Cheesy Fiesta Taco Soup

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever get a hankering for something warm and comforting? This cheesy taco soup is the answer! It's packed with flavour. It's so easy to make. Honestly, it will become your next favourite.

Brief Overview

This Mexican soup recipe has Southwest roots. It's easy taco soup and ready in under an hour. This recipe makes about six servings. It's fab for a family dinner.

Main Benefits

This soup is a nutritional powerhouse. It is loaded with protein and fiber. It's perfect for a chilly evening. What makes this taco soup recipe so special is the cheesy goodness.

Why This Cheesy Taco Soup?

I remember making this cheesy taco soup for a friend who was feeling down. It totally cheered her up. It’s that kind of comfort food .

It's like a warm hug in a bowl. Seriously, you need this in your life.

This recipe is the definition of easy. It uses simple ingredients. It's quick to prep and cook. Plus, it's a one-pot taco soup , so less washing up!

This ground beef taco soup is perfect. The flavour combinations are incredible. The melted cheese creates a creamy texture.

Cheesy Goodness Awaits

Get ready to dive into the world of cheesy, taco-y goodness. You can easily adapt it. Use ground turkey or chicken.

You can also go veggie with lentils. And the cheese. Oh my gosh. Using both cream cheese taco soup and cheddar makes it heavenly.

Right then, let's talk tackle! To nail this cheesy taco soup recipe, you don't need to be Jamie Oliver. Just a few bits and bobs will do the trick.

Think of it as your culinary survival kit for a night of comfort food .

Ingredients & Equipment for Maximum Cheesy Goodness

Let's break it down, shall we?

Main Ingredients: The Fiesta Line-Up

We're talking the full monty here. Getting the right amounts sorted is crucial for achieving peak cheesy taco soup flavour.

• Ground Beef: 1 lb (450g) . Go for good quality. You know, the stuff that doesn't shrink to nothing when you cook it.
• Onion: 1 medium (about 1 cup/150g), chopped. Adds a bit of sweetness.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Essential for flavour.
• Taco Seasoning: 1 packet (1 oz/30g) . The magic dust.
• Black Beans: 1 (15 oz/425g) can , rinsed and drained. Adds texture and fibre, innit?
• Kidney Beans: 1 (15 oz/425g) can , rinsed and drained. More texture, more good stuff.
• Corn: 1 (15 oz/425g) can , drained. Sweetness and a bit of crunch.
• Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies (like Rotel): 1 (10 oz/280g) can , undrained. For a bit of a kick.
• Beef Broth: 4 cups (950ml) . You can use chicken or veg broth if you fancy, but beef gives it that proper ground beef taco soup taste.
• Cream Cheese: 8 oz (225g) , softened. Crucial for that creamy texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups (200g) , shredded. Plus extra for topping. Because, you know, cheese.

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

It's not just about the taco seasoning, you know? These little tweaks can elevate your easy taco soup to legendary status.

Essential spice combinations? Think a little cumin and chili powder even if the seasoning has it.

For flavour enhancers, consider a pinch of smoked paprika. Adds a lovely depth. Also, you can use Mexican oregano instead of standard.

If you are out of taco seasoning you can use chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

We are talking about one-pot taco soup remember.

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: This is where the magic happens.
• Wooden Spoon or Heat Resistant Spatula: For stirring. Obviously.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Because eyeballing it sometimes goes wrong.

Honestly, that's all you need. If you don't have a fancy Dutch oven, just a normal pot will do. The key is just to get stuck in and give this taco soup recipe a go! Plus, once you taste it, you’ll agree it's the best Mexican soup recipe ever.

Cheesy Fiesta Taco Soup: Your New Favourite

Right then, let's talk about cheesy taco soup . Honestly, this easy taco soup is about to become your new best mate.

It's proper comfort food , perfect for a chilly night when you just want something that tastes like a hug.

This taco soup recipe is a winner, trust me. Forget fussing about this is a one-pot taco soup dream come true! I can remember when I first tested it! Oh my gosh!.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, mise en place , yeah? Get all your ingredients chopped and measured. Seriously, it saves time later.

Chop your onion, mince the garlic. Open your cans of beans and corn. Soften that cream cheese! You know, stick it in the microwave for a few seconds.

Safety first folks!. Wash your hands before starting to cook.

Cheesy Taco Soup: step-by-step to Deliciousness

1. Brown the beef: In a big pot, brown 1 lb (450g) ground beef over medium heat. Drain that grease!
2. Sauté: Add chopped 1 medium yellow onion and 2 cloves minced garlic . Cook until soft, around 5 minutes.
3. Spice it up: Stir in 1 packet (1 oz/30g) taco seasoning . Add 1 (15 oz/425g) can black beans , 1 (15 oz/425g) can kidney beans , 1 (15 oz/425g) can corn , and 1 (10 oz/280g) can diced tomatoes .
4. Simmer, baby! Pour in 4 cups (950ml) beef broth . Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes .
5. Get cheesy: Reduce heat and stir in 8 oz (225g) softened cream cheese . Make sure it's smooth.
6. More cheese! Stir in 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese .

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Taco Soup

Want to make this ground beef taco soup even better? Toast the taco seasoning in the pot for a minute before adding the other ingredients.

