This creamy taco soup is a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with beans, corn, and delicious spices, it’s a meal you’ll crave again and again.
Let’s face it, tacos are great, but in soup form? Even better! I love to top mine with cheese and avocado for an extra treat. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey or Beef: Ground turkey is a lighter option, but you can easily substitute it with ground chicken or pork if you prefer. Each adds a unique flavor to the soup!
Onion: I always use a small yellow onion for its sweetness. If you’re out, red or white onions will work too. They might slightly change the taste, but it’ll still be tasty!
Beans: Black and kidney beans are classic choices. You could also use pinto beans or even chickpeas for a different twist. Canned beans save time, but dried beans are an option if you soak and cook them first.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese gives that creamy texture but using sour cream or Greek yogurt is a delicious alternative. Just stir it in at the end to keep it creamy without heating it.
Spices: If you don’t have chili powder, a mix of cumin, paprika, and cayenne can help replicate the flavor. Adjust according to your spice tolerance!
How Can I Ensure My Soup is Creamy and Delicious?
The trick to a perfectly creamy taco soup is all in how you incorporate the cream cheese. Here’s my go-to method:
- Once your soup has simmered, lower the heat. If it’s too hot, the cream cheese might curdle.
- Cut the cream cheese into small cubes. This helps it melt evenly into the soup.
- Add the cream cheese a few cubes at a time, stirring constantly until each batch is fully melted before adding more. This ensures a smooth consistency!
- Taste as you go! You might want to add more spices or salt to match your preference.
With this approach, your soup will be creamy and full of flavor. Happy cooking!
How to Make Creamy Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground turkey or ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced avocado
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious creamy taco soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, making it a quick and satisfying meal for any day. Just gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and you’ll have a comforting bowl of soup ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Meat and Onion:
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the ground turkey or beef along with the diced onion. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion is soft—this should take about 5-7 minutes. It’s the perfect time to stir and combine those flavors!
2. Add Garlic and Spices:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant and heavenly! Then, stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let these spices cook for about a minute to really boost their flavors.
3. Combine the Rest of the Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add in the good stuff! Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), black beans, kidney beans, corn, and diced green chilies. Give everything a good stir to combine — it’s looking delicious already!
4. Bring to a Boil and Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes. This is when all those yummy flavors come together!
5. Make it Creamy:
Lower the heat again and add the cubed cream cheese to the soup. Stir constantly until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, making the soup creamy and rich. This is the magic step!
6. Final Seasoning:
Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. A little extra salt or pepper can really make a difference, so trust your taste buds!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to serve! Ladle the creamy taco soup into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped cilantro, and sliced avocado if you’d like. You can serve it warm with some tortilla chips or tortillas on the side for that perfect crunch!
Enjoy your comforting, creamy taco soup! Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or just whenever you need something hearty and warm.
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground turkey and beef are popular choices, you can also use ground chicken or pork. For a vegetarian option, try using crumbled tempeh or additional beans.
How Can I Make This Soup Spicier?
If you prefer a spicier soup, consider adding diced jalapeños or increasing the amount of chili powder and cumin. You can also add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to kick up the heat!
Can I Freeze Leftover Soup?
Yes! This soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove over low heat when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt can be great substitutes. Just stir it in at the end for a creamy finish without the heat, ensuring it doesn’t curdle.
