Cheesy Southwest Fiesta Soup

⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes • 🍳 Cook Time: 30 minutes

This taco-inspired soup is a bowl full of bold, zesty flavors with all your taco night favorites—ground beef, spices, cheese, and plenty of toppings. It’s cozy, comforting, and absolutely irresistible!

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Tacos are a weekly tradition in my house, but when the weather gets chilly, I’m all about warming up with a big pot of soup. This Cheesy Taco-Inspired Soup has all the flavors you love—seasoned ground beef, zesty tomatoes, creamy cheese, and loads of taco toppings. The best part? You can customize each bowl just like your favorite taco. Serve it with tortilla chips, avocado, or a dollop of sour cream, and you’ve got a hearty, satisfying meal that’s as fun to eat as it is to make!

Ingredients

🍽️ Servings: 6 • 🔥 Calories/Serving: 450

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
4 cups beef or chicken broth
1 cup frozen corn
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for garnish)
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste

Topping Ideas:

Tortilla chips or strips
Diced avocado
Fresh cilantro
Sour cream
Sliced jalapeños
Lime wedges

Steps

Step 1

Cook the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 2

Sauté the aromatics: Add the onion and garlic to the pot, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.

Step 3

Build the soup base: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir to combine, then bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 4

Add the mix-ins: Stir in the corn and black beans, cooking for another 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low.

Step 5

Make it creamy: Stir in the shredded cheese and heavy cream, mixing until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 6

Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and load up with your favorite toppings. Don’t forget the tortilla chips for dipping!

Make it your own!

Protein swap: Use ground chicken, turkey, or crumbled plant-based meat.
Spice it up: Add extra chili powder, cayenne, or diced jalapeños for more heat.
Veggie boost: Add diced zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients.
Cheese options: Swap cheddar for pepper jack, queso fresco, or a Mexican cheese blend.
Make it dairy-free: Use coconut milk instead of cream and dairy-free cheese.