Creamy Taco Soup

Prep: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: Mexican

A rich and creamy taco soup packed with beef, beans, tomatoes, and cheesy goodness, perfect for cozy gatherings or weeknight dinners with a crispy Fritos topping.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1/2 medium onion, diced
  • 1 (15 oz.) can chili (without beans)
  • 1 large (15 oz.) can stewed tomatoes
  • 2 (16 oz.) cans pinto beans
  • 1 (10 oz.) can Ro-Tel tomatoes
  • 1 pt. sour cream
  • 1 lb. Velveeta cheese
  • Fritos

Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until fully cooked; drain well.
  2. Add chili, stewed tomatoes, pinto beans, and Ro-Tel tomatoes to the beef mixture.
  3. Mix all ingredients well in the crock-pot.
  4. Add sour cream and diced Velveeta cheese to the mixture.
  5. Cover and simmer in the crock-pot for a couple of hours or longer, stirring occasionally to melt the cheese and sour cream.
  6. Serve hot over Fritos.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier soup, consider adding more sour cream or using a cream cheese alternative. You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a lighter option. If you want extra spice, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. This soup is versatile, and you can easily customize it by adding corn or bell peppers. Serve with tortilla chips for added crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the creamy taco soup hot over a bed of Fritos for a delightful crunch. Garnish with shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Clara'S Taco Salad for a complete meal. For a hearty side, consider cornbread or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the soup.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Creamy Taco Soup contains roughly 391 calories, with 22g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (44% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 799mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).

391 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 21.9g 44% DV
Total Fat 22.3g 29% DV
Carbs 25.1g 9% DV
Fiber 4.7g 17% DV
Sugar 4.8g 10% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 799.4mg 35% DV
Potassium 742.1mg 16% DV
Cholesterol 61mg 20% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 64.7mcg 7% DV
Vitamin C 22.8mg 25% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 122mg 9% DV
Iron 3.6mg 20% DV
Diet fit High-protein Under 400 cal
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this creamy taco soup can be made ahead of time. In fact, the flavors often develop even more after sitting. Just prepare the soup, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While Velveeta cheese gives a smooth and creamy texture, you can use cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for a different flavor. Just make sure to shred the cheese before adding it to the soup to help it melt nicely.

Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?

Yes! To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a combination of sautéed mushrooms and lentils or black beans. Use vegetable broth instead of meat-based options, and keep all other ingredients the same for a delicious plant-based meal.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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