Struggling to find one meal the entire family will eat without a single complaint? I hear you. As a parent, I know how tough weeknight dinners can be when you’re juggling schedules and different taste buds.
That’s why I’m so excited to share our family’s absolute favorite: Beefy Cheesy Taco Soup. It’s the cozy, one-pot wonder that has saved my sanity on more than one occasion. The rich, savory aroma fills the whole house, promising a meal everyone will actually look forward to.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex Inspired
- Category: Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (or 4-6 hours low in crockpot)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!
I get it. Getting kids to try new things can feel like a battle. This dish is a total game-changer in our house because it’s familiar and fun.
The flavors are a comforting blend of a taco night and a warm, cheesy soup. Everything melds together into a hearty and satisfying bowl that even the most skeptical little eater can’t resist.
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
I always keep these simple items on hand for a last-minute dinner win. You probably have most of them in your pantry right now!
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: sour cream, tortilla chips, fresh cilantro
How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This
Cooking together is a wonderful way to get kids excited about the food they eat. It makes them feel proud and more willing to try the final result.
My kids love being my official “cheese shredder” and “can opener.” These are safe and simple tasks that make them feel like important kitchen helpers.
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
This process is so straightforward. You’ll have a delicious, bubbling pot of soup ready in no time, filling your kitchen with the most amazing smell.
Beefy Cheesy Taco Soup Recipe
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
The Full Step-by-Step Instructions
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Beefy Cheesy Taco Soup Recipe!
Nutrition Information
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef and onion over medium-high heat until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the taco seasoning packet until the meat is evenly coated. That savory spice smell is just the beginning!
- Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the pot. Give everything a good stir to combine.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to become best friends.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and beautifully creamy.
- Ladle into bowls and let everyone add their favorite toppings. Dinner is served!
Fun Twists for Different Tastes
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can customize it. It’s a fantastic base for pleasing everyone at the table.
For sensitive kids who don’t like things mixed, serve the soup with the cheese and toppings on the side for a DIY bar. For the adults, try stirring in a can of chopped green chilies for a little extra kick or crumbling some cooked bacon on top!
Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)
This soup is a lifesaver for meal prep. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Let the soup cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for up to 4 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it has thickened up.
Nutrition Notes
- Protein-Packed: Thanks to the ground beef and black beans, this meal is satisfying and helps keep everyone full.
- Provides a good source of fiber from the beans and corn.
- You can easily control the sodium by using low-sodium broth and taco seasoning.
- Packed with Vitamin C and Lycopene from the tomatoes.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this in a crockpot?
Absolutely! This is one of my favorite crockpot recipes for a busy day. Just brown the beef and onion first, then add everything except the cheese to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4. Stir in the cheese just before serving.
My child is wary of beans. Any tips?
I’ve been there. You can try mashing the beans slightly with a fork before adding them—they’ll blend right into the broth and thicken the soup without being as noticeable. It’s a great little trick!
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes beautifully, making it a perfect quick healthy dinner for another night. Cool it completely and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
This Beefy Cheesy Taco Soup has truly become our go-to for a stress-free, delicious weeknight dinner. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile.
I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Did your picky eaters ask for seconds? Please leave a comment and rating below to let me know how it turned out!
