If you’re searching for a dish that perfectly marries the zesty allure of Mexican cuisine with the comforting embrace of Italian classics, look no further than Cheesy Taco Lasagna Soup. This innovative recipe takes everything you adore about a hearty taco and a bubbling lasagna, transforming them into a warm, creamy, and utterly irresistible soup. It’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and any occasion where you crave maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Get ready to dive spoon-first into a bowl of pure deliciousness that will quickly become a family favorite!
Key Ingredients for Cheesy Taco Lasagna Soup
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this flavor-packed soup:
- 1 lb Ground Beef or Turkey: Lean ground beef (90/10) or ground turkey works best for a less greasy soup.
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil: For browning the meat and sautéing aromatics.
- 1 medium Yellow Onion: Finely chopped.
- 2 cloves Garlic: Minced.
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Undrained, for a zesty kick.
- 1 (15 oz) can Black Beans: Rinsed and drained.
- 1 (15 oz) can Diced Tomatoes: Undrained.
- 1 (8 oz) can Tomato Sauce: For a rich tomato base.
- 4 cups Chicken Broth: Low sodium preferred, to control saltiness.
- 1 (1 oz) packet Taco Seasoning: Or 2-3 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning.
- 1 tsp Cumin: For authentic taco flavor.
- 1 tsp Chili Powder: Adds depth and warmth.
- 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika: For a subtle smoky note.
- 6-8 Lasagna Noodles: Broken into 1-2 inch pieces (or use oven-ready lasagna noodles for ease).
- 8 oz Cream Cheese: Full-fat, softened and cut into cubes.
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Plus more for topping.
- 1/2 cup Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese: Plus more for topping, for extra melty goodness.
- 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro: Chopped, for garnish (optional).
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: For serving (optional).
- Crushed Tortilla Chips or Strips: For serving (optional).
- Sliced Jalapeños: Fresh or pickled, for serving (optional).
How to Make Cheesy Taco Lasagna Soup
This Cheesy Taco Lasagna Soup is an absolute breeze to whip up, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
It boasts a rich, creamy broth, packed with seasoned ground meat, tender pasta, and a medley of Mexican-inspired ingredients, all topped with a generous blanket of melted cheese. Ready in just about 45 minutes, it’s the perfect hearty meal for busy weeknights that the whole family will adore.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Brown the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped yellow onion to the pot with the browned meat. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Build the Flavor Base: Stir in the Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained), rinsed and drained black beans, diced tomatoes (undrained), and tomato sauce.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth. Add the taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Lasagna Noodles: While the soup simmers, break the lasagna noodles into 1-2 inch pieces. Add the broken noodles to the simmering soup. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup becomes too thick, you can add a splash more chicken broth or water.
- Create the Creaminess: Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese cubes, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese to the pot. Stir continuously until all the cheeses are melted and fully incorporated, creating a wonderfully creamy and cheesy broth.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or a pinch more taco seasoning to suit your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the hot Cheesy Taco Lasagna Soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, crushed tortilla chips, or sliced jalapeños, if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Taco Lasagna Soup
You’ll quickly fall in love with Cheesy Taco Lasagna Soup because its main highlight is the incredible fusion of familiar, comforting flavors in a delightful new form. This dish delivers all the spicy, cheesy goodness of a taco dinner and the hearty satisfaction of a lasagna, all in one spoonable bowl.
Making this at home is a fantastic cost-saver compared to takeout, providing a delicious, homemade meal that easily feeds a crowd for a fraction of the price. The rich, creamy broth, seasoned ground beef, and tender lasagna noodles are elevated by flavorful toppings like fresh cilantro, zesty sour cream, and crunchy tortilla chips. If you enjoyed our One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta, then you absolutely must try this soup; it offers a similar ease of preparation with an exciting Tex-Mex twist. Don’t wait – dive into this incredible flavor experience tonight!
What to Serve Cheesy Taco Lasagna Soup With
This hearty Cheesy Taco Lasagna Soup is substantial enough to be a meal on its own, but here are some suggestions to complement it:
- Warm Cornbread or Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious, cheesy broth.
