How to Make the Best Homemade Creamy Tortilla Soup 

If you are looking for how to make the best homemade creamy tortilla soup, then friend, your search is over! I promise you will never seek another tortilla soup recipe ever again–this one is killer! 

Homemade tortilla soup combines a rich, flavorful broth with a variety of ingredients like tomatoes, chiles, and spices, creating a comforting and satisfying dish. The crispy tortilla strips add a wonderful texture, while toppings like avocado, cheese, and cilantro bring freshness and richness.

Growing up in El Paso, Texas, one of our favorite restaurants was El Bandido. It was located on the second floor of Cielo Vista Mall. I’m not sure I know anyone who didn’t go there for the tortilla soup. It was that delicious! Thankfully, after it closed down, my aunt Suzie’s mom was able to get the recipe from the head chef that worked there. This recipe has become, without a doubt, a family favorite during soup season! 

Tips for the Best Tortilla Soup

• Add shredded leftover boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs to make this a delicious homemade chicken tortilla soup!

• Feel free to add a can of black beans or pinto beans to this tortilla soup for the added protein. 

• We serve ours with a dollop of sour cream and avocado in it. Of course you can omit one or the other or both. However, I highly recommend sticking with adding the sour cream. Not only does it make the most delicious creamy bowl of soup but it also adds extra body to it. It will also help cut the heat if you have little ones.

• Canned tomatoes can be substituted with fire-roasted tomatoes. I have tried this and it is delicious too!

• Try making your own chicken gravy! I prefer not to buy jarred gravy, because of all the added preservatives. Here’s how I make it: Place 14 ounces of chicken broth into a mason jar. Add two tablespoons of flour. Place a lid on the jar and shake it until all the flour dissolves. Pour the liquid into a small saucepan over low heat, whisking continually until it begins to thicken. This should take a couple of minutes. Once it coats the back of a spoon, remove it from the heat and add it to the soup. 

• This soup freezes really well! I always make a large batch, that way I can have a meal ready to go on busy weeknights. If freezing, place the soup in a mason jar, leaving a couple of inches of head space. Place a lid on the jar, loosely. Allow the soup to come to room temperature before placing it into the freezer. Taking these steps will help keep the jar from cracking.

Add Your Favorite Toppings to This Homemade Tortilla Soup Recipe 

This tortilla soup recipe is quite versatile; you can customize it to your taste by adding proteins like chicken or beans, and adjusting the spice level. Plus, it’s perfect for sharing, making it a great choice for gatherings. I like to have these items on the counter so that everyone can fix up their individual servings. Here are some great additions to consider when hosting guests:

Crispy tortilla strips (thin strips or tortilla chips)

Shredded chicken from a rotisserie chicken

Sour cream

Avocado slices

Shredded cheddar cheese

Fresh cilantro

​Green onions

Finely chopped red onion

Lime wedges

Equipment Needed

Large soup pot

Blender

Ladle 

Ingredients 

2 green chiles (can be fresh or roasted)

1 garlic clove

1 can (14.5 oz) whole tomatoes

1 can (10 oz) rotel tomatoes

14 ounces chicken stock

3 cups tomato juice 

1 teaspoon cumin powder

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoons pepper

2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce 

1 Tablespoon A-1 Sauce

14 ounces chicken gravy 

Instructions for Creamy Tortilla Soup

Add Ingredients: Add all ingredients to a blender and blend on high speed until everything has been purified. This may need to be done in a couple of intervals as to not overflow the bender.

Puree Ingredients: Place the tomato puree into a large pot. Use a slotted spoon to stir the soup, especially if blended in intervals.

Cook the Soup: Place the pot on the stove and heat on medium heat. Once the soup comes to a boil, turn the heat to low and cook for 45 minutes.

Server: Serve the soup hot with crunchy tortilla strips, creamy avocado, sour cream, and cheddar cheese!

Store: Store the homemade creamy tortilla soup in an airtight container for a few days in the fridge. 

Other Delicious Dinner Ideas

Baja Style Fish Tacos Recipe with Chipotle Crema

Easy Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe (Keto + Low Carb)

The Best Easy Slow Smoked Beef Back Ribs Recipe

The Best Zucchini Lasagna with Meat Sauce Recipe 

Easy Pepperoni Cheese Pizza Sourdough Discard Recipe

The Best Award Winning Smoked Baby Back Ribs Recipe