Can I use a different bean in taco soup?

Yes! The black beans can be swapped for any other canned bean you prefer, such as kidney, pinto, or white navy beans. Ensure the beans are drained and rinsed before adding them.

What are the best taco soup toppings?

There are many options including sour cream, tortilla strips or chips, corn chips, shredded cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, green onions, avocado slices, or guacamole.

Yes, you can add cayenne pepper, use hot or medium salsa, use a spicy version of the melting cheese, or add diced green chilies, jalapeños, or hot sauce.

Can I use different ground meat?

Yes, you can swap the ground turkey for ground beef or ground chicken.

Creamy Cheesy Taco Soup

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This creamy cheesy taco soup transforms humble pantry staples into a comforting and hearty meal that is perfect for any night of the week. By incorporating a base of savory ground turkey, vibrant vegetables, and a smooth melting cheese, you achieve a restaurant-style consistency that is difficult to replicate with standard shredded varieties. Whether you are feeding a hungry family or looking for a quick dinner solution, this soup offers a robust flavor profile that satisfies everyone at the table.

List of 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 can (14.5 oz) reduced sodium chicken broth
1 can (15 oz) chili beans (do not drain)
1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained & rinsed)
1 can (15 oz) petite diced tomatoes (do not drain)
1 can (15 oz) corn (drained)
1 cup salsa
8 ounces processed melting cheese (cubed)

step-by-step instructions

Step: In a large soup pot (with a lid), over medium-high heat, add olive oil, ground turkey, salt, garlic powder, chili powder, and cumin. Cook and crumble until ground turkey is no longer pink. Drain grease from the pot.
Step: Add the chicken broth, chili beans, black beans, tomatoes, corn, and salsa into the soup pot. Stir to combine.
Step: Bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low, and cover with the lid. Let simmer for 15 minutes.
Step: Stir in the cubed processed melting cheese and cover with the lid. Let simmer for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Stir together to combine.
Step: Serve with your favorite taco soup toppings like tortilla chips, sour cream, and shredded cheese.

Practical Cooking Pointers

Achieving the Perfect Soup Consistency

To ensure the best result, pay attention to which canned goods you drain and which you add with their juices. The liquid in the chili beans and petite diced tomatoes contains starch and seasoning that thicken the soup naturally, whereas draining the corn and black beans prevents the broth from becoming watery or mushy. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can briefly mash a portion of the beans with a spoon against the side of the pot after simmering.

Managing Salt Levels for Balanced Flavor

Since the canned ingredients and salsa contain their own sodium, using reduced-sodium chicken broth gives you full control over the final salinity. Taste your soup before adding the cheese, as the cheese adds its own salty profile to the dish. If you feel it needs more depth rather than salt, a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving can brighten the overall profile of the soup.

Customizing Your Soup

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer using different proteins, ground chicken or extra-lean ground beef are excellent alternatives that hold up well to the bold spices. For the beans, you can easily swap the black beans for kidney beans or pinto beans, just be sure to rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove any excess starch that might alter the texture of your broth. While the Velveeta is essential for the signature smooth mouthfeel, some cooks enjoy blending a small amount of heavy cream with a splash of milk and a handful of shredded Monterey Jack for a slightly different, though less stable, creamy effect.

Adding Extra Vegetables

To increase the nutritional density, consider adding finely diced bell peppers or zucchini during the initial sautéing phase with the ground turkey. You can also toss in a handful of fresh baby spinach during the final minute of cooking, just before adding the cheese, as it will wilt perfectly without losing its vibrant color. These additions do not require extra broth, as the moisture from these vegetables will integrate naturally into the simmering liquid.

Serving and Topping Ideas

Creating a Topping Bar

The beauty of this taco soup lies in the contrast between the creamy, warm base and the cold, crunchy toppings. Set out small bowls containing tortilla strips, sour cream, shredded sharp cheddar, chopped fresh cilantro, and sliced radishes so each guest can customize their own bowl. Providing these options allows everyone to balance the rich, melty cheese with fresh, crisp textures that elevate the meal from simple to special.

Pairing Suggestions

For a more substantial dinner, serve the soup alongside a side of warm cornbread or flour tortillas. A light green salad tossed in a tangy cilantro-lime vinaigrette also works wonders to cut through the richness of the cheese. These sides provide a nice textural variation and help extend the meal to serve larger groups efficiently.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Managing Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to four days. Because the soup relies on a cheese emulsion, it is important to store it in a container that seals well to prevent moisture loss or the absorption of other refrigerator odors. When you are ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the soup gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to ensure the cheese emulsion remains smooth rather than separating.

Reheating Strategy

If you are using a microwave to reheat individual servings, do so in short intervals of 45 seconds, stirring well in between. Microwaves can create hot spots that might cause the cheese to separate or oil to pool, so careful monitoring is necessary. If the soup appears too thick after refrigeration, a splash of water or additional chicken broth can be stirred in to restore the ideal consistency.

Common Questions Addressed

Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?

Absolutely, this soup is actually a great candidate for meal prepping because the flavors tend to deepen after sitting in the refrigerator overnight. Prepare the soup through the step before adding the cheese, then store the base until you are ready to serve. When you are ready to eat, bring the base to a simmer and then finish the recipe by melting the cheese, which keeps the texture fresh and smooth.

Why is my cheese separating?

Separation usually occurs if the soup is boiled too vigorously after the cheese has been added or if the cheese was not melted at a low enough temperature. Always add the cheese to the pot once the heat has been turned down to low and the soup is no longer at a rolling boil. Stirring slowly and steadily helps maintain the integrity of the sauce, ensuring a cohesive and velvety finish every single time.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Freezing this specific recipe is generally not recommended because dairy-based emulsions often lose their stability during the thawing process. The cheese can become grainy and the vegetables may lose their structure, resulting in a significantly degraded texture. It is best to cook smaller batches if you do not plan on consuming the full amount within a few days.