Let’s face it—taco soup is one of those feel-good meals that everyone loves. It’s warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or even a potluck with friends. But what happens when your taco soup ends up a little too thin? You know, more like a broth than the thick, satisfying bowl you were hoping for? Don’t worry—I’ve got your back!
In this post, I’ll walk you through some of the easiest and most effective ways to thicken taco soup, so it’s rich, creamy, and downright irresistible. Whether you want to stick to traditional ingredients or try something a little different, there’s a solution for every taste.
For a fun twist, check out this Taco Soup with Fritos recipe—it’s the perfect pairing for your thickened soup!
1. Cornstarch Slurry: The Classic Fix
Cornstarch is probably the most common go-to for thickening soups, and for good reason. It’s quick, easy, and doesn’t mess with the flavor of your dish. All you need is a tablespoon of cornstarch and a couple of tablespoons of cold water.
- How to Use It:
Mix the cornstarch with cold water until it’s smooth—no lumps allowed! Slowly stir it into your simmering taco soup, and you’ll see the magic happen in just a few minutes. Boom—thicker soup! - Pro Tip: Don’t skip the “cold water first” step. Adding cornstarch directly to hot soup will make it clump faster than a toddler with a bag of flour.
2. Mashed Beans: A Flavor-Packed Option
If you love beans in your taco soup (and honestly, who doesn’t?), mashing some of them is an easy way to thicken things up without adding anything extra. Plus, it keeps the flavor 100% on point.
- How to Use It:
Scoop out a cup of beans from your soup—black beans, pinto beans, or even kidney beans work great. Mash them up with a fork or potato masher, then stir them back into the pot. Let it simmer for a bit, and voilà—your soup has gone from soupy to stewy in no time. - Pro Tip: If you’re using canned beans, rinse them before adding them to the soup to avoid that tinny flavor.
3. Tortilla Chips or Masa Harina: Keeping It Authentic
If you’re aiming for authentic taco vibes, crushed tortilla chips or masa harina (corn flour) are the way to go. Both add a nice corn flavor while thickening your soup.
- How to Use Tortilla Chips:
Crush a handful (or two) of tortilla chips and stir them directly into your soup. Let them sit for a few minutes to soften, then give it a good stir. The chips will break down and thicken the soup beautifully. - How to Use Masa Harina:
Whisk a couple of tablespoons of masa harina with a bit of water, then add it to the soup. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, and you’ll notice the soup getting thicker and even more flavorful. - Pro Tip: Don’t overdo it with the chips, or your soup might end up tasting more like nacho dip. Unless that’s what you’re going for—then, hey, no judgment!
4. Cheese: Because Who Doesn’t Love Cheese?
Adding cheese to your taco soup doesn’t just make it creamier—it also helps thicken it. Plus, it’s cheese. Do I need to say more?
- How to Use It:
Shred some cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack (if you like a kick) and stir it into your soup while it’s still hot. As the cheese melts, it’ll help bind everything together, creating a rich and thick texture. - Pro Tip: Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded. The bagged stuff usually has anti-caking agents that can make your soup a little gritty.
5. Cream or Sour Cream: For a Velvety Texture
If you’re craving something rich and creamy, adding a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream is a no-brainer. It thickens the soup while giving it a silky, luxurious texture.
- How to Use It:
Stir in a few tablespoons of sour cream or heavy cream right before serving. Be careful not to boil the soup after adding cream, as it can curdle. Nobody wants chunky soup for the wrong reasons. - Pro Tip: Greek yogurt works as a lighter alternative if you’re watching calories but still want that creamy goodness.
6. Instant Potatoes: The Quick Fix
This might sound a little unconventional, but instant mashed potatoes are a total lifesaver when you’re in a pinch. They dissolve quickly and don’t overpower the soup’s flavor.
- How to Use It:
Sprinkle a few tablespoons of instant potato flakes directly into the soup while it’s simmering. Stir well and wait a couple of minutes to see the magic. - Pro Tip: Start small and add more as needed—it’s easier to thicken a soup than to fix one that’s turned into paste.
7. Simmer It Down: Patience Pays Off
Sometimes, the best solution is the simplest one. If you’re not in a rush, letting your soup simmer uncovered can naturally thicken it as the liquid reduces.
- How to Do It:
Turn the heat down to medium-low and let your soup bubble gently. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and give it 20-30 minutes. Your patience will be rewarded with a thicker, more concentrated flavor. - Pro Tip: Add a bit more seasoning as the soup reduces, since the flavors can become more intense.
8. Rice: A Hearty Add-In to Thicken Taco Soup
If you want a thick and hearty taco soup, adding cooked rice is a fantastic option. Not only does rice soak up excess liquid, but it also makes the soup more filling—perfect for when you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers to last a little longer.
