Introduction
Taco Soup Frios Recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines the best elements of a taco in soup form. This comforting soup is made with a base of ground meat (beef or chicken), beans, corn, tomatoes, and spices like chili powder and cumin. The addition of Frios corn chips takes the dish to the next level, adding a satisfying crunch and a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the savory soup. It’s an easy-to-make meal that everyone will love, ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Table of contents
Key Ingredients for Taco Soup Frios Recipe
Essential Ingredients for Taco Soup
The key ingredients for a classic taco soup include:
- Ground Meat: Ground beef or chicken are the most common options, but you can also make taco soup with ground turkey or pork. If you prefer a meatless version, beans can be the main protein source.
- Canned Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes or tomato sauce serve as the base for the soup’s liquid, bringing a rich, savory depth to the dish.
- Beans: Black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans add protein and fiber to the soup, making it more filling.
- Corn: Frozen or canned corn adds sweetness and texture.
- Spices: Taco seasoning is often used for convenience, though a combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder can be just as effective for achieving that bold, taco-like flavor.
- Broth: Chicken or beef broth helps to create the soup base. For a thicker texture, some recipes call for adding a little tomato paste or puree.

Special Ingredients for Taco Soup Frios Version
- Frios Corn Chips: The star ingredient that gives this version its unique twist. Frios add a crunchy texture and slightly sweet flavor that balances the soup’s richness.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese blends are commonly sprinkled on top of taco soup for added richness.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a cool contrast to the spicy soup.
- Fresh Garnishes: Cilantro, green onions, and avocado are perfect for brightening up the dish. Jalapeños can also add a spicy kick, depending on your heat tolerance.
Step-by-Step Taco Soup Frios Recipe Preparing the Base for Taco Soup
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and sauté finely chopped onions until they become soft and translucent, about 3–5 minutes. Add ground beef (or your chosen meat) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once the meat is cooked through, drain any excess fat. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its flavor.
Now, season the mixture with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir in the spices to make sure they coat the meat and onions evenly. Add canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), beans, corn, and broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Simmering the Soup for Flavor
After your taco soup base has simmered, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding salt, pepper, or more chili powder for extra spice. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can let it simmer for a longer period or add some tomato paste. If it’s too thick, simply add more broth to reach your desired consistency.
Once the soup has reached the perfect flavor balance, it’s time to serve. Ladle the soup into bowls, leaving some room at the top for the Frios and other garnishes.
Topping with Frios and Other Garnishes
Just before serving, top the soup with a generous handful of Frios corn chips. These crunchy chips will hold their shape for a while but soften slightly, absorbing some of the soup’s flavorful broth. For extra indulgence, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and let it melt into the hot soup. Add a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess, and finish with fresh cilantro or diced avocado for added freshness. For extra heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños.
Enjoy your taco soup with Frios as a hearty, comforting meal that everyone will love!

Customizing Your Taco Soup Frios Recipe
Vegetarian Taco Soup with Frios
For those who prefer a meat-free option, a vegetarian version of taco soup is just as satisfying. Simply replace the ground meat with hearty vegetables or beans. Black beans, pinto beans, and kidney beans are excellent substitutes for protein, while sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini add texture and flavor. You can also use a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, crumbled to mimic the texture of ground meat. Make sure you use vegetable broth to maintain the vegetarian theme. The addition of Frios chips remains the same and still provides that satisfying crunch, making the soup just as delicious and hearty.
Spicy Taco Soup with Frios
If you’re a fan of heat, you can spice up your taco soup with a variety of ingredients. Add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup base for an extra kick. You can also include fresh or pickled jalapeños for an added layer of spice. If you like a smoky flavor, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are a great choice. Don’t forget about hot sauce or a few dashes of crushed red pepper flakes to amp up the heat. For those who like it really spicy, garnish the soup with additional sliced jalapeños and a dollop of spicy sour cream or a drizzle of spicy salsa. The Frios chips will help balance the heat while adding a delightful crunch.
Tips for the Best Taco Soup with Frios
Perfecting the Soup’s Texture
One of the key elements to making the best taco soup is achieving the right consistency. If your soup is too thick, add a little more broth or water until it reaches your desired texture. On the other hand, if you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer to allow the flavors to develop and reduce slightly. If you want a creamy texture without adding cream, consider blending a small portion of the soup with an immersion blender before serving. This will give the soup a thicker base while keeping the delicious chunkiness of the beans and vegetables.
Frito Topping Tips
Frios are an essential part of this recipe, adding a satisfying crunch to the soup. To make sure they don’t get soggy too quickly, only add the Frios just before serving. You can even let your guests add their own Frios as they like to maintain the perfect texture. Another option is to bake the Frios separately in the oven for a couple of minutes before topping them on the soup—this gives them a fresher, crispier texture. If you prefer to prepare the soup ahead of time, keep the Frios in a separate bowl and let everyone top their own bowl when ready to serve.

