Push the vegetables to the side and add the tomato paste to the center of the pot. Let it cook for 30 seconds to deepen its flavor.
Add all the dried spices chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Stir everything together for one minute to toast the spices.
Return the browned ground beef to the pot and mix well.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices), drained corn, rinsed black beans, and kidney beans. Stir to combine.
Add the beef broth and the can of diced green chiles (if using). Give everything a good stir.
Bring the soup to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Finish
After simmering, reduce the heat to the lowest setting.
Stir in the entire can of condensed cheddar cheese soup until it’s fully dissolved and the soup becomes creamy and smooth. Tip: For easier mixing, you can whisk the soup with a little broth in a separate bowl first.
Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Let it heat through for another 5 minutes, but do not boil after adding the creamy soup.
Useful Tips & Customizations
Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Freezing Instructions: You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze it before adding the cheddar cheese soup. Thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat, and then stir in the creamy soup.
Spice Level Control: For a mild soup, omit the green chiles. For more heat, add a diced jalapeño with the bell peppers or a dash of cayenne pepper with the spices.
Vegetarian/Vegan Version: Use plant-based ground “meat” or lentils, vegetable broth, and a vegan cheese sauce or full-fat coconut milk instead of cheddar soup.
Texture Preference: For a thicker stew-like consistency, mash a few beans with a fork against the side of the pot before adding the creamy element. For a thinner soup, simply add more broth.
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