This creamy taco soup is a warm hug in a bowl! Made with tasty ground beef, zesty taco seasoning, and a splash of cream, it’s a perfect meal for chilly days.
It’s like tacos and soup decided to have a party! I love to top mine with crunchy tortilla chips and cheese. Fun and filling—what more could you ask for?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This gives a hearty base to the soup. You can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option or use plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.
Black Beans: They add protein and fiber to the soup. Canned chickpeas or pinto beans work as great alternatives if you don’t have black beans on hand.
Cream Cheese: This is what makes the soup creamy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, sour cream or plain Greek yogurt will give a similar texture. For dairy-free, consider using a creamy vegan cheese spread.
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought is easy, but making your own with chili powder, cumin, and paprika adds a personal touch! If you’re going low-sodium, make your mix using herbs and spices without added salt.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Creaminess in the Soup?
The key to getting that lovely creamy texture is properly incorporating the cream cheese. Here’s how:
- Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before adding. This ensures it mixes smoothly.
- Add it to the soup after it’s taken off the heat to prevent curdling. Stir until completely melted.
- You can also blend a portion of the soup before adding the cream cheese if you want it even creamier!
Taking your time with this step ensures a smooth, creamy soup you’ll love!
How to Make Creamy Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or about 2 tablespoons homemade)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish:
- shredded cheddar cheese
- sour cream
- chopped cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy taco soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to cook. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, hearty meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the pot, then continue to the next step.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the cooked beef. Cook everything together for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
3. Spice It Up:
Now, stir in the taco seasoning and optional cumin. Cook for about 1 minute, allowing the spices to release their wonderful aroma and flavor into the meat mixture.
4. Mix in the Veggies:
Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and broth to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Let It Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes. This helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.
6. Make It Creamy:
Add the softened cream cheese cubes one at a time, stirring until each piece melts completely into the soup. The soup should become creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with optional garnishes like shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh cilantro. Enjoy your cozy and comforting taco soup!
This creamy taco soup is perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or anytime you crave something warm and hearty. It’s like enjoying a taco but in soup form—you’ll love it!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a lighter alternative. Just cook it the same way as you would the beef, ensuring it’s fully cooked before adding the other ingredients.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or an extra can of beans. Use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth for a fully vegetarian option.
What Can I Add for Extra Veggies?
You can easily add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach to boost the veggie content! Just sauté them with the onion and garlic in the beginning for the best flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, or use the microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of broth to restore the creamy texture!