Variations of Taco Soup Frios Recipe
Slow Cooker Taco Soup with Frios
Taco soup is a perfect dish for a slow cooker, allowing the flavors to develop slowly while you go about your day. To make taco soup in a slow cooker, brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic before transferring everything to the slow cooker. Add the tomatoes, beans, corn, and spices, and set the cooker on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method guarantees a rich, flavorful soup without much hands-on time. You can still add the Frios chips and toppings just before serving, making it an easy, fuss-free meal.
Instant Pot Taco Soup with Frios
If you’re short on time, the Instant Pot is a great way to prepare taco soup quickly. Sauté the onions, garlic, and meat directly in the Instant Pot, then add the rest of the ingredients. Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a quick release. This method cooks the soup in a fraction of the time, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The Instant Pot version of taco soup is just as flavorful and delicious as the traditional stovetop version, and it’s a great option for a quick meal.
Pairing Sides and Drinks with Taco Soup Frios
Ideal Side Dishes for Taco Soup
Taco soup with Frios is already filling on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can improve the meal. A light salad with a zesty lime dressing complements the richness of the soup. You can also serve it with cornbread or a side of rice to balance the soup’s texture. A side of roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini adds even more flavor and makes the meal feel complete. Tortilla chips or even more Frios can be served on the side for an extra crunch.
Best Drinks to Serve with Taco Soup
To balance the flavors of taco soup, refreshing beverages work best. A cold iced tea with a slice of lemon pairs well with the spiciness and richness of the soup. If you’re serving the soup for a more festive meal, consider pairing it with margaritas or a light beer, such as a Mexican lager. For non-alcoholic options, a citrus soda like Sprite or a fruit-infused water is a good choice to keep things refreshing. The key is to choose drinks that complement the soup’s savory and slightly spicy notes without overpowering them.

Healthier Alternatives for Taco Soup Frios
Low-Carb Taco Soup Frios
For those following a low-carb or keto diet, there are several ways to adapt taco soup while still keeping the essence of the dish. Instead of using traditional beans and corn, substitute with cauliflower rice and zucchini or other low-carb vegetables. Ground turkey or chicken breast can be used instead of beef for a leaner option. For the Frios topping, try using keto-friendly chips made from cheese, almonds, or other low-carb ingredients. You can even make your own “Frios” by baking thinly sliced zucchini chips or pork rinds for a crispy topping.
Dairy-Free Taco Soup Frios
If you’re following a dairy-free or vegan diet, you can easily modify the taco soup recipe. For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese and sour cream topping, and replace them with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cheese or vegan sour cream. You can also use coconut yogurt or avocado for a creamy texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and opt for plant-based proteins like lentils or soy-based meat crumbles. The Frios chips themselves are typically dairy-free, but always check the packaging to confirm there are no hidden dairy ingredients. This version is still creamy and flavorful without the use of dairy products.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Birria Taco Soup Made of?
Birria taco soup draws inspiration from the traditional Mexican stew, birria. The recipe uses slow-cooked meat, such as beef, goat, or lamb. It gets seasoned with spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic, and cinnamon. You cook the meat in a rich broth made from tomatoes, garlic, onion, and dried chilies like guajillo and ancho. You can also add vegetables like carrots and potatoes. Top the soup with cilantro, onion, lime, and tortillas or tortilla chips. The result is a savory, rich soup with heat and crunch.
How Much Sugar is in Taco Soup?
Taco soup usually contains very little sugar. It relies on savory ingredients like meat, beans, tomatoes, and spices. Some recipes add a small amount of sugar to balance acidity or spice. On average, one cup of taco soup contains 1-3 grams of sugar. The sugar comes mainly from canned tomatoes, corn, or sweeteners. For a lower-sugar option, use fresh tomatoes and skip the added sugar.
What Can I Use to Thicken Taco Soup?
You can thicken taco soup in several ways:
- Cornstarch or Flour: Mix cornstarch or flour with cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the soup.
- Mashed Beans: Mash some beans directly in the soup to create a creamy texture without changing the flavor.
- Tortilla Chips or Cornmeal: Crush tortilla chips or add cornmeal to the soup. Both will thicken it and improve the flavor.
- Simmering: Let the soup simmer longer. As it reduces, it naturally thickens.
What is Tortilla Soup Made Of?
Tortilla soup features a flavorful broth. The broth combines chicken or vegetable stock, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices like cumin and chili powder. You typically add shredded chicken, corn, and beans to the soup. Some recipes also include vegetables like zucchini or carrots. Crispy tortilla strips are key to the soup. They add a satisfying crunch. You top the soup with avocado, cilantro, lime, cheese, and sour cream. These ingredients come together to create a savory soup with excellent texture and flavor.
Conclusion:
Final Thoughts on Taco Soup with Frios
- Taco soup with Frios is the perfect comfort food that combines familiar taco flavors with a hearty, satisfying soup base. The addition of crunchy Frios chips takes this dish to the next level, providing a delightful contrast in texture to the smooth and flavorful soup. Whether you prefer a vegetarian version, want to add some heat, or need a quicker meal, taco soup with Frios is a versatile and easy recipe to customize. It’s ideal for feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or enjoying a warm, comforting dish on a chilly evening. Its combination of flavors and textures makes it a must-try, and once you make it, you’ll be hooked on this delicious twist on a classic comfort food. Give it a try, and enjoy the tasty crunch of Frios in every bite!