If you’re searching for a cozy, flavor-packed meal that’s guaranteed to bring smiles to the table, look no further than Cheesy Taco Soup. This soup captures everything we love about tacos — bold spices, creamy cheese, and hearty beef — in an ultra-comforting, one-pot dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Every spoonful is bursting with creamy, cheesy goodness, pops of sweet corn, and the lively heat of taco seasoning, making it a new family favorite to add to your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the things I love about this recipe is how the ingredient list strikes the perfect balance between simple and sensational. Each item brings its own personality to the party, contributing to the soup’s craveable flavor, creamy texture, and colorful appearance.
- Ground Beef: The savory backbone of the soup, adding heartiness and rich, meaty flavor.
- Onion: Diced small for a sweet, aromatic base that melds seamlessly into every bite.
- Garlic: Minced fresh for a punch of robust flavor that elevates the whole dish.
- Black Beans: Drained and rinsed, these add protein, fiber, and satisfying texture.
- Corn: Sweet kernels provide pops of color and a little natural sweetness.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Delivers juicy tanginess with a little kick; you can pick mild or spicy depending on your preference.
- Cream Cheese: Softened to effortlessly melt into the soup and create irresistible creaminess.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into every spoonful, giving the soup its namesake cheesy finish.
- Taco Seasoning: Brings all the classic taco spices you crave; a packet makes it easy!
- Beef Broth: Adds depth and keeps the soup perfectly sippable—not too thick, not too thin.
- Salt & Pepper: For seasoning to taste at the very end.
- Optional Toppings: Sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and crushed tortilla chips let everyone customize their own bowl.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. This step is key to building flavor at the very base of your Cheesy Taco Soup, so don’t rush it! Once browned, be sure to drain off any excess grease to keep your soup from feeling heavy.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic with the beef in the pot. Sauté for about three minutes just until the onions turn translucent and everything smells amazing. The aromatics offer the building blocks of flavor, infusing the beef with a gentle sweetness and rich undertones.
Step 3: Add Taco Seasoning
Sprinkle in your taco seasoning and let it toast for about one minute with the beef and onions. This activates all those smoky, spicy notes and truly transforms the whole pot into something special. You’ll notice the kitchen starts to smell like taco night (in the best way)!
Step 4: Add Beans, Veggies, and Broth
Pour in the drained black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and beef broth. Give everything a big stir to combine, making sure the beans and corn are distributed evenly throughout. This is when your soup starts looking colorful and inviting, loaded with texture and hearty goodness. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes so all the flavors can mingle.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheeses
Lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese, stirring until it melts completely into the soup. Follow with the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing gently until your Cheesy Taco Soup is lusciously smooth and creamy. The cheeses pull everything together into a rich and velvety texture that’s simply irresistible.
Step 6: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Give your soup a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Simmer for five more minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure nothing sticks. Then get ready to ladle up the ultimate comforting meal—topped with all your favorite fixings!
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Soup
Garnishes
Cheesy Taco Soup is all about fun, so don’t hesitate to go wild with toppings. Sour cream adds a cooling creaminess, fresh cilantro brings brightness, diced avocado gives a buttery finish, and crushed tortilla chips offer irresistible crunch. Let everyone at the table build their dream bowl!
Side Dishes
Although the soup is hearty enough to shine on its own, it pairs wonderfully with warm cornbread, cheese quesadillas, or even a simple green salad for freshness. If you’re planning a festive spread, consider serving it as the star of a taco-themed dinner night.
Creative Ways to Present
Try ladling the soup into bread bowls for an edible, rustic twist. For parties, serve Cheesy Taco Soup in small mugs or shooters as an appetizer. Or, put out a toppings bar and let guests build their own creations—kids and adults alike will love it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Cheesy Taco Soup, let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days, and the flavors only get better as they meld together overnight.
Freezing
To freeze, portion cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, leaving a little space for expansion. Label and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm individual portions on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring gently to bring back that creamy smoothness. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of beef broth or milk until it’s just right. You can also microwave single servings, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
Can I make Cheesy Taco Soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic as directed, then transfer everything except the cheeses to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–6 hours. Stir in the cream cheese and cheddar about 30 minutes before serving until melted and creamy.
What other meats can I use in this soup?
Ground turkey or ground chicken are fantastic alternatives to beef if you want a lighter option. You could even use shredded rotisserie chicken for speed—just add it in with the beans, corn, and broth.
How can I make this soup spicier?
If you love spicy flavors, try adding a diced jalapeño with the onions, or pick hot diced tomatoes with green chilies. You can also sprinkle in a little cayenne or serve with hot sauce on the side.
Can I make Cheesy Taco Soup vegetarian?
Yes, just skip the ground beef and use a meat substitute or extra beans. Swap the beef broth for vegetable broth, and you’ve got a delicious vegetarian version that still packs plenty of cheesy, taco-inspired flavor.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese for this recipe?
Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using, or microwave it (out of the foil) in 10-second bursts until soft enough to stir smoothly into the soup.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about a warm bowl of Cheesy Taco Soup brimming with zesty flavors and topped just the way you like it. Give it a try and discover why this creamy, comforting soup earns rave reviews every time. I can’t wait for you to taste how easy and delicious homemade can be!
Print
Cheesy Taco Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Taco Soup is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal that combines the bold flavors of tacos with the creamy richness of cheddar and cream cheese. Perfect for a cozy night in or to feed a crowd, this gluten-free soup is easy to make and customizable with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced avocado
- Crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Season and Add Ingredients: Stir in taco seasoning, then add beans, corn, tomatoes, and broth. Simmer.
- Add Cheese: Stir in cream cheese until melted, then add cheddar cheese. Simmer until smooth.
- Adjust and Serve: Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with toppings.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add jalapeño or use hot diced tomatoes.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
