Cheesy Taco Soup

CHEESY TACO SOUP RECIPE

Cheesy taco soup is a cheesy, super easy to make, kid-friendly version of taco soup! This recipe uses ground turkey, two types of beans, corn, tomatoes, salsa, and the ingredient that makes it so smooth and cheesy is Velveeta.

I know some people have strong feelings about Velveeta cheese, and that's ok, but if it's not your thing you may want to skip this recipe because it's what makes this taco soup recipe different from all the others.

WHAT INGREDIENTS DO I NEED TO MAKE EASY TACO SOUP?

Ground Turkey

Olive Oil

Salt, Garlic Powder, Chili Powder, & Cumin

Chicken Broth - The recipe has been tested with 33% reduced-sodium chicken broth. If you use full salt chicken broth then be sure to reduce the salt slightly, maybe ½ teaspoon - ¾ teaspoon. 

Chili Beans - These are pinto beans in a seasoned chili sauce. You can use mild, medium, or hot heat. It will say on the can if it's mild or hot. Do not drain these beans. You want all that flavor from the chili sauce. 

Black Beans - You will drain and rinse these beans. 

Petite Diced Tomatoes

Canned Corn - I prefer the yellow & white canned corn but regular yellow corn works just fine too. 

Salsa

Velveeta Cheese

HOW TO MAKE THIS CHEESY TACO SOUP

1. Add olive oil, ground turkey, salt, garlic powder, chili powder, and cumin to a large soup pot (with a lid). Brown and crumble the ground turkey until it's cooked through. Just make sure it's no longer pink. 
2. Add the chicken broth, beans, tomatoes, corn, and salsa. Mix together and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low, cover with the lid and simmer for 15 minutes. 
3. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese, cover with the lid for 5 minutes, and then stir it all together. Serve!

MY TIPS & HELPFUL HINTS

• There really are no substitutes for the Velveeta cheese. If you've never had it in a soup then try it, because I am fairly certain that you will be amazed at how creamy and smooth it makes this soup. All things in moderation and for each serving there is only 1 ounce of Velveeta cheese.
• If you are not a fan of ground turkey then feel free to use ground beef. You won't need the olive oil if you use ground beef. 
• There are plenty of ways to make this spicy! Add a can of diced green chilies. Use some cayenne red pepper with the other seasonings. Use a can of Rotel. You can also use a can of hot chili beans. 

YOU WILL LOVE THESE OTHER TACO INSPIRED DINNER RECIPES

7 Can Chicken Taco Soup - Yes, you literally dump 7 cans into a pot and let it simmer. Serve with all your favorite toppings like tortilla chips, sour cream, and shredded cheese. 

Cheesy Taco Spaghetti Casserole - Spaghetti noodles, cheese, and a delicious cheesy taco mixture bakes in one dish. This is one of my kids' favorite dinners. 

Taco Chili - Everything you love about ground beef tacos but in a hearty, thick, perfectly seasoned taco chili. My kids love to use chips as their spoons when they eat this. Serve with all your favorite toppings. 

The Best Taco Soup - Most taco soups are the same but this one is special because it uses stewed tomatoes (blended up so you don't get big chunks) as the base along with some broth. So flavorful and my favorite recipe for taco soup. 

Taco Biscuit Bake - Taco seasoned ground beef bakes with fluffy, buttery biscuits and cheese in one casserole dish. It's like biscuit tacos and it's so yummy. We love ours topped with lettuce, pico de gallo, and sour cream. 

Cornbread Taco Bake - A ground beef taco casserole topped with an easy cornbread topping.