It seriously boosts the flavour. Also, don't boil the soup after adding the cheese. It can curdle and that's just not good.

Another tip? Soften that cream cheese properly . Otherwise, you'll get little cheesy lumps. Nobody wants lumpy soup!

Honestly, this Mexican soup recipe is a game changer. Whether you call it cheddar cheese soup or cream cheese taco soup , you'll be obsessed.

Give it a go and let me know what you think! It's so good, it's almost illegal!

Recipe Notes for the Ultimate Cheesy Taco Soup

Right, before you dive headfirst into making this amazing cheesy taco soup , let's chew the fat about a few important bits and bobs.

Honestly, these little nuggets of wisdom will take your easy taco soup from good to "OMG, I need this recipe!"

Serving Suggestions: Plating like a Pro

Okay, so you've made this gorgeous one-pot taco soup . Don't just chuck it in a bowl! Presentation matters. Ladle that ground beef taco soup into a nice bowl, then think fancy! A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a cheeky handful of crushed tortilla chips really do the trick.

A few slices of avocado would also be divine.

And don't forget a beverage! A crisp Mexican beer or a simple limeade would be perfect with this Mexican soup recipe.

For sides, some cornbread or crusty bread for dipping is brilliant. A light salad would cut through the richness of this creamy cheddar cheese soup , too.

Storage Tips: Keeping the Party Going

Got leftovers? Winner! This cheesy taco soup is even better the next day.

• Refrigeration: Just let the soup cool completely, then bung it in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll keep for 3-4 days .

• Freezing: Fancy making a big batch for a rainy day? Cool it, then portion it into freezer safe containers. It will happily sit in the freezer for up to 3 months .

• Reheating: Reheat gently on the hob (that's stovetop for our American pals) or in the microwave. If it's been frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge first.

  Avoid boiling if you can it might split the cheese!

Variations: Tailor it to Your Taste

This taco soup recipe is super versatile. Here are a couple of tweaks you might like:

• Dietary Adaptation: Go vegetarian by swapping the ground beef for lentils or crumbled veggie burgers. Easy peasy!
• Seasonal Swaps: In the summer, fresh corn kernels would be lovely instead of canned. And a little fresh diced tomato topping? Yes, please. If you want a cream cheese taco soup this is your place!

Nutrition Basics: Food That's Good For Your Soul

Okay, I'm no nutritionist, but here's the lowdown on the nutrition stuff. This comfort food is packed with protein from the beef and beans.

It also has plenty of fibre to keep your gut happy! All the cheese and veggies will give you a good dose of vitamins, too.

Each serving should sit around 450-550 calories, so it’s fine to enjoy in moderation!. I'm not sure if that checks out, so you might want to look at a reliable website, but basically, the bottom line is that it is packed with goodness.

Honestly, this cheesy taco soup is a winner. It’s easy to make, tastes fantastic, and you can tweak it to your liking.

So get in the kitchen and give it a whirl! I reckon you will have so much fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make cheesy taco soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Absolutely! For a slow cooker, brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic as directed. Then, add all ingredients (except the cream cheese and cheddar) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cheeses during the last 30 minutes until melted.

For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown the meat and then add the remaining ingredients (except the cheeses). Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Stir in the cheeses until melted after opening the lid.

How do I store leftover cheesy taco soup? Will it still be good the next day?

Leftover cheesy taco soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavours actually meld together even more overnight, so it's often even better the next day!

When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and ensure the cheese stays creamy. You can also reheat it in the microwave, using short intervals and stirring in between.

What are some good toppings for cheesy taco soup to make it extra special?

Think of your cheesy taco soup as a blank canvas for flavour! Classic toppings like sour cream, chopped cilantro, and diced avocado are always winners. For a bit of crunch, add crushed tortilla chips or crumbled Doritos like a little Tex-Mex party in your mouth!

Sliced green onions, a dollop of salsa, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce can also kick things up a notch.

Can I make this cheesy taco soup vegetarian or vegan? What substitutions can I use?

Yes, indeed! For a vegetarian version, simply substitute the ground beef with lentils, crumbled vegetarian "beef," or even black beans. To make it vegan, swap out the ground beef as suggested, and use vegan cream cheese and cheddar cheese alternatives.

You can also use full fat coconut milk for extra creaminess, but add it at the end and don't boil the soup afterwards, or it might split. Ensure your taco seasoning is vegan friendly, as some may contain animal products.

My cheesy taco soup turned out too thick. How can I thin it out?

No worries, that's an easy fix! Simply add a little extra beef broth (or chicken or vegetable broth, depending on your preference) to the soup while it's simmering. Start with about 1/2 cup at a time, stirring well and letting it heat through before adding more.

You can also add a splash of milk or half and-half for extra creaminess if you prefer.

I'm watching my calories. How can I make this cheesy taco soup healthier?

You can lighten up this cheesy taco soup without sacrificing flavour! Use lean ground beef or ground turkey, and opt for reduced fat cream cheese and cheddar cheese. Load up on the veggies, and consider using more beans and corn for added fiber and nutrients.

When serving, go easy on the sour cream and tortilla chips, or swap them for Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of baked tortilla strips.