Cheesy Taco Soup

 Cheesy Taco Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the bold flavors of taco seasoning, beef, and beans with a creamy cheese base. It's quick to prepare and perfect for cold weather. Here's a simple recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)

1 medium onion, chopped

1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans or black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) corn, drained (or frozen corn)

1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional, for extra flavor)

2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)

1 cup water

1 cup sour cream

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican cheese blend)

1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional toppings: Tortilla chips, shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños

Instructions:

Cook the Beef:

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Add the Vegetables and Seasoning:

2. Sauté the Onion: Add the chopped onion to the pot with the cooked beef and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

3. Add Taco Seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and onions, stirring to coat the mixture evenly. Add a splash of water (about 2-3 tablespoons) if the seasoning starts to stick.

Build the Soup:

4. Add the Canned Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), kidney beans, corn, and green chilies (if using) to the pot. Stir everything to combine.

5. Add Broth and Water: Pour in the beef broth and water, stirring to combine. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat. Allow it to cook for about 10-15 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Add the Cheese and Cream:

6. Stir in the Sour Cream: Once the soup has simmered and the flavors have combined, stir in the sour cream to make it creamy.

7. Add Cheese: Slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend) to the soup, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated.

Serve:

8. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

9. Serve with Toppings: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like crushed tortilla chips, more shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for a little heat.

Tips:

Customize the Heat: If you like your soup spicier, add some hot sauce, chili powder, or fresh diced jalapeños.

Use Ground Turkey: For a lighter version, swap the ground beef for ground turkey.

Make it Vegetarian: Skip the meat and use more beans or vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a vegetarian option.

Make Ahead: This soup is even better the next day, so it’s perfect for meal prep. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

This Cheesy Taco Soup is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect dish for cozy nights or a family-friendly meal!