Amazing Cheesy Taco Soup

Why You’ll Love Amazing Cheesy Taco Soup Recipe

This cheesy taco soup combines the bold flavors of tacos with the comfort of a creamy, cheesy soup — all in one pot. It’s quick to make, filling, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for something satisfying to prep ahead, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes

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

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

• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained

• 1 packet taco seasoning

• 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed and softened

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 cups beef broth

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional toppings: sour cream, tortilla chips, green onions, jalapeños

Directions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.

2. Add diced onion and garlic, and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.

3. Stir in diced tomatoes, Rotel, black beans, corn, taco seasoning, and beef broth. Mix thoroughly.

4. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

5. Add cream cheese and stir until fully melted and incorporated into the soup.

6. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until the soup is creamy and smooth.

7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Serve hot, topped with sour cream, tortilla chips, green onions, or jalapeños as desired.

Servings and timing

Yield: 6 servings
Serving size: 1.5 cups
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Swap the meat: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.

• Add heat: Use hot Rotel, chopped jalapeños, or a dash of cayenne pepper to increase the spice level.

• Vegetarian option: Omit the meat and add an extra can of beans or some diced bell peppers.

• Thicker soup: Reduce broth slightly or add extra cheese for a thicker consistency.

• Extra creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or top with avocado slices for added richness.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, warm gently over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until hot. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

This soup also freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, this soup is perfect for meal prep. It keeps well in the fridge and the flavors get even better the next day.

Is this soup spicy?

It has a mild to medium heat, depending on the Rotel and taco seasoning used. You can adjust the spice level to your preference.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but shredding your own cheese from a block will give a smoother melt and creamier texture.

What type of cream cheese should I use?

Full-fat cream cheese works best for richness, but you can use light cream cheese if preferred.

How can I make it lower in fat?

Use ground turkey, light cream cheese, and reduce the amount of shredded cheese slightly.

What are the best toppings?

Sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, diced green onions, chopped cilantro, jalapeños, or avocado all pair well with this soup.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Brown the meat and sauté onions and garlic first, then transfer all ingredients (except cheeses) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–6 hours, then stir in cream cheese and shredded cheese before serving.

How do I thicken the soup?

Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, or stir in more cheese. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water if desired.

Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?

Yes, though beef broth adds deeper flavor. Chicken broth works fine in a pinch.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely. You can use mild taco seasoning and Rotel to keep it flavorful but not too spicy for kids.

Conclusion

Amazing Cheesy Taco Soup is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Creamy, savory, and packed with Tex-Mex flavor, it’s a one-pot meal that everyone will crave again and again. With plenty of topping options and easy customizations, it’s a delicious way to warm up and fill up, any time of year.