Loaded Nacho Soup
Highlighted under: Simple Weeknight Wonders
I absolutely love making Loaded Nacho Soup because it combines all my favorite snack flavors into a warm, comforting dish. This hearty soup is perfect for game days or casual get-togethers, and it’s surprisingly easy to prepare. With the right balance of spices, cheese, and toppings, you can turn this bowl of soup into a flavor explosion. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftovers or clean out your pantry. Let me show you how to whip this up in no time!
When I first made this Loaded Nacho Soup, I was amazed at how much flavor could be packed into a single bowl. The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a depth that perfectly melds with the melted cheese and crispy toppings. I tried different ratios of cheese until I found the creamy consistency I craved, and it made all the difference!
A tip I picked up along the way is to sauté the onions and garlic until they're golden before adding them to the mix. This step enhances the flavor profile, ensuring every spoonful is rich and satisfying. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- A delicious fusion of nacho flavors with a comforting soup twist
- Customizable with your choice of toppings and spices
- Perfect for cozy gatherings or weeknight dinners
Flavorful Foundations
The base of this Loaded Nacho Soup is what truly makes it stand out. The combination of black beans and diced tomatoes creates a rich and hearty texture. Black beans not only add protein but also bring a subtle earthy flavor that complements the spices beautifully. When you sauté the onions and garlic, make sure to cook them until they are translucent and fragrant, as this step enhances the depth of flavor in your soup.
Don’t hesitate to adjust the taco seasoning to suit your taste. The typical blend includes cumin, chili powder, and paprika, which elevate the overall essence of the soup. If you prefer a kick, add more chili powder or even some cayenne pepper. Remember, you can always start with a little and gradually add more, as it’s easier to spice up the dish than to tone it down.
Customizing Your Soup
One of the best aspects of Loaded Nacho Soup is its versatility. You can easily swap out the corn for other vegetables based on what you have on hand. Frozen peas or diced zucchinis can work nicely, and will still maintain that comforting texture. If you're looking for a different protein, you could toss in some shredded chicken or ground turkey, making this soup even heartier.
As for the cheeses, while cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with pepper jack for an added kick or a creamy blend of mozzarella and gouda for a rich flavor. Just be sure to taste the soup as it cooks to ensure the balance of flavors is to your liking. This adaptability is what makes it so wonderful for using up pantry items or leftovers!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving Loaded Nacho Soup, presentation can elevate your dish. I like to arrange the toppings in small bowls, allowing everyone to customize their bowl to their preference. The crunch of tortilla chips adds contrast to the creamy soup, while the freshness of cilantro and green onions brightens the dish. For a fire-roasted flavor, consider garnishing with charred peppers or using flavored tortilla chips.
If you’re making this soup for a crowd, double the recipe and serve it in a large pot as a communal dish. It’s perfect for game day gatherings or casual dinners, accompanied by a side of crusty bread or warm quesadillas. The leftovers (if you have any) store well in the fridge for up to three days and can easily be reheated on the stovetop with a splash of broth for added moisture.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to prepare your Loaded Nacho Soup:
Soup Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- Tortilla chips
- Sour cream
- Sliced jalapeños
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced green onions
Once you have all your ingredients, you're ready to get cooking!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your Loaded Nacho Soup:
Sauté Vegetables
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add Beans and Tomatoes
Add the black beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), vegetable broth, and taco seasoning. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Incorporate Corn and Cheese
Add the corn kernels to the pot and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Serve and Enjoy
Ladle soup into bowls, top with tortilla chips, additional cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, cilantro, and green onions. Enjoy immediately!
You've made a delicious Loaded Nacho Soup that everyone will love!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding a splash of lime juice just before serving. It brightens up the soup and complements the spices perfectly.
Storage and Reheating
After enjoying your Loaded Nacho Soup, if you have leftovers, make sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's best to keep the toppings separate to maintain their freshness and crunch. The soup can last for about three to four days, but I recommend consuming it sooner for the best taste and texture.
For reheating, simply place the soup in a pot over medium heat until it warms through. If it thickens too much during storage, you can add a bit of vegetable broth or water to restore its consistency. Stir occasionally to avoid scorching the bottom, which can change the flavor profile drastically.
Dietary Options
If you're looking for a gluten-free alternative, ensure your taco seasoning does not contain gluten or opt for a homemade spice blend. Also, you can use gluten-free tortilla chips as a topping, allowing all to enjoy this delicious soup without worrying about dietary restrictions. It's a fantastic option for accommodating different guests’ needs without compromising on flavor.
For a vegan variation, simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute. Additionally, use vegetable broth and double the amount of corn or beans to enhance the protein. The soup remains hearty and flavorful, making it suitable for vegans and omnivores alike.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this soup vegan?
Absolutely! Just substitute the cheese with a vegan cheese alternative and use vegetable broth.
→ How can I make it spicier?
You can include diced fresh jalapeños while sautéing or add extra taco seasoning for a kick.
→ Can I freeze Loaded Nacho Soup?
Yes, it freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
→ What toppings do you recommend?
Tortilla chips, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, and chopped cilantro are all great options to enhance the flavor.
Loaded Nacho Soup
I absolutely love making Loaded Nacho Soup because it combines all my favorite snack flavors into a warm, comforting dish. This hearty soup is perfect for game days or casual get-togethers, and it’s surprisingly easy to prepare. With the right balance of spices, cheese, and toppings, you can turn this bowl of soup into a flavor explosion. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftovers or clean out your pantry. Let me show you how to whip this up in no time!
Created by: Mario
Recipe Type: Simple Weeknight Wonders
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Soup Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- Tortilla chips
- Sour cream
- Sliced jalapeños
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced green onions
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the black beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), vegetable broth, and taco seasoning. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add the corn kernels to the pot and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Ladle soup into bowls, top with tortilla chips, additional cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, cilantro, and green onions. Enjoy immediately!
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding a splash of lime juice just before serving. It brightens up the soup and complements the spices perfectly.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 49g
- Dietary Fiber: 10g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 20g