Craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further than this Taco Cheese Soup recipe! This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delicious and healthy alternative to takeout. It's packed with cheesy goodness, savory spices, and hearty vegetables, making it a crowd-pleasing dish for the whole family. Get ready to experience the ultimate taste of homemade comfort food!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and bell pepper and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender.
Step 2: Simmer the Soup
Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), corn, black beans, Rotel (undrained), chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Season and Serve
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, avocado slices, and crushed tortilla chips.
Cooking Tips for the Best Taco Cheese Soup:
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spiciness. For a milder soup, omit it entirely.
- Add protein: For a heartier meal, add cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or cooked chorizo to the soup during step 2.
- Make it vegetarian: Easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian by omitting any meat and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Fresh is best: If you have fresh tomatoes and corn on hand, feel free to use them instead of canned. Just dice the tomatoes and cut the corn off the cob.
- Blend for a smoother texture: For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup after the cheese has melted.
Delicious Variations:
- Creamy Taco Soup: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk for an extra rich and creamy texture.
- White Chicken Chili Taco Soup: Use white chicken chili seasoning instead of regular chili powder for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Taco Soup: Add a diced jalapeño pepper along with the other vegetables for an extra kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This quick and easy Taco Cheese Soup recipe is a perfect example of delicious and healthy homemade cooking. It's a great way to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy!