Struggling to find one meal the *entire* family will eat without a chorus of complaints? I feel you. As a parent, I’ve spent many evenings staring into the pantry, hoping for a miracle.
That’s why I’m so excited to share our family’s absolute favorite: Beefy Cheesy Taco Soup – Family Night Winner. This dish has single-handedly saved our weeknight dinners more times than I can count. It’s the hero we all need, just like our popular Crack Chicken Soup.
I remember the first time I served it, holding my breath as my most particular eater took a tentative bite. The smile that followed was pure magic. Now, it’s our go-to for a guaranteed happy table.
Recipe Overview
Here’s the quick lowdown on this lifesaver of a meal. It’s everything you need to know at a glance.
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Category: Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (or 4-6 hours on low in a crockpot)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!
My kids can be tough critics, but this soup wins them over every single time. I think it’s all about the familiar, comforting flavors.
It tastes just like a taco, but in a fun, spoonable form. The cheesy, beefy broth is an instant hit. Plus, they can see all the ingredients, which really helps with their comfort level.
No mysterious green bits floating around to cause suspicion. It’s a trust-building meal that feels like a treat.
Beefy Cheesy Taco Soup – Family Night Winner Recipe
PREPARATION
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Beefy Cheesy Taco Soup – Family Night Winner Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List
I always keep these simple items on hand for a last-minute dinner rescue. You probably have most of them already!
1 pound lean ground beef, 1 medium onion (diced), 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 (15-ounce) can black beans (rinsed and drained), 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans (rinsed and drained), 1 (15-ounce) can corn (drained), 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce, 4 cups beef broth, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and tortilla chips for serving.
How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This
Getting my kids involved has been a game-changer for their willingness to try new foods. It gives them a sense of pride and ownership over the meal.
Their favorite job is crushing the tortilla chips for the topping. I put them in a zip-top bag and let them go to town with their hands. It’s a great sensory activity!
They also love being the official “cheese sprinkler.” Measuring and sprinkling the shredded cheese on top of their own bowls makes dinner feel extra special.
PREPARATION
This process is so straightforward, you can almost do it with your eyes closed. Let’s get cooking!
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the taco seasoning packet until the meat is evenly coated. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing already.
- Add the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce to the pot. Give everything a good stir.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top generously with shredded cheddar cheese and those crushed tortilla chips. Dinner is served!
Fun Twists for Different Tastes
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can customize it. We often do this to please everyone at the table.
For my sensitive kid, I sometimes serve the soup deconstructed. I give them a bowl of the broth and meat with the beans and corn on the side for dipping.
For the adults or more adventurous eaters, we love adding a dollop of sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice. You could even stir in some cooked rice to make it even heartier.
Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)
This soup is a fantastic make-ahead meal. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave or the entire pot on the stove over medium heat. You may need to add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened up.
Nutrition Notes
While it’s a comforting meal, it’s also packed with good stuff. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’re serving your family.
- High in Protein from the ground beef and beans.
- Excellent source of Fiber from the beans and corn.
- Provides Iron and other essential vitamins.
- Using low-sodium broth and beans can help control the salt content.
If you’re looking for more creamy, comforting soup ideas, you’ll adore our creamy white cheddar lasagna soup or the incredibly easy crock pot dump lasagna soup.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here are answers to the questions I get asked the most about this recipe.
Can I make this taco soup in a crockpot?
Absolutely! This is one of my favorite crockpot recipes for busy days. Just brown the beef and onion first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
My family doesn’t like beans. Can I leave them out?
Of course! Picky eater pro-tip: you can easily omit the beans. To bulk it up, try adding an extra can of corn or even some cooked pasta or rice at the end.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes beautifully! 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 family’s dinner security blanket. It’s the meal I know will bring everyone to the table with smiles.
It’s a simple, hearty, and utterly delicious solution to the “what’s for dinner” dilemma. I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it has to ours.
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!
