Taco Fritos Soup is a deliciously thick soup infused with Tex-Mex spices and flavors. It has the texture of a taco soup as it is filled with stunning ingredients such as beef, beans, and a host of other spices. You can prepare this dish for a weekday dinner, a family get together or even when having friends over and enjoy the positive reactions and responses. With that said, let’s get into the details of the Taco Soup Fritos Recipe, followed by a few variations suited to diverse tastes and preferences.
Classic Taco Soup with Fritos Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 can 15 oz of black beans, drained and washed
- 1 can 15 oz of kidney beans, drained and washed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilis (e.g., Rotel)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 cup Fritos corn chips (plus extra for topping)
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, avocado slices, or cilantro
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef In a sizable kettle or Dutch oven, add oil and cook over medium heat. The ground beef needs to be brown. Onion should be added and sauté for around 3 to 5 minutes, or until soft. Drain out the extra grease in the jar.
- Combine Ingredients After draining and washing, combine the black beans, kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies and tomato sauce in a sandwich. Stir together into the kettle the taco seasoning and ranch seasoning mix.
- Simmer the Soup Then pour the beef or chicken broth into the boiling soup broth. Reduce the temperature, set on low, cover, and let simmer for 20 to 30 minutes so the flavors mingle.
- Serve and Garnish Ladle the soup into bowls and top with Fritos. Add your choice of optional toppings, such as shredded cheese or sour cream. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Three Variations of Taco Soup with Fritos
Vegetarian Taco Soup
This variation does not have ground beef but is still rich in bold flavors, perfect for those people out there that don’t want to consume meat.
Ingredients Adjustments
- Replace the ground beef with an additional can of beans (pinto beans work well).
- Use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth.
Additional Ingredients
- Bell peppers or diced zucchini, 1 cup would enhance texture and add nutrients.
Instructions Simply follow the instructions in the classic recipe but don’t include ground beef; instead add vegetables, beans and the other ingredients. This taco version is very delicious and filling, perfect for people who want a meal without meat.
Spicy Taco Soup
If you like your dishes with a bit of heat, this spicy variation is perfect.
Ingredients Adjustments
- Add 1-2 diced fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers when sautéing the onion.
- Use a spicy taco seasoning mix.
- Replace diced tomatoes with green chilis with a can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
- Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
Optional Toppings
- Pickled jalapeños
- Hot sauce
Instructions Prepare the soup as described in the classic recipe, incorporating the spicy elements. Adjust the heat level to your preference by adding more or less cayenne or chiliflakes.
Creamy Taco Soup
This variation adds a rich, creamy texture to the soup, making it even more comforting.
Ingredients Adjustments
- Add 4 oz cream cheese (softened) or ½ cup heavy cream.
- Replace some or all of the broth with milk or half-and-half.
Optional Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese mixed into the soup.
Instructions
- After simmering the soup for 20 minutes, lower the heat further and stir in the cream cheese or heavy cream until fully incorporated.
- Let the soup warm through but avoid boiling, as this can cause the cream to separate.
- Serve topped with Fritos and garnish with additional shredded cheese for extra richness.
Tips for Making the Best Taco Soup Fritos Recipe
- Customize the Protein Feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Ahead for Convenience You may prepare the taco soup a day ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. Overnight, the flavors will intensify and become much more delicious. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
- Slow Cooker Option Start by browning some onions and ground beef, and once those are ready, all other ingredients can be added into the pot. You can then proceed to add the Fritos when the dish is almost completed.
- Topping Creativity In addition to Fritos, try toppings like crushed tortilla chips, crumbled queso fresco, or even a drizzle of lime crema for extra flair.
Why Taco Soup with Fritos is a Crowd Favorite
The combination of hearty soup and crunchy Fritos creates a delightful contrast in textures, while the classic taco-inspired flavors appeal to a wide range of palates. The dish is highly customizable, making it easy to adapt for dietary preferences or spice levels.
Conclusion
Taco Soup Fritos Recipe is guaranteed to make its way to the Mexican soups you will keep close, whether you follow the original recipe or adapt one of the adaptations. Share it at family dinners, during get-togethers with friends, or on cold nights to feel physically and spiritually relaxed.
Bon appétit and have fun in the kitchen with all the cooking activities that this soup demands; remember to add more of those Fritos for that crunch.
Tags: Taco Soup FritosTaco Soup Fritos Recipe