After a busy day, you crave something warm, comforting, and full of flavor. That’s when taco soup frios recipe comes to mind. This one-pot wonder combines everything you love about tacos—savory ground meat, bold spices, hearty beans, and crispy tortilla toppings—all in a delicious soup.
Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual dinner with friends, taco soup frios is easy to customize for everyone at the table. From spicy to mild, vegetarian to meaty, this soup is a crowd-pleaser.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to make the best taco soup frios from scratch. Get ready to impress with bold, comforting flavors everyone will love!
Table of Contents
What is Taco Soup Frios Recipe?
The taco soup frios recipe is a delightful twist on traditional taco soup. While taco soup is a beloved dish featuring beans, meat, taco spices, and a tomato-based broth, the addition of frios—crispy tortilla strips or chips—elevates it to a new level. These crunchy toppings add a satisfying texture, making each spoonful irresistible.
The dish is inspired by the bold and zesty flavors of Mexican cuisine. However, it’s highly customizable, so you can adapt it to your personal preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re wondering why the taco soup frios recipe deserves a spot in your recipe collection, here are a few reasons:
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and just one pot, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples like beans, tomatoes, and broth, it’s an affordable meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of taco seasoning, fresh vegetables, and savory toppings makes every bite memorable.
- Customizable: Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian option, a low-carb alternative, or a creamy twist, this recipe adapts to your preferences.
Ingredients for Taco Soup Frios Recipe
One of the best things about the taco soup frios recipe is its simplicity. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up whenever a craving strikes.
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey (for a lighter option)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (mild or hot, depending on your preference)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Spices:
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend: chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Toppings (The Frios):
- Crispy tortilla strips or corn chips
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack)
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced avocado
- Lime wedges
Tip: Make your own tortilla strips by slicing corn tortillas into thin strips and frying them until golden brown.
How to Make Taco Soup Frios
Ready to dive into the kitchen? Follow these simple steps to create the perfect taco soup frios recipe:
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Drain and rinse the beans to remove excess sodium.
- Gather your toppings and set them aside for easy assembly.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
- Stir in the onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 3 minutes).
Step 3: Add the Base Ingredients
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, green chilies, and broth.
- Add the black beans and kidney beans, stirring to combine.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
- Mix in the taco seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Prepare the Frios
- If making homemade tortilla strips, slice tortillas into thin strips and fry them in hot oil until crispy.
- Drain on paper towels and season with a pinch of salt.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Top with crispy tortilla strips, shredded cheese, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and diced avocado for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Taco Soup Frios Recipe
- Layer Your Spices: Toast the taco seasoning with the onion and garlic for a richer flavor.
- Adjust the Heat: Add more cayenne or diced jalapeños if you like it spicy, or omit them for a milder version.
- Batch Cooking: This soup freezes well, so consider making extra for quick meals later.
- Control the Salt: Use low-sodium beans and broth, then adjust salt to taste.
Creative Variations
The taco soup frios recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some fun ways to switch it up:
1. Vegetarian Taco Soup Frios
Swap the meat for plant-based crumbles, extra beans, or even diced sweet potatoes.
2. Cheesy Taco Soup
Stir in cream cheese or Velveeta for a rich and creamy texture.
3. Low-Carb Taco Soup
Skip the beans and tortilla strips. Add extra vegetables like zucchini, cauliflower, or bell peppers.
4. Chicken Taco Soup
Replace the ground beef with shredded chicken for a lighter option.
Health Benefits of Taco Soup Frios
This dish isn’t just delicious; it’s packed with nutrients that make it a healthy meal choice:
- High in Protein: The combination of meat and beans provides essential amino acids.
- Rich in Fiber: Beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting fullness.
- Packed with Antioxidants: Tomatoes, green chilies, and fresh toppings like cilantro and avocado are rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Customizable for Diets: Easily adapt the recipe to be gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian.
FAQs
1. What is the traditional taco soup frios recipe?
The traditional taco soup frios recipe includes ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and taco seasoning, topped with crispy tortilla strips, shredded cheese, and sour cream.
2. How do I make taco soup frios with ground beef?
Brown the ground beef with onions and garlic, then add beans, tomatoes, taco seasoning, and broth. Simmer for 20 minutes, garnish with toppings, and serve!
3. What’s in the original taco soup recipe?
The original taco soup recipe features ground meat, beans, tomatoes, taco spices, and crunchy toppings like tortilla strips.
4. Can you share an easy taco soup frios recipe?
Certainly! Combine browned ground meat, beans, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and broth. Simmer for 20 minutes and top with cheese, tortilla strips, and your favorite garnishes.
Conclusion
The taco soup frios recipe is a warm, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or enjoying it on a cold evening, this recipe delivers bold flavors, hearty ingredients, and comforting textures that everyone will love. With its crunchy fries topping, customizable nature, and ability to adapt to various dietary needs, it’s no surprise this dish has become a favorite for so many.
If you’re looking for even more ways to enjoy delicious and practical meals, don’t forget to explore our guide on creative ways to use leftover taco meat. This soup is also a great addition to your weekly meal prep, especially when paired with recipes like our meal prep canned salmon Buddha bowl for a well-rounded menu.
Taco Soup Frios
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
Canned Goods
- 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 can diced green chilies mild or hot
Broth
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Spices
- 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade blend
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional for heat
Toppings
- to taste crispy tortilla strips or corn chips
- to taste shredded cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack
- to taste sour cream
- to taste chopped cilantro
- to taste diced avocado
- to taste lime wedges
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Stir in the onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 3 minutes).
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, green chilies, and broth. Add the black beans and kidney beans, stirring to combine.
- Mix in the taco seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- If making homemade tortilla strips, slice tortillas into thin strips and fry them in hot oil until crispy. Drain on paper towels and season with a pinch of salt.
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with crispy tortilla strips, shredded cheese, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime. Garnish with chopped cilantro and diced avocado for extra flavor.
Notes
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