cheddar cheese, making it rich and satisfying. Perfect for chilly nights or when you crave comfort food, this dish packs a punch of flavor in every spoonful.
Making Cheesy Taco Soup is quick and easy. It takes about 10-15 minutes to prep the ingredients and 20-25 minutes to cook. This makes it an ideal dish for busy evenings when you want something flavorful without spending too much time in the kitchen. With just under an hour, you’ll have a warm, cheesy meal ready to enjoy.
This recipe is perfect for busy families or anyone looking for a fast and tasty meal. The blend of taco seasoning and creamy ingredients makes it a standout comfort food. Adding in cheese enhances the flavor and gives the soup a rich texture that’s hard to beat. Whether served with chips, sour cream, or more cheese, this soup is always a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Taco Soup
- Quick and Easy to Make: This cheesy taco soup comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Just toss everything in, and you’re ready to enjoy!
- Packed with Flavor: With a blend of taco seasoning, cheese, and savory ingredients, this soup delivers a burst of flavor in every spoonful. It’s the comfort food you crave, but with a cheesy twist that everyone will love.
- Perfect for Customization: You can easily make this soup your own by adding your favorite toppings. Whether it’s sour cream, jalapeños, or cilantro, this cheesy taco soup is versatile and ready for your personal touch.
Ingredient Notes for a Cheesy Taco Soup
- Ground Beef or Ground Turkey: Choose between ground beef or turkey for your protein. Both add a hearty base, but turkey is leaner.
- Onion: Adds flavor and depth to the soup. Dice it finely to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Bell Pepper: Use red, yellow, or green bell pepper for color and sweetness. Chop into small pieces for texture.
- Garlic: Mince garlic to bring out its rich, savory flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Taco Seasoning: The star of your soup! It gives that classic taco flavor with a blend of spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika.
- Tomatoes: Use diced tomatoes for a juicy, tangy base that blends perfectly with the taco seasoning.
- Black Beans: These add protein, fiber, and a satisfying texture to the soup.
- Corn Kernels: Sweet corn balances the savory flavors and adds a pop of color.
- Green Chilies: For a mild heat, green chilies add flavor without overwhelming the dish.
- Tomato Sauce: This helps thicken the soup and adds a rich tomato flavor.
- Beef Broth or Chicken Broth: Choose beef or chicken broth to create a savory, flavorful soup base.
- Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess and richness to make the soup velvety smooth.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar for extra cheesy goodness, melting beautifully into the soup.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste. A pinch of salt and a dash of pepper can elevate the entire dish.
Cheesy Taco Soup Variation
If you’re looking for some variety, there are many ways to customize cheesy taco soup to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Spicy Taco Soup: Add more heat by incorporating jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or hot sauce. This will give your soup a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
- Vegetarian Taco Soup: For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and substitute with extra beans like black beans, pinto beans, or more corn. You can also add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for more flavor.
- Low-Carb Option: To make a low-carb cheesy taco soup, swap the beans for cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage. This will give you a similar texture without the carbs.
- Slow Cooker Cheesy Taco Soup: To make this recipe in a slow cooker, brown the meat in a skillet and then add all the ingredients (except for the cheese and cream) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the cream and cheese in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Soup
Serving cheesy taco soup is easy and customizable. Here are some ideas to make it even more delicious:
- Toppings: Top your soup with sour cream, chopped cilantro, crushed tortilla chips, or a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese for added texture and flavor.
- Side Dishes: Serve the soup with a side of warm, soft tortillas, cornbread, or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
- Family-Friendly: For a family-style meal, place a variety of toppings on the table so everyone can customize their soup to their liking.
- With Rice: For a heartier meal, serve the soup over a bed of rice, either white or brown, to add bulk and extra flavor.
Storage Options
Cheesy taco soup is great for making ahead and storing for later. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerating: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth or cream if it thickens too much.
- Freezing: You can freeze cheesy taco soup for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stove.
- Reheating: When reheating, you might need to add a bit of liquid, like broth or water, as the soup may thicken during storage.
FAQs About Cheesy Taco Soup
How long does cheesy taco soup take to make?
This soup typically takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick meal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something comforting.
Can I make cheesy taco soup ahead of time?
Yes, cheesy taco soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave for a quick meal.
Can I freeze cheesy taco soup?
Absolutely! Cheesy taco soup freezes well for up to three months. Just store it in an airtight container, and thaw it when you’re ready to enjoy it.
What toppings go well with cheesy taco soup?
Popular toppings include sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and tortilla chips. Add your favorite toppings to enhance the flavor and texture of the soup.
Easy Cheesy Taco Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown the meat: In your large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned. Break the meat up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
- Add veggies: Stir in the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes until the veggies start to soften.
- Season it: Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, and stir to coat the meat and vegetables. This step adds the key taco flavor to the soup.
- Add liquids: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice), black beans, corn, green chilies, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine. Bring the soup to a simmer.
- Simmer: Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
- Add the cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the soup has thickened slightly.
- Season to taste: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed.
