If you’ve been hunting for a cozy, flavor-packed dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, look no further than this Cheesy Taco Soup Recipe. It’s the ultimate weeknight winner with its blend of hearty ground turkey, vibrant beans, and that luscious melted cheesy goodness that takes every spoonful to the next level. Whether you’re new to making soups or a seasoned kitchen pro, this recipe delivers a melty, spicy, and comforting experience that’s perfect for sharing with family or friends. Get ready to dive into bowlfuls of pure, cheesy taco soup bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Cheesy Taco Soup Recipe is as straightforward as it is rewarding. Each item plays a vital role—from the savory spiced ground turkey to the creamy Velveeta that brings everything together—with textures and colors that make the soup exciting and vibrant.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps brown the turkey to perfection.
- Ground turkey: A lean, hearty protein base that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- Kosher salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste without overpowering.
- Garlic powder: Brings that comforting, aromatic depth with minimal effort.
- Chili powder: Infuses a warm kick and classic taco flavor into the soup.
- Cumin: Adds a smoky, earthy note that complements the chili powder perfectly.
- Reduced-sodium chicken broth: Provides a flavorful, lighter base liquid that keeps the soup from feeling heavy.
- Chili beans: Offer a tender bite with a spicy edge, no draining needed to keep all the flavor.
- Black beans: Drained and rinsed for a creamy texture and subtle sweetness.
- Petite diced tomatoes: Bring juiciness and a burst of color that brightens the soup.
- Corn: Adds natural sweetness and a pop of golden color, perfectly balanced after draining.
- Salsa: A tangy and spicy twist that deepens the Mexican flair.
- Velveeta cheese: Cubed for easy melting, this is the star that transforms the soup into irresistibly creamy comfort food.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown Turkey
Start by heating olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground turkey, sprinkling in kosher salt, garlic powder, chili powder, and cumin as you crumble the meat with a spatula. Cook until the turkey is completely browned, with no pink remaining, for that rich meaty flavor base. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease to keep the soup balanced and not greasy.
Step 2: Add Ingredients
Once your turkey is perfectly browned, pour in the reduced-sodium chicken broth. Then, add the chili beans, black beans, petite diced tomatoes, corn, and salsa all at once. Give everything a good stir so the spices and ingredients start to mingle, creating the layers of flavor this soup promises.
Step 3: Simmer
Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then immediately reduce it to medium-low and cover with the lid. Let the soup simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry beautifully and the ingredients to soften into perfect tenderness.
Step 4: Add Cheese
Now for the magic: stir in the cubed Velveeta cheese, cover the pot again, and let it simmer for another 3 to 5 minutes. The cheese will melt into a velvety swirl, transforming the soup into a creamy, dreamy bowl of cheesy taco goodness. Stir well to combine everything evenly.
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing elevates your cheesy taco soup like the right garnishes. Think crunchy tortilla chips or crispy strips for texture contrasts, a dollop of cool sour cream to balance the heat, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese for that extra layer of indulgence. Fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime can brighten every bite.
Side Dishes
Complement your soup with simple yet satisfying sides. Warm corn tortillas, a fresh green salad with lime vinaigrette, or a bowl of Spanish rice make excellent companions that round out the meal without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the soup in mini bread bowls or individual crock pots to keep it warm and personalized. You can also set up a taco soup bar with various toppings, so everyone gets to customize their bowls just the way they like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Cheesy Taco Soup Recipe shines even the next day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making your second serving just as delightful as the first.
Freezing
If you want to save the soup for longer, it freezes beautifully. Avoid adding the Velveeta cheese before freezing; instead, stir it in when reheating. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion, and it will keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add the Velveeta cheese once hot, letting it melt through as you stir, recreating that signature creamy texture fresh from the pot.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground beef for turkey in this Cheesy Taco Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground beef will bring a richer, fattier flavor, making the soup heartier. Just be sure to drain any excess fat after browning to keep the soup balanced.
Is Velveeta cheese necessary or can I use another cheese?
Velveeta is key for achieving that perfectly smooth, creamy texture without any graininess. While you can experiment with other cheeses, they may not melt as uniformly, changing the soup’s consistency.
How spicy is this Cheesy Taco Soup Recipe? Can I make it milder?
The spice level is moderate thanks to the chili powder and salsa, but you can easily tone it down by using mild salsa or reducing the chili powder slightly. Adjusting spices to your heat preference works well here.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground turkey with your favorite plant-based meat alternative or increase the beans and corn. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian.
What toppings do you recommend for this Cheesy Taco Soup Recipe?
Classic toppings like chopped green onions, sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, and crushed tortilla chips all play wonderfully with the soup. Sour cream and extra shredded cheese are great for adding creaminess and flavor layers.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Taco Soup Recipe is one of those treasures that brings people together around the table. It’s hearty, cheesy, and bursting with flavor—a perfect blend of comfort and excitement in every spoonful. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual get-together, this soup is a guaranteed favorite. Give it a try and watch it become your go-to cozy meal for seasons to come!
Print
Cheesy Taco Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Description
This Cheesy Taco Soup is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Featuring ground turkey simmered with seasoned spices, beans, corn, tomatoes, and chicken broth, then enriched with creamy Velveeta cheese, this soup offers a delicious twist on traditional taco flavors served in a warm and hearty bowl.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 (14.5 oz) can reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (15 oz) can chili beans, do not drain
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can petite diced tomatoes, do not drain
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 cup salsa
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
Instructions
- Brown Turkey: In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add ground turkey along with kosher salt, garlic powder, chili powder, and cumin. Cook while crumbling the meat until the turkey is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the pot to keep the soup light.
- Add Ingredients: Pour in the reduced-sodium chicken broth, chili beans (including the liquid), rinsed black beans, petite diced tomatoes (with their juice), drained corn, and salsa. Stir all ingredients together to combine evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the soup mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover with a lid. Let the soup gently simmer for 15 minutes allowing flavors to meld together.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the cubed Velveeta cheese and cover again. Let the soup simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts completely. Mix well to ensure a creamy consistency throughout the soup.
- Serve: Ladle the cheesy taco soup into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings such as tortilla chips, sour cream, and shredded cheese for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use ground turkey for a leaner protein option; ground beef can be substituted if preferred.
- Be sure to drain and rinse the black beans to reduce sodium content and prevent cloudiness in the soup.
- Velveeta cheese adds creamy texture; for a healthier twist, substitute with shredded cheddar cheese, though melting time may vary.
- Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Add extra heat with chopped jalapeños or hot sauce if desired.
