If you’re craving a hearty, satisfying meal that’s packed with bold flavors and a satisfying crunch, this Taco Soup Frios recipe is the perfect choice! This dish combines the rich, savory goodness of classic taco soup with a crispy twist that takes it to the next level. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy night at home or serving it to guests at your next gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.
I love how easy it is to whip up this taco soup. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy a delicious meal that’s both comforting and filling. Plus, the addition of crunchy Frios adds a delightful texture that pairs perfectly with the savory soup base. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special and how you can recreate it at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: No fancy items required—just everyday pantry staples.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Bold Flavors: Packed with taco seasoning, savory broth, and delicious toppings.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level or add your favorite toppings.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults alike.
Key Ingredients and Tools
Before getting started, let’s take a look at the essential ingredients and tools you’ll need to make this flavorful taco soup frios recipe.
Ingredients:
- Ground Beef: 1 lb – Provides a rich, meaty base for the soup.
- Taco Seasoning: 2 tablespoons – Adds classic Mexican-inspired flavors.
- Onion: 1 medium, diced – Enhances the flavor and adds texture.
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz) – Provides a tangy, juicy base.
- Black Beans: 1 can, drained and rinsed – Adds heartiness and protein.
- Corn Kernels: 1 cup – For a sweet, crunchy bite.
- Beef Broth: 4 cups – Forms the flavorful soup base.
- Frios Chips: 2 cups, crushed – Adds a crunchy topping.
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, shredded – Melts beautifully into the soup.
- Sour Cream: 1/2 cup – Adds a creamy, tangy finish.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon – For sautéing the onions.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Optional Add-Ins:
- Jalapeños: For a spicy kick.
- Avocado: Sliced for a creamy, fresh touch.
- Cilantro: Chopped for garnish.
- Lime Wedges: For a burst of tangy flavor.
Tools:
- Large Stockpot: To cook the soup evenly.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping onions and optional garnishes.
- Serving Bowls: To enjoy the soup in style.
Now that you have everything you need, let’s move on to making this delicious taco soup frios recipe step by step!
Recipe Instructions
Now that we’ve gathered all our ingredients, it’s time to start making this delicious Taco Soup Frios recipe. Don’t worry—it’s super easy, and I’ll walk you through every step to make sure it turns out just right. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this taco soup is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Preparing the Taco Base
The secret to a flavorful Taco Soup Frios recipe lies in creating a rich, well-seasoned base. This step is crucial, as it sets the foundation for the entire dish.
- Sauté the onion: Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the diced onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook it thoroughly until browned. Break it apart with a wooden spoon to ensure even cooking. This will take about 7-10 minutes. Be sure to drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming too greasy.
- Season with taco seasoning: Now, sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir well to coat the beef evenly. This is where the magic happens—those bold flavors blend beautifully with the meat, making it taste just like your favorite tacos.
- Incorporate tomatoes and broth: Next, pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth. Stir to combine everything well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to come together and deepen.
Adding the Frios Crunch
Once the taco base is ready, it’s time to add more texture and flavor with beans, corn, and, of course, the signature Frios crunch. This step takes the Taco Soup Frios recipe to the next level!
- Add beans and corn: Stir in the drained black beans and corn kernels. These ingredients add heartiness and a pop of sweetness that balances out the spices. Let them cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. A pinch of salt or an extra dash of taco seasoning can make all the difference.
- Simmer for deeper flavor: Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for 20-30 minutes. This step allows all the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and satisfying dish.
- Add Frios chips: Just before serving, sprinkle the crushed Frios chips on top of the soup. This adds a satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the soft, hearty ingredients.
Serving the Taco Soup
Now comes the best part—serving and enjoying your Taco Soup Frios recipe! This step is where you can get creative with toppings and presentation.
- Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese and a generous dollop of sour cream. Trust me, the creamy texture pairs perfectly with the crunchy Frios chips.
- Optional toppings: If you’re like me and love extra flavor, consider adding sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice. These little extras take the soup from good to amazing.
- Enjoy immediately: Serve the soup hot and enjoy every delicious spoonful. It’s best eaten fresh, but don’t worry—I’ve got storage tips coming up if you have leftovers!
Creative Twists and Variations for a Flavorful Taco Soup
Looking to put your own spin on this Taco Soup Frios recipe? Here are a few creative twists that I’ve tried and loved. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes. It gives the soup an extra kick without overpowering the flavors.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a cup of cream cheese or heavy cream to create a luxurious, velvety texture.
- Protein Boost: Want even more protein? Add shredded rotisserie chicken or swap the ground beef for ground turkey.
- Cheesy Goodness: For cheese lovers, mix in pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend to add a gooey, cheesy twist.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the beans and corn to keep things keto-friendly while still enjoying the bold taco flavors.
Troubleshooting Tips
Sometimes, even the best recipes need a little tweaking. Here are a few common issues you might encounter while making your Taco Soup Frios recipe and how to fix them:
- Soup too thick? Add an extra cup of beef broth to achieve the perfect consistency.
