Cheesy Taco Soup, Bring all the flavors of taco night into a cozy bowl with this Cheesy Taco Soup. It’s rich, comforting, and full of bold Tex-Mex taste ground turkey (or beef), beans, corn, tomatoes, and melty cheese all simmered into one delicious, family-friendly soup. Ready in about 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick, satisfying, and full of flavor.
What Makes This Cheesy Taco Soup Special
This version stands out because it combines comfort with convenience. Instead of layering or baking, you get all the cheesy, spicy taco flavors in a simple one-pot meal. The secret creamy texture comes from cubes of melting cheese (like Velveeta) stirred in at the end, giving the soup a silky finish.
It’s a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults great for cozy dinners, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving tacos in soup form.
Cheesy Taco Soup Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground turkey (or ground beef)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans (with sauce)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup salsa
- 4 cups chicken (or beef) broth
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Toppings: shredded cheddar, avocado, tortilla strips, sour cream, fresh cilantro
These pantry staples transform into a creamy, satisfying soup your whole family will love.
Cheesy Taco Soup Instructions – Step by Step
Step 1 – Cook the Meat
Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large soup pot. Add onion and sauté until soft. Add garlic and ground turkey; cook and crumble until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2 – Add Spices & Cans
Stir in chili powder and cumin. Pour in chili beans (with sauce), black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, salsa, and broth. Stir to combine.
Step 3 – Simmer
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes to meld flavors.
Step 4 – Add Cheese
Stir in cubes of Velveeta cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5 – Serve & Garnish
Ladle into bowls. Top with extra cheddar, avocado slices, tortilla strips, sour cream, and fresh cilantro. Serve warm and enjoy.
Tips, Variations & Why You’ll Love It
- Use ground beef or mixed meat instead of turkey.
- Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder.
- Cheese alternatives: Swap Velveeta for Monterey Jack or a melty cheese blend.
- Lighter version: Use reduced-fat cheese and low-sodium broth.
- Meal prep tip: Store leftover soup (without toppings) in the fridge up to 3 days.
- Freezing caution: Cheese can change texture when frozen freeze before cheese step and add fresh cheese when reheating.
FAQs
Can I skip the Velveeta cheese?
Yes use a creamy cheese blend, but the texture might be less silky.
Can I use raw meat instead of cooked?
Certainly just cook it as in Step 1 before adding the liquids.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes cook meat & ingredients for 6 hours on low, then stir in cheese near end.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely it scales well for large families or leftovers.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Taco Soup brings the best of taco night into a cozy bowl. It’s creamy, spicy, and utterly comforting made easy with one pot and simple ingredients.
✨ Try it this week and tag @EatTreatsRecipes on Pinterest or Instagram because comfort should always be this delicious!