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Creamy Vegetarian Tortilla Soup

Creamy Vegetarian Tortilla Soup

A cozy, veggie-packed tortilla soup made luxuriously creamy with a quick blend and a touch of cream cheese—zesty, hearty, and weeknight-easy.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine Mexican-Inspired
Servings 6 people
Calories 290 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • 1 Chef’s knife
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Wooden spoon
  • 1 Immersion blender (optional)
  • 1 Baking Sheet for tortilla strips

Ingredients
  

Soup Base

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 jalapeño seeded and minced (optional)
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 15-oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn frozen or canned, drained
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper

Creamy Finish & Toppings

  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 lime juiced
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped, plus more for serving
  • 1 avocado diced, for serving
  • 0.5 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar for serving

Crispy Tortilla Strips

  • 6 corn tortillas cut into thin strips
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 pinch kosher salt

Instructions
 

Soup Base

  • Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, jalapeño, and bell pepper; cook until softened, 4–5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
  • Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Stir constantly for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, corn, and vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 12–15 minutes to meld flavors.
  • For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to briefly pulse the soup a few times, or transfer 1–2 cups to a blender and puree carefully. Return to the pot.

Creamy Finish & Toppings

  • Stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and smooth. Add lime juice and cilantro; taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lime.
  • Ladle into bowls and top with avocado, extra cilantro, shredded cheese, and a handful of crispy tortilla strips.

Crispy Tortilla Strips

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss tortilla strips with olive oil and a pinch of salt; spread on a baking sheet. Bake 8–12 minutes, tossing once, until golden and crisp. Alternatively, pan-fry in a little oil until crunchy.

Notes

If you prefer a lighter finish, swap the cream cheese for 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (off the heat to prevent curdling). Add heat with extra jalapeño or a pinch of chipotle powder. The soup thickens as it sits—loosen with a splash of broth when reheating.

Nutrition

Serving: 355gCalories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 35g
Keyword creamy soup, Tortilla Soup, vegetarian
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