Cheesy Taco Soup Recipe
User Reviews
5
Cheesy Taco Soup Recipe
Description
Cheesy Taco Soup blends lean ground beef sautéed with onions and a blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. The addition of bell peppers, garlic, and flour thickens the soup slightly before kidney beans, black beans, green chilies, salsa, enchilada sauce, and chicken broth create a rich base simmered to meld flavors. Melted cream cheese and shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheeses add creaminess and mild heat.
The soup offers a combination of savory meat, spiced tomato base, creamy cheeses, and hearty beans, giving it a robust and smooth character. Garlic and red bell pepper contribute aromatic and sweet notes, while the chili spices provide warmth without overwhelming heat.
This soup serves well topped with fresh garnishes like diced avocado, cilantro, green onion, lime wedges, and sour cream, enhancing fresh, zesty contrast. It can be served as a main meal or hearty starter, with tortilla chips offering a crunchy accompaniment. The recipe can also be adapted to slow cooker use for hands-off cooking.
Leftover soup maintains well refrigerated for four days or can be frozen in portions for three months. Gradual reheating helps preserve texture, and toppings can be refreshed at serving for best results.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- 1 onion chopped, medium
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano dried
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 4 garlic minced, cloves
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney bean rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 (4-ounce) can green chilies mild, diced
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 (10-ounce) can mild enchilada sauce
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1-2 cups water
- 4 ounces cream cheese cubed and softened, reduced-fat
- 1 cup cheddar cheese freshly grated, sharp
- 1 cup pepper jack cheese freshly grated
Garnishes (optional)
- avocado sliced or diced
- cilantro chopped
- green onion chopped, or red onion
- lime cut into wedges
- sour cream or Mexican crema
- tomato diced
- tortilla chips
- cheese shredded, additional
Instructions
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the meat with the onions until fully cooked.
- Add all of the spices and seasonings, chopped bell pepper, and garlic, and stir well to combine.
- Sprinkle the flour over the ground beef mixture and stir to combine, then continue to cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, green chilies, salsa, enchilada sauce, chicken broth, and 1 cup of water (additional water may be added later to thin soup to desired consistency). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Over low heat, stir in the cubed, softened cream cheese until completely melted.
- Remove the soup from the heat, then stir in the cheddar and Pepper Jack cheeses until melted. Add additional water to thin the soup, if desired.
- Serve with any or all additional garnishes, although I almost never skip the diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, which add a great texture and flavor to the soup.
Notes
- For slow cooker use, brown meat and onions first, then cook all ingredients except cheeses on low or high before stirring in cream cheese and shredded cheeses at the end.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat gently on stovetop or microwave.
- Freeze soup in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating thoroughly.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 339 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 339kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Cholesterol | 93mg | 31% |
| Sodium | 1059mg | 44% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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