Creamy Taco Soup Recipe

Creamy Taco Soup Recipe: A Flavorful Fiesta in Every Spoonful

Cooking a delectable taco soup brings warmth and comfort to any chilly evening.

Hearty ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that will make you smile.

Mexican-inspired spices weave magic through this rich, soul-satisfying dish.

Beans, ground beef, and vibrant vegetables merge into a delightful culinary experience.

Crockpots or stovetops work perfectly for crafting this crowd-pleasing meal.

Simple techniques and minimal prep time mean you can whip up this soup faster than ordering takeout.

Grab a ladle and savor every spoonful of this irresistible, creamy delight that promises to become your new favorite comfort food.

Creamy Taco Soup You Will Love

  • Comfort in a Bowl: Packed with hearty beef and colorful vegetables, this soup delivers pure comfort that warms you from the inside out.
  • Simple One-Pot Wonder: Minimal kitchen cleanup with everything cooked in a single pot, making this recipe a stress-free meal preparation experience.
  • Nutritious Family Pleaser: Loaded with protein-rich beef and a variety of vegetables, this soup offers balanced nutrition that satisfies every family member's taste buds.
  • Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable by swapping or adding different vegetables based on seasonal availability or personal preferences, making it a versatile recipe for any occasion.

Ingredients Needed For Creamy Taco Soup

For the Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that adds richness to the soup.
  • Ground Turkey: A lean alternative to beef with similar protein content.
For the Beans and Vegetables:
  • Black Beans, Kidney Beans: Provide protein, fiber, and a creamy texture to the soup.
  • Corn: Adds a sweet crunch and natural sweetness to the dish.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Contribute acidity and moisture to the soup's base.
  • Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Bring a mild heat and extra depth of flavor.
  • Onion: Offers a savory foundation and aromatic base for the soup.
  • Garlic: Enhances the overall taste with its pungent and warming notes.
For the Liquids and Dairy:
  • Chicken Broth, Beef Broth: Creates a flavorful liquid base for the soup.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious and smooth texture to the soup.
  • Cream Cheese: Provides a tangy richness and helps thicken the soup.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor profile.
Optional Toppings:
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream, Avocado Slices, Tortilla Chips, Lime Wedges, Sliced Jalapenos: Customizable garnishes that add extra texture, flavor, and personal touch.

How To Prepare Creamy Taco Soup

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Cook ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces until fully browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup light and delicious.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Toss diced onions and minced garlic into the pot. Saute until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their mouthwatering flavors.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Foundation

Add these ingredients to create a flavor explosion:
  • Taco seasoning
  • Black beans
  • Kidney beans
  • Corn
  • Diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • Regular diced tomatoes

Mix everything thoroughly to ensure each spoonful is packed with excitement.

Step 4: Simmer and Develop Depth

Pour in chicken broth and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes.

This allows all the ingredients to dance together and create a harmonious flavor profile.

Step 5: Create Creamy Comfort

Lower the heat and introduce:
  • Heavy cream
  • Cream cheese

Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely, transforming the soup into a luxuriously smooth masterpiece.

Adjust salt and pepper to your taste preference.

Step 6: Dress and Impress

Ladle the soup into bowls and crown with incredible toppings:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Avocado slices
  • Tortilla chips
  • Lime wedges
  • Sliced jalapeños

Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy!

Helpful Tips For Creamy Taco Soup

  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner protein option. Drain excess fat thoroughly to keep the soup lighter and less greasy. Experiment with different beans like pinto or black beans for varied texture and flavor profiles. Adjust spice levels by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning based on personal heat tolerance. Freeze leftover soup in airtight containers for quick meals later, ensuring cream-based soups maintain best quality when consumed within 2-3 months.

Flavorful Twists For Creamy Taco Soup

  • Vegetarian Southwest Soup: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced zucchini, keeping the same robust seasonings and bean mix for a hearty meat-free version.
  • Spicy Chicken Taco Soup: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken, add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a fiery kick that elevates the soup's flavor profile.
  • Seafood Mexican Chowder: Substitute beef with tender white fish or shrimp, incorporate clam juice alongside chicken broth for a coastal-inspired soup that maintains the original's creamy texture.
  • Slow Cooker Comfort Soup: Transfer all ingredients to a crockpot, cook on low for 6-8 hours, allowing flavors to develop deeply and creating an effortless one-pot meal with minimal preparation.

Ideal Pairings For Creamy Taco Soup

  • Fiesta in a Bowl: Elevate your creamy taco soup experience with these mouthwatering serving suggestions.
  • Nacho Soup Extravaganza: Transform your soup into a loaded nacho paradise by crushing tortilla chips directly into the bowl. Sprinkle generous amounts of melted cheese, dollop sour cream, and scatter fresh cilantro for a crunchy, zesty twist that brings Mexican street food vibes right to your table.
  • Bread Bowl Bonanza: Hollow out large sourdough or bread bowls and ladle the steaming soup inside. The bread soaks up the creamy broth, creating an edible vessel that's both rustic and delicious. Garnish with green onions and a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra excitement.

Proper Storage Advice For Taco Soup

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain best quality.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick. Avoid microwaving for long periods to prevent cream from separating.

FAQs

  • Is this soup spicy?

The soup has a mild to moderate heat level from the taco seasoning and diced green chilies. You can adjust the spiciness by choosing a mild or hot taco seasoning blend, or adding extra jalapenos.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or add extra beans like black beans or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth.

  • How can I make this soup healthier?

Use lean ground turkey or chicken, choose low-fat cream cheese, and add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also reduce the cream and use Greek yogurt as a lighter substitute.

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Creamy Taco Soup Recipe

Creamy Taco Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty creamy taco soup recipe brings zesty Mexican flavors to your dinner table. Home cooks can enjoy this comforting meal with simple ingredients and quick preparation.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 4 cups chicken broth (or beef broth)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsps homemade taco seasoning)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground meat in a spacious pot over medium heat, crumbling it thoroughly until no pink remains. Drain excess grease completely.
  2. Introduce diced onions and minced garlic to the pot, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle taco seasoning throughout the mixture, ensuring even distribution of spices across the meat and vegetables.
  4. Incorporate black beans, kidney beans, corn, and both varieties of diced tomatoes into the pot, stirring to create a uniform mixture.
  5. Pour chicken broth into the pot, bringing the contents to a gentle simmer. Allow the soup to bubble softly for 15-20 minutes, enabling flavors to develop and meld together.
  6. Reduce heat to low, introducing heavy cream and cream cheese cubes. Stir continuously until cream cheese completely dissolves, creating a velvety smooth texture.
  7. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to personal preference.
  8. Ladle the creamy soup into serving bowls, garnishing with shredded cheddar, sour cream, fresh avocado slices, and crispy tortilla chips.
  9. Enhance the dish’s zest by adding lime wedges and thinly sliced jalapeños for optional extra kick.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains the hearty texture and robust flavor profile.
  • Lower the fat content by using lean ground turkey or chicken and opting for reduced-fat cream cheese and half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • Control spice levels by selecting mild taco seasoning or adjusting the amount of green chilies to suit different heat tolerances.
  • Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini during the sautéing stage for increased fiber and vitamins.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 362 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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