This cheesy ground beef taco soup is the ultimate comfort food! With ground beef, beans, and lots of melted cheese, it’s hearty and full of flavor!
It’s so easy to make and always a hit with everyone! I love topping mine with some crunchy tortilla chips for that perfect mix of soft and crunchy. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: A staple in this soup, ground beef gives it a rich flavor and hearty texture. For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken. If you’re looking for a meat-free option, try using lentils or textured vegetable protein.
Beans: Black beans add protein and creaminess. If you don’t have black beans, kidney beans or pinto beans work well too! For a different texture, chickpeas could be used instead.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese is key to the creaminess and flavor of the soup. You can swap it for Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack if you want more spice. Vegan cheese is a great option for a dairy-free version.
Sour Cream: This adds a nice tangy finish. If you’re avoiding dairy, you can use Greek yogurt or a plant-based yogurt instead.
How Do I Make Sure My Soup is Full of Flavor?
Building flavor in your soup starts with cooking the ingredients properly. Sautéing the onion and garlic with the ground beef helps develop a nice base.
- Cook the beef until browned, then drain the fat for a cleaner soup.
- Don’t rush cooking the onions—let them soften for a few minutes before adding the garlic to avoid burning.
- Make sure to stir in the taco seasoning thoroughly for an even distribution of flavor.
- Simmering the soup for at least 20 minutes allows the spices to blend beautifully! Don’t skip this step!
Using these tips will elevate your soup to the next level, creating a delicious and comforting meal everyone will love!
Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for garnish)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (plus more for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Tortilla chips (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cheesy ground beef taco soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook, making a total of around 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned all the way through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat—it keeps the soup from being too greasy!
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook them together for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent, and the kitchen smells amazing!
3. Mix in Taco Seasoning:
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir it well to coat the beef and onions. This will enhance all the flavors in your soup!
4. Add Remaining Ingredients:
Now it’s time to load up the pot! Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (both kinds), and beef broth. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients.
5. Let It Simmer:
Bring your soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows all those fantastic flavors to blend together beautifully.
6. Stir in the Cheese:
Lower the heat to medium-low and gently stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until it melts and mixes well with the soup, creating that creamy texture.
7. Season and Taste:
Now it’s time for a taste test! Add salt and pepper as needed to really bring out the flavors. Adjust according to your preference.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
It’s time to enjoy your delicious taco soup! Serve it hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of extra cheese, and some fresh cilantro. If you like a bit of crunch, add some tortilla chips on the side or right into your bowl!
This cheesy ground beef taco soup is rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for sharing with friends and family—enjoy every spoonful!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic substitute that will still give you great flavor while being lower in fat. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly until it’s no longer pink.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months; just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Make This Soup Spicier?
Definitely! You can add some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce when cooking. If you prefer, try using spicy taco seasoning instead of the regular one to amp up the heat.
What Should I Serve with This Soup?
This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own! However, you can enhance the experience with sides like cornbread, a fresh salad, or extra tortilla chips for dipping. Enjoy!
