The Best Taco Soup Frios Recipe – Step-by-Step

There’s something deeply satisfying about a warm, hearty bowl of taco soup frios recipe. It’s a dish that combines bold Mexican flavors, a rich broth, and a crunchy topping to create the perfect meal. Unlike traditional taco soup, this version includes Fritos chips, adding a crispy texture that elevates every bite.

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd. You’ll love how quickly it comes together with simple ingredients while still delivering a complex, well-balanced flavor.

In this expanded guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions on making the best taco soup frios recipe, including ingredient choices, cooking techniques, expert tips, and creative variations. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced home chef, you’ll find this recipe delicious, easy to follow, and perfect for any occasion.

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How to Make Taco Soup Frios Recipe – Ingredients & Instructions

Every great dish begins with quality ingredients. This section will cover everything you need to make a delicious and satisfying taco soup frios recipe, along with helpful substitutions and pro tips to ensure a perfect outcome.

Ingredients List

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making taco soup frios recipe is incredibly easy, requiring only one pot and minimal prep time. Follow these detailed steps to create a soup that is flavorful, hearty, and perfectly thick.

1. Sauté the Base

• Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add the ground beef or turkey, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
• Drain excess grease to prevent the soup from being too oily.
• Stir in the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the onions turn translucent.

2. Season & Simmer

• Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the meat mixture. Stir well to coat everything in bold, smoky flavors.
• Add the black beans, corn, Rotel tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir everything together, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
• Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to develop fully.

taco soup frios recipe

3. Adjust the Consistency

• If the soup is too thick, add an extra ½ cup of broth until it reaches the desired texture.
• If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water) to thicken it up.

4. Add Final Touches & Serve

• Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and top with Fritos chips, shredded cheese, and sour cream.
• Garnish with chopped cilantro and fresh lime wedges for a burst of freshness.
• For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.

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Why Is My Taco Soup So Watery? Tips for the Perfect Consistency

A common issue with taco soup is achieving the right thickness. If your soup feels too watery, there are simple ways to fix it without compromising flavor.

Common Causes of Watery Soup

1. Too much liquid – Adding excessive broth can make the soup thinner than desired.
2. Not enough thickening ingredients – Beans, tomato sauce, and corn naturally contribute to a thicker consistency.
3. Over-simmering – Cooking for too long without a lid can cause liquid loss without properly reducing the soup.

How to Fix Watery Taco Soup

• Let It Reduce Naturally: Simmer uncovered for 5-10 minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
• Use a Cornstarch Slurry: Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, then stir it into the soup. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until thickened.
• Mash Some Beans: Take ½ cup of black beans, mash them, and stir them back into the soup. This naturally increases thickness.
• Add More Tomato Sauce: If the soup lacks body, adding an extra ¼ cup of tomato sauce can help balance the consistency.

What to Eat with Taco Soup? Perfect Side Dishes

Pairing your taco soup frios recipe with the right sides makes the meal even more satisfying. Here are some delicious options:

Classic Mexican Sides

• Cornbread: A sweet and buttery addition that balances the soup’s spice.
• Mexican Rice: A flavorful, fluffy rice dish that absorbs the broth beautifully.
• Cheesy Quesadillas: Melty, crispy quesadillas complement the rich soup flavors.

Lighter Options

• Avocado Salad: Fresh avocado, tomatoes, and lime offer a cool contrast to the warm soup.
• Grilled Vegetables: A mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and onions adds a smoky depth.

Crunchy Additions

• Extra Fritos or Tortilla Chips: Provides additional crunch with every bite.
• Pickled Red Onions: Adds a tangy kick to balance the soup’s richness.

taco soup frios recipe

Pro Tips & Variations for the Best Taco Soup Frios Recipe

Cooking taco soup frios recipe is simple, but adding a few expert touches can elevate it to a restaurant-quality dish. From choosing the best ingredients to customizing the recipe, these pro tips and creative variations will help you make the perfect batch every time.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Taco Soup Frios Recipe

1. Use Freshly Ground Spices for a Bolder Flavor

Although pre-made taco seasoning is convenient, using freshly ground spices takes the flavor to another level. Instead of a packet, mix:

• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp oregano
• ¼ tsp cayenne (optional, for heat)

To enhance the aroma, toast the spices in the pan for 30 seconds before adding the broth.

2. Choose the Right Beans for Texture

For a heartier soup, use black beans or kidney beans. If you prefer a creamier consistency, mash half of the beans before adding them to the pot.