- Simple Green Salad: A light, refreshing salad with a vinaigrette dressing can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the soup.
- Avocado Slices or Guacamole: Adds a creamy, healthy fat element.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh and vibrant, offering a burst of fresh flavor.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens all the flavors in the soup.
- Mexican Rice: If you’re looking for an even heartier meal, a side of Mexican rice works well.
- Margaritas or Mexican Beer: For an adult pairing, a classic margarita or a crisp Mexican lager would be excellent.
Top Tips for Perfecting Cheesy Taco Lasagna Soup
To ensure your Cheesy Taco Lasagna Soup turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Lasagna noodles can quickly become mushy if overcooked, especially in soup. Cook them al dente or even slightly underdone, as they will continue to soften in the hot soup once removed from the heat.
- Break Noodles Evenly: Try to break your lasagna noodles into roughly similar-sized pieces (1-2 inches). This ensures they cook evenly and are easier to eat in a spoon.
- Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: While you can use reduced-fat cream cheese, full-fat cream cheese melts more smoothly and contributes significantly to the soup’s luxurious, creamy texture without curdling.
- Adjust Spiciness to Taste: If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the seasonings, or include an extra can of diced green chilies. For less heat, use mild Rotel.
- Ingredient Substitutions:
- Meat: Ground chicken or even a plant-based ground substitute can be used instead of beef or turkey.
- Beans: Pinto beans or kidney beans can replace black beans.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with other good melting cheeses like Colby Jack, Pepper Jack (for extra spice), or a Mexican blend.
- Vegetables: Diced bell peppers or corn can be added along with the onion for extra veggies and flavor.
- Prevent Cheese from Curdling: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before adding it to the soup, and ensure the soup is on low heat when you stir in the cheeses. Stir continuously until smooth.
- Taste Before Serving: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust seasonings. Sometimes a little extra salt, pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce can make all the difference.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper storage ensures your Cheesy Taco Lasagna Soup stays delicious for days to come:
- Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pasta tends to absorb more liquid the longer it sits, so the soup will thicken.
- Reheating (Stovetop): For best results, reheat individual portions or the entire batch on the stovetop over medium-low heat. You will likely need to add a splash of chicken broth or water (1/4 to 1/2 cup per serving) to thin the soup back to your desired consistency, as the pasta will have absorbed much of the liquid. Stir frequently until heated through.
- Reheating (Microwave): Reheat individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally, until hot. Again, you may need to add a small amount of liquid to thin it out.
- Freezing: This soup freezes surprisingly well, though the pasta texture might be slightly softer upon reheating.
- To freeze, cool the soup completely. Transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- To Reheat from Frozen: Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding broth or water as needed to reach the desired consistency. Bring to a gentle simmer until heated through.
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Final Thoughts: Cheesy Taco Lasagna Soup FAQs
Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Omit the ground beef/turkey and instead sauté extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also use a plant-based ground meat substitute and vegetable broth.
Q: My soup is too thick after refrigerating. What should I do?
A: This is normal! The pasta continues to absorb liquid. When reheating, simply add a splash of chicken or vegetable broth (or water) at a time, stirring until you reach your desired soup consistency.
Q: Can I use different types of pasta?
A: While lasagna noodles are part of the dish’s charm, you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or even elbow macaroni if you’re in a pinch. Adjust cooking times according to package directions.
Q: How can I make this soup spicier?
A: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or include a diced jalapeño with the onion and garlic. Using “hot” Rotel tomatoes will also increase the heat!
Q: What if I don’t have all the cheeses listed?
A: You can certainly use a single type of cheese if that’s what you have on hand, or a pre-shredded “Mexican blend” cheese. The cream cheese is key for creaminess, but for the shredded cheeses, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack will all work well.
Embrace the delicious fusion and create this Cheesy Taco Lasagna Soup – it’s a culinary adventure your taste buds won’t soon forget!