This Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup is a warm bowl of goodness! With tasty ground beef, zesty taco seasoning, and plenty of cheese, it’s a cozy meal that warms you up from the inside out.
What’s great is that it all comes together quickly! I love topping mine with tortilla chips and a dollop of sour cream. Easy peasy and so yummy! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I find that 80/20 ground beef gives a great flavor without being too greasy. You could substitute with turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat if you’re looking for a lighter version or a vegetarian option.
Taco Seasoning: Pre-packaged taco seasonings are super convenient. If you can’t find any, you can make your own using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This lets you adjust flavors to your taste!
Diced Tomatoes: If you prefer a fresher taste, use fresh diced tomatoes. If you like a bit of spice, try with diced tomatoes with green chiles. They’ll add a nice kick to your soup!
Cheddar Cheese: While I love using sharp cheddar for its strong flavor, you can swap it out for Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a dairy-free cheese for a healthier spin.
What’s the Best Way to Enhance the Flavor of My Taco Soup?
One key step is letting the soup simmer. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully! Start by sautéing the onions and garlic in olive oil to build a good flavor base.
- Cook your ground beef until it’s nicely browned to enhance the taste. Drain excess fat for a lighter soup.
- Add the taco seasoning right after browning; this helps to coat the meat well.
- Let the soup simmer for at least 15-20 minutes after adding the broth and veggies. This step brings out all the wonderful flavors!
- Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasonings. A bit of salt and pepper can make a major difference.
Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or about 2 tablespoons homemade taco spice mix)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 8 oz (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 avocado, diced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Tortilla chips, crushed (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and roughly 40 minutes to cook, making it a perfect dish for a busy weeknight meal. Gather your ingredients, get ready to cook, and in less than an hour, you’ll be enjoying a hearty bowl of deliciousness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it’s softened, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This will add great flavor to the base of your soup!
2. Add Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
3. Brown the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, and continue until it is nicely browned and fully cooked, which should take around 5-7 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, feel free to drain it before moving on to the next step.
4. Spice it Up:
Now, it’s time to stir in the taco seasoning. Make sure the beef is well coated with the spices for that robust taco flavor you love!
5. Add the Rest of the Ingredients:
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), corn, black beans if using, and the beef broth. Give everything a good stir to combine!
6. Let it Simmer:
Bring the soup to a boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully!
7. Stir in the Cheese:
Once your soup has simmered, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated into the soup.
8. Season to Taste:
Before serving, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. It’s all about making it just right for your palate!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot in bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream, diced avocado, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and crushed tortilla chips for that perfect crunch!
Enjoy your cozy, cheesy, and flavorful Taco Soup perfect for any day!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can definitely substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a lighter option! Just be aware that turkey can be a bit drier, so you might want to add a splash more broth or a bit of olive oil to keep it moist.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It should last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat or chopped veggies like bell peppers and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and you’re good to go!
What Toppings Can I Use Other Than Cheese and Sour Cream?
You can get creative with your toppings! Consider using diced jalapeños for spice, sliced green onions for freshness, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. Fresh lime juice adds a zesty touch too!