3. Simmer Longer for an Intense, Rich Taste

Although 20 minutes of simmering is enough, letting the soup cook for an extra 10-15 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Creative Variations to Try

1. Slow Cooker Taco Soup Frios Recipe

• Brown the ground beef separately, then transfer everything to a slow cooker.
• Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for a hands-free meal.
• The slow cooking process deepens the flavors, making the soup even richer.

2. Creamy Cheesy Taco Soup Frios Recipe

• Stir in 4 oz of cream cheese or ½ cup of heavy cream just before serving for a creamy, indulgent twist.
• Add shredded cheddar, pepper jack, or queso fresco for extra cheesiness.

3. Spicy Tex-Mex Version

• Add 1-2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky heat.
• Garnish with pickled jalapeños and hot sauce to kick up the spice.

4. Low-Carb Keto Taco Soup Frios Recipe

• Swap black beans and corn for diced bell peppers and zucchini.
• Use pork rinds instead of Fritos for a low-carb crunch.
• Replace tomato sauce with low-carb salsa to cut sugar.

How to Store & Reheat Taco Soup Frios Recipe

This soup is great for meal prep since it stores and reheats well. Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious for days.

Storing in the Refrigerator

• Let the soup cool completely before storing it.
• Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Store Fritos chips separately to keep them crunchy.

Freezing for Long-Term Storage

• Freeze without toppings for the best results.
• Pour the cooled soup into a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions

• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each round.
• From Frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as usual.

These methods ensure your soup remains rich, flavorful, and just as delicious as the day it was made.

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FAQs – Everything You Need to Know

What Is the Most Popular Mexican Dish?

Tacos, enchiladas, tamales, and pozole are among the most famous Mexican dishes worldwide. Tacos, in particular, are a global favorite, with countless regional variations.

What Are the Ingredients for Taco Soup?

Traditional taco soup includes:

• Ground beef or turkey
• Beans (black or kidney)
• Corn
• Tomatoes (diced or Rotel-style)
• Taco seasoning
• Broth (beef or chicken)
• Toppings like cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips

Why Is My Taco Soup Watery?

Your taco soup may be too thin due to:

1. Excess liquid – Adding too much broth.
2. Not enough thickening ingredients – Beans and tomato sauce naturally thicken the soup.
3. Over-simmering – Cooking too long with a lid traps excess moisture.

How to Fix It:

• Simmer uncovered for 5-10 minutes.
• Mash some beans for natural thickening.
• Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).

What’s a Good Side Dish for Mexican Food?

Some delicious Mexican-inspired side dishes include:

• Cornbread or quesadillas for a hearty pairing.
• Mexican rice to absorb extra broth.
• Grilled vegetables or avocado salad for a lighter option.

taco soup frios recipe

Taco Soup Frios Recipe

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Taco Soup Frios Recipe is a bold and comforting dish that blends classic Mexican flavors with a rich, hearty broth and the irresistible crunch of Fritos chips. 

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey (or shredded chicken as a substitute)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 can Rotel tomatoes (adds a spicy kick)
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 3 cups beef or chicken broth (adjust for preferred consistency)
• 1 cup Fritos chips (for topping)
• ½ cup shredded cheese (optional, for garnish)
• ¼ cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
• ¼ cup jalapeños (optional, for added heat)
• 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
• 2 lime wedges (for squeezing over the top)

Instructions

• Sauté the Base:

  • Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  • Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
  • Stir in diced onions and minced garlic, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until onions are translucent.

• Season & Simmer:

  • Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat mixture and stir well.
  • Add black beans, corn, Rotel tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Mix well.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

• Adjust the Consistency:

  • If too thick, add an extra ½ cup of broth.
  • If too thin, simmer uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes.
  • To thicken, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).

• Serve & Garnish:

  • Ladle the soup into bowls and top with Fritos chips, shredded cheese, and sour cream.
  • Garnish with cilantro and fresh lime wedges.
  • For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce.

Notes

• For a Slow Cooker Version: Brown the meat first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
• For a Creamy Version: Stir in 4 oz cream cheese or ½ cup heavy cream before serving.
• For a Low-Carb/Keto Version: Swap beans and corn for diced bell peppers and zucchini, and use pork rinds instead of Fritos.
• Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Store Fritos separately to keep them crunchy.

• Author: beginrecipes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: soup
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 350
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 20g

Conclusion – The Perfect Bowl of Taco Soup Frios Recipe

This ultimate guide to taco soup frios recipe has covered everything from step-by-step instructions and pro tips to creative variations and storage methods. Now you have all the tools to make this dish your own!

Whether you’re cooking for a quick family dinner or preparing a comforting meal for a gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a warm, flavorful bowl of taco soup frios recipe!