- How to Use It:
Add about a cup of cooked rice (white, brown, or even Mexican-style rice) to your soup once it’s done simmering. Stir it in and let it sit for a few minutes so the rice can absorb some of the broth. - Pro Tip: If you’re in a hurry, use leftover rice or grab a microwaveable rice pouch to save time. It’s a super easy way to turn your soup into a meal that sticks to your ribs.
9. Blending Some Veggies: Sneaky and Nutritious
Pureeing some vegetables is another sneaky way to thicken taco soup while boosting its nutritional value. It’s a great option if you have picky eaters in the house who might not notice the hidden veggies.
- How to Use It:
Scoop out some of the veggies already in your soup, like tomatoes, onions, or bell peppers, and blend them until smooth. Stir the puree back into the soup, and let it simmer for a few minutes. - Pro Tip: A handheld immersion blender works wonders here—no need to mess with transferring hot soup to a blender.
10. Quinoa: A Protein-Packed Thickener
If you’re looking to thicken your taco soup while keeping it healthy and protein-packed, quinoa is an excellent choice. This tiny grain absorbs liquid like a champ and adds a slight nuttiness that complements the soup’s bold flavors.
- How to Use It:
Add half a cup of uncooked quinoa to your soup while it’s simmering. It’ll cook right in the pot, soaking up the broth as it thickens. In about 15-20 minutes, your soup will be both thicker and more nutritious. - Pro Tip: Rinse the quinoa before adding it to remove its natural coating, which can taste bitter.
11. Oats: An Unexpected Hero
Oats might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to taco soup, but they’re a surprisingly effective thickener. Rolled oats break down as they cook, creating a creamy texture without any overpowering flavor.
- How to Use It:
Add 1/4 cup of rolled oats to your soup while it’s simmering. Stir occasionally, and within 10-15 minutes, the oats will dissolve into the broth, making it noticeably thicker. - Pro Tip: Don’t use quick oats—they’ll break down too quickly and might make the soup feel gummy instead of thick and creamy.
12. Lentils: A Plant-Based Powerhouse
Lentils are a fantastic option for thickening taco soup, especially if you want to make it more plant-based. They add a hearty texture and soak up liquid as they cook, turning your soup into a protein-packed meal.
- How to Use It:
Rinse a half cup of red or green lentils and add them to your soup as it simmers. Red lentils cook quickly and break down to thicken the soup, while green lentils hold their shape a bit more, adding texture. - Pro Tip: Taste the lentils before serving—nobody wants a surprise crunch from undercooked lentils in their soup.
13. Chia Seeds: A Superfood Thickener
Okay, I know this might sound a little out there, but hear me out—chia seeds can thicken taco soup beautifully. These little seeds expand when soaked in liquid, creating a thick, slightly gelatinous consistency.
Pro Tip: Stir frequently when using chia seeds to avoid clumping. They’re magic, but they can be a little sticky if left alone.
How to Use It:
Add 1-2 tablespoons of chia seeds to your soup while it’s simmering. Stir well and let it sit for about 10 minutes. You’ll notice the soup thickening naturally as the seeds absorb the broth.
FAQs About Thicken Taco Soup
Yes! Mix a tablespoon of all-purpose flour with a little cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the soup. Let it simmer for a few minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
Mashing beans or simmering the soup to reduce liquid are great low-calorie options. Both methods thicken the soup naturally without adding any extra fat.
Absolutely! Most thickening agents like mashed beans, cornstarch, and tortilla chips freeze well. However, soups thickened with dairy (like sour cream or cheese) can separate when frozen, so it’s best to add those after reheating.
You can, but it’s a bit more work. To make a roux, melt butter in a pan, whisk in an equal amount of flour, and cook until golden. Stir the roux into your soup and let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken.
Conclusion : Thicken Taco Soup
And there you have it—tons of simple, creative ways to thicken taco soup without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re using cornstarch for a quick fix, blending beans for a flavor-packed option, or tossing in something unexpected like quinoa or chia seeds, there’s a solution for every style and taste.
The beauty of taco soup is its versatility. You can adjust the texture, ingredients, and flavors to fit your cravings or the ingredients you’ve got on hand. So, the next time your soup feels a little too thin, you’ll know exactly what to do to make it thicker, heartier, and downright delicious.
Now, grab a big spoon, load up on your favorite toppings (extra cheese, anyone?), and dig in! Whether you’re making it for yourself, your family, or a whole party, your thickened taco soup is going to be a crowd-pleaser every time. Cheers to comfort food done right! 🌮🍲