Cheesy Taco Soup

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🧀🌮 Cheesy Taco Soup

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25–30 minutes

Total Time: 35–40 minutes

A rich, Tex-Mex inspired soup loaded with beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, taco spices, and melted cheese!

đź›’ Ingredients

Meat & Veggies

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or turkey)

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings

  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)

  • 1 tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)

  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)

Soup Base

  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)

  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed & drained

  • 1 cup corn kernels (frozen, canned, or fresh)

  • 3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)

  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

Creamy & Cheesy

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed

  • 1 to 1½ cups shredded cheddar, Mexican blend, or Colby Jack

Optional Add-Ins

  • ½ cup cooked rice

  • ½ cup salsa

  • A splash of hot sauce

  • ½ cup heavy cream (extra rich and creamy)

Toppings (optional but amazing!)

  • Sour cream

  • Diced avocado

  • Cilantro

  • Crushed tortilla chips

  • Shredded cheese

  • Jalapeños

  • Lime wedges

🍲 Instructions

1. Brown the Meat

In a large pot or Dutch oven:

  • Cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.

  • Drain excess fat if needed.

Add:

  • Diced onion

  • Garlic
    Cook 2–3 minutes until softened.

2. Add Seasonings

Stir in:

  • Taco seasoning

  • Chili powder

  • Paprika

Toast spices for 30 seconds to enhance flavor.

3. Build the Soup

Add to the pot:

  • Rotel

  • Black beans

  • Corn

  • Beef broth

  • Tomato sauce

Stir well and bring to a simmer.

Simmer 10–12 minutes to blend flavors.

4. Make It Cheesy & Creamy

Reduce heat to low.

Add:

  • Cream cheese cubes

  • Shredded cheese

Stir until fully melted and smooth (3–5 minutes).
Avoid boiling after adding cheese so it stays creamy.

5. Adjust & Finish

Taste and adjust salt, spice, or broth thickness.
Add heavy cream if you want it extra rich.

6. Serve

Ladle into bowls and top with:

  • Tortilla chips

  • Cheese

  • Sour cream

  • Avocado

  • Cilantro

  • Jalapeños

  • Lime juice

🔄 Variations

Chicken Cheesy Taco Soup

Swap beef for shredded rotisserie chicken; add at the end.

Low-Carb Version

Skip beans & corn, add sautéed zucchini or cauliflower.

Vegetarian Version

Use plant-based meat or add extra beans + veggie broth.

Slow Cooker Method

  1. Brown beef with onion & garlic.

  2. Add everything except cheeses to slow cooker.

  3. Cook on LOW 6–7 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours.

  4. Stir in cream cheese & shredded cheese 15 min before serving.

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