This creamy taco soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With ground beef, beans, corn, and cheese, it brings all the tasty taco flavors you love, made super easy.
Honestly, this soup is my go-to for cozy nights. Just simmer everything together, and you’ll have a hearty meal in no time. Don’t forget the tortilla chips for dipping! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef adds rich flavor to the soup. If you prefer leaner meat, try ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, you can use lentils, mushrooms, or a meat substitute to keep the texture hearty.
Beans: Black and kidney beans provide protein and fiber. You can swap them for pinto beans or chickpeas if you like. Canned beans are convenient, but cooking dry beans can enhance the flavor and texture.
Cream Cheese: This ingredient makes the soup creamy and rich. For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt. If you’re dairy-free, try vegan cream cheese or silken tofu blended until smooth.
Taco Seasoning: This spice mix adds tons of flavor. If you don’t have it, make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. Adjust the spices to your liking for heat and flavor.
How Do You Make Sure Your Taco Soup is Creamy and Delicious?
The key to a creamy taco soup is all in the melting of the cream cheese. Here’s how to do it right:
- Ensure your cream cheese is softened before adding it. Sitting it out for 30 minutes or microwaving it for a few seconds helps!
- Add the cream cheese to the soup gradually while stirring to ensure it melts evenly into the broth.
- Don’t rush the simmering step; letting the soup hang out on low heat allows all those flavors to mingle perfectly.
Lastly, keep tasting! Adjust the seasoning if needed until you hit that perfect balance of flavors.
How to Make Creamy Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 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, undrained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 (1 oz) package taco seasoning mix
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional garnishes: sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro or green onions, tortilla chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy taco soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll have a delicious, hearty meal ready in just about 25 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or something to enjoy on a cozy weekend.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s fully browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat so your soup doesn’t get greasy!
2. Sauté the Onion:
Next, add the chopped onion to the pot with the beef. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes until it’s softened and fragrant. This will add a lovely flavor to the base of your soup!
3. Add Taco Seasoning:
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning mix and stir it into the beef and onion. Cook for another minute. This step is crucial for getting that authentic taco flavor!
4. Combine the Rest of the Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the rest of your ingredients: black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with their juices), diced tomatoes with green chilies, and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to mix it all up.
5. Bring it to a Boil:
Turn up the heat and bring the soup to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This helps all those delicious flavors meld together beautifully.
6. Make it Creamy:
Gradually add the cream cheese cubes into the simmering pot, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes creamy. This is what makes your taco soup so rich and comforting!
7. Cheese Please!
Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted into the soup. Take a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Adjust to your preference!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your creamy taco soup hot! Top each bowl with extra shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or green onions. Don’t forget a side of tortilla chips for dipping! Dig in and enjoy every spoonful!
Enjoy your comforting, flavorful bowl of creamy taco soup!
Can I Use Leaner Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner alternative to beef. Just be aware that you may need to add a bit more seasoning to compensate for the milder flavor.
Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese?
Yes! If you want a lighter option, use reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt. For a dairy-free version, try vegan cream cheese or blend silken tofu for creaminess.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
Feel free to get creative with toppings! Try adding avocado slices, jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips for some crunch. Fresh lime juice squeezed on top adds a nice zing as well!
