Taco Soup Frios
A flavorful, customizable Mexican-inspired soup made with seasoned frios, beans, vegetables, and bold spices. Perfect for quick dinners, meal prep, or cozy gatherings — with endless variations including vegetarian, low-carb, and cheesy styles.
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon (for stirring and deglazing)
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
- Can opener
- Knife and cutting board
- Ladle (for serving)
- Airtight containers (for storing leftovers or freezing)
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (or chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained (optional)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
1 packet taco seasoning OR:
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup frios (tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips)
Optional toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Avocado slices
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- -Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.-Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.-Stir in diced onion and garlic. Cook until softened.-Add beans, corn (if using), diced tomatoes, and broth.-Stir in taco seasoning or individual spices.-Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes.-Stir in frios during the last few minutes of cooking.-Adjust seasoning to taste.-Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Customize to taste: Ground beef can be substituted with shredded chicken, turkey, or a plant-based protein for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Spice level: Adjust the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to control the heat.
- Add greens: Stir in fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients.
- Topping tip: Garnish with shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro, or a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for extra richness and texture.
- For extra depth: Deglaze the pot with a splash of broth or tomato juice after browning the meat to lift flavorful bits from the bottom.
- Make it creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese to turn it into a creamy version.
- Meal prep friendly: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
- Storage tip: Leave space at the top of containers before freezing to allow for expansion, and always label with the date.