Name: Watermelon Gazpacho Chilled Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded; ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded; ½ cup sour cream, at room temperature; 1 Tablespoon cream cheese, softened; 1 ½ lbs. ground beef; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 2 jalapenos, seeded and diced (or bell peppers); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 Tablespoons butter; 1 oz. packet Taco Seasoning; 1 teaspoon hot sauce; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon mustard powder; 1 pinch cayenne pepper (or more to taste); 10 oz. red enchilada sauce; 10 oz. diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained; 15.5 oz. black beans, drained and rinsed; 2 cups beef broth; 2 cups chicken broth

If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal with bold flavors that dance across your taste buds, this Taco Soup Recipe is about to become your new weeknight staple. Packed with savory beef, creamy cheeses, smoky spices, and punchy chiles, every bite is pure joy. It’s quick enough for busy days and hearty enough to satisfy the hungriest crew, making it a must-try for anyone who loves the zesty spirit of both American and Mexican kitchens!

Watermelon Gazpacho Chilled Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Taco Soup Recipe keeps things simple without ever compromising on flavor. Each ingredient pulls its weight, creating layers of taste, creamy texture, and pops of vibrant color. Let’s break down what you’ll need and how each star ingredient shines:

Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melty, sharp, and provides that gooey, cheesy richness we all adore.
Monterey Jack Cheese (½ cup, shredded): Milder and smoother, Monterey Jack balances out the cheddar and melts beautifully.
Sour Cream (½ cup, room temperature): Adds a tangy creaminess and helps cool down the spices.
Cream Cheese (1 tablespoon, softened): Just a touch gives the broth a luscious, velvety finish.
Ground Beef (1½ lbs.): The recipe’s hearty base, adding protein and that classic taco flavor.
Yellow Onion (1 small, diced): Sautéed onion adds sweetness and aromatic depth to the soup.
Jalapenos (2, seeded and diced): For a gentle heat—swap with bell peppers for a milder version.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses every spoonful with savory warmth.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Enhances the richness and lets the aromatics bloom.
Taco Seasoning (1 oz. packet): The backbone of all that bold, spicy flavor.
Hot Sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds a kick—adjust more or less for your preferred heat level.
Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): Lends an herby layer reminiscent of classic Mexican dishes.
Mustard Powder (½ teaspoon): Secret ingredient alert! Balances and brightens the overall flavor.
Cayenne Pepper (pinch or more): For extra fire, tailor to your spice tolerance.
Red Enchilada Sauce (10 oz.): Delivers smoky, tangy notes that deepen the soup.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (10 oz., undrained): Adds juiciness, acidity, and vibrant pops of heat.
Black Beans (15.5 oz., drained and rinsed): Hearty beans bring satisfying texture and extra fiber.
Beef Broth (2 cups): Creates a savory, meaty soup base.
Chicken Broth (2 cups): Balances depth with a lighter note, keeping the soup from feeling too heavy.

How to Make Taco Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Dairy

Start by shredding both cheeses and letting them come to room temperature with the sour cream and cream cheese. This helps them blend seamlessly into the soup later, ensuring a creamy texture without clumps.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Grab your biggest soup pot and set it over medium-high heat. Crumble in the ground beef and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it up as it browns. Toss in the diced onions and sauté together for another 3 minutes, until the onion turns translucent and the beef is fully cooked. Drain off the excess grease for a lighter soup base.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Add the diced jalapenos (or bell peppers if you’re going mild) and let them soften for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute, just until the aroma lifts from the pot.

Step 4: Spice It Up

Melt in the butter, then sprinkle the taco seasoning, hot sauce, oregano, mustard powder, and a pinch of cayenne over everything. Give it a good stir so all those flavors start to bloom and coat the meat and veggies.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Beans

Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Here’s a pro move: use the liquid from the can to help “clean” the pot’s bottom and sides with a spatula—this pulls up all that caramelized deliciousness and infuses the broth!

Step 6: Broth and Simmer

Add the enchilada sauce and the rinsed black beans, stirring to combine. Next, pour in both the beef and chicken broths. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away for 15 minutes. This melding time is where all the magic happens!

Step 7: Creamy Finale

Reduce the heat to low. In a small bowl, mix the sour cream and softened cream cheese together with about 1/4 cup of hot broth from the soup. Stir until smooth—this ensures silky, dreamy results. Add this creamy mixture back into the pot and gently stir it through.

Step 8: Finish with Cheese

Remove the soup from the heat, sprinkle in the shredded cheeses, and stir until melted and thoroughly combined. Your Taco Soup Recipe is now ladle-ready!

How to Serve Taco Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Go wild with your favorite toppings! This soup is a blank canvas, perfect for generous scoops of diced avocado, extra shredded cheese, crunchy tortilla strips, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of fresh lime. Each garnish adds a fresh, playful twist with every serving.

Side Dishes

Pair this Taco Soup Recipe with warm cornbread or crispy tortilla chips for dipping. A simple side salad with a zesty vinaigrette is wonderful for balance, while seasoned rice or a mini quesadilla ups the comfort factor on chillier days.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner-party feel, serve the soup in mini mugs for appetizers, or set up a “taco soup bar” with bowls of all the toppings for guests to customize their bowls. Kids love digging in when they get to top their own, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Taco Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let it cool fully first, then transfer to sealed containers. The flavors mellow and deepen overnight, so tomorrow’s lunch might taste even better!

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze, portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Leave a little room for expansion and freeze for up to 3 months. This Taco Soup Recipe is a lifesaver for those nights when you just need to grab, defrost, and heat.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring often until heated through. If it thickens a little in the fridge, a splash of broth will restore the perfect creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Both are great lighter options and soak up the seasonings beautifully. Just watch the cooking time because poultry can dry out a bit faster than ground beef.

Is this Taco Soup Recipe gluten-free?

This recipe can be made gluten-free by ensuring your taco seasoning, enchilada sauce, and broths do not contain added gluten. Always check your labels to be safe.

How spicy is this soup?

The level of heat is quite customizable. Using jalapenos and cayenne gives a gentle warmth, but you can skip them (or swap for bell peppers) if you’re serving kids or spice-sensitive eaters. Conversely, add more hot sauce or extra cayenne for serious heat lovers!

Can I make this Taco Soup Recipe in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Brown the meat and sauté the veggies first, then transfer to the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients (except the cheeses and creamy add-ins). Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then stir in the cheeses and dairy before serving.

What can I do with leftovers besides reheating?

Leftover Taco Soup Recipe is amazing spooned over rice as a taco bowl, stuffed in baked potatoes, rolled in tortillas, or even used as a sauce for nachos. Get creative—this soup is endlessly versatile!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dinner that delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss, this Taco Soup Recipe is the answer! One pot, rich flavors, and loads of fun at the table—it’s always a win. Give it a try and watch it quickly become your family’s favorite comfort meal!