- Soup lacking flavor? Boost it with more taco seasoning or a squeeze of lime for added freshness.
- Too spicy? Stir in a bit of sour cream or extra cheese to mellow out the heat.
- Frios chips getting soggy? Add them right before serving to maintain their crunch.
- Not enough crunch? Serve extra Frios chips on the side for dipping or crumbling on top.
With these troubleshooting tips and creative ideas, you can always enjoy the perfect bowl of Taco Soup Frios. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe truly your own!
Bonus Recipe: Cheesy Taco Soup
If you’re looking for an extra indulgent version of taco soup, you’ll love this creamy and cheesy variation. It’s packed with bold flavors, a rich texture, and plenty of gooey cheese that makes it an instant favorite.
Ingredients:
- Ground Beef: 1 lb, cooked and drained
- Onion: 1 medium, diced
- Taco Seasoning: 2 tablespoons
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz)
- Beef Broth: 3 cups
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz, softened
- Sour Cream: 1/2 cup
- Frios Chips: 1 cup, crushed
Directions:
- In a large pot, cook diced onions in olive oil over medium heat until soft.
- Add the cooked ground beef and taco seasoning, stirring to combine.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth, bringing to a simmer.
- Stir in the cream cheese and cheddar cheese, letting them melt fully into the soup.
- Remove from heat and stir in sour cream for a creamy finish.
- Serve hot with crushed Frios chips sprinkled on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Taco Soup Frios ahead of time?
Yes! Taco soup is a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Just be sure to store the Frios chips separately to maintain their crunch.
How can I make this taco soup spicier?
Spicing up your Taco Soup Frios recipe is easy! Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a splash of your favorite hot sauce. If you prefer a smoky heat, consider adding chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Start with a little and adjust to your desired spice level.
What are some great toppings for Taco Soup Frios?
The beauty of taco soup is how customizable it is. Some of the best toppings include shredded cheddar cheese, sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, sour cream, chopped green onions, and sliced jalapeños. For an extra crunch, serve with additional Frios chips on the side.
Can I freeze Taco Soup Frios?
Absolutely! Taco soup freezes very well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop for a quick and easy meal.
Is Taco Soup Frios recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it can be! To make this taco soup keto-friendly, omit the beans and corn, and replace them with more meat, cheese, and healthy fats like sour cream or avocado. Be sure to check the seasoning mix for any added sugars or carbs.
How many carbs are in keto taco soup?
The carb content in keto taco soup depends on the ingredients used. Without beans, corn, or Frios chips, a typical serving contains around 5-7 grams of carbs per bowl. Adding toppings like cheese and sour cream can help keep the carb count low while enhancing flavor.
Why is my taco soup so watery?
If your taco soup turns out too watery, it may be due to excess broth or vegetables releasing moisture during cooking. To thicken it, simmer the soup uncovered to allow excess liquid to evaporate. You can also stir in shredded cheese, cream cheese, or a cornstarch slurry (if not following keto).
What makes taco soup thicker?
There are several ways to thicken taco soup without compromising flavor. Letting the soup simmer uncovered for an extended time helps reduce excess liquid. Adding ingredients like shredded cheese, heavy cream, or mashed avocado can naturally thicken the broth. For a non-keto option, crushed tortilla chips or a cornstarch slurry work well.
How long is taco soup good for?
Properly stored, taco soup can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you need to store it longer, freezing is a great option. Always reheat thoroughly and check for any signs of spoilage before consuming.
How do I keep the Frios chips from getting soggy?
The best way to keep Frios chips crunchy is to add them right before serving. If you’re planning to store leftovers, keep the chips in a separate container and sprinkle them on top when reheating.
Can I cook Taco Soup Frios in a slow cooker?
Yes! Using a slow cooker makes this recipe even easier. Simply brown the ground beef beforehand, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the Frios chips just before serving.
What side dishes go well with Taco Soup Frios?
Taco soup pairs well with simple sides like a fresh green salad, keto cornbread, guacamole, or cheesy quesadillas. These options balance the bold flavors of the soup and provide a complete meal.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! To make this taco soup dairy-free, simply omit the cheese and sour cream. You can substitute them with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or plant-based cheese options to maintain the creamy texture without dairy.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef in this recipe. It absorbs the taco seasoning well and provides a slightly lighter taste while still keeping the dish hearty and delicious.
Conclusion
The Taco Soup Frios recipe is the perfect blend of bold taco flavors and satisfying crunch, making it an ideal meal for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner at home or meal prepping for the week, this soup delivers on flavor, texture, and heartiness.
With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, there’s no reason not to give this recipe a try. And if you’re looking to elevate the experience, don’t forget to try The Best 3-Ingredient Steak Marinade for a delicious protein-packed pairing.
So grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy this mouthwatering taco soup frios recipe today!