Creamy Taco Soup is a warm and hearty dish that’s perfect for any day! It combines ground beef, beans, and cheese in a creamy broth that’s bursting with flavor.
This soup is like a cozy hug in a bowl! I love serving it with tortilla chips on top for that extra crunch. It’s so easy to make, you might find yourself having it every week! 🌮❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This adds richness to the soup, but feel free to substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you’re vegetarian, omit the meat and increase beans or use veggie meat substitutes.
Black Beans: They provide fiber and protein. You can swap them for pinto beans, kidney beans, or any other beans you love. Chickpeas work well too!
Cream Cheese: For creaminess, cream cheese is a favorite, but you could use sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy touch. If you need dairy-free, try a vegan cream cheese alternative.
Taco Seasoning: This is essential for flavor! If you don’t have a packet, mix your own using chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano. This way, you can adjust the spices to your taste!
What’s the Best Way to Brown Ground Beef?
Browning the beef isn’t just about cooking it; it adds depth to the soup. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use medium-high heat and a large pot. This helps to brown evenly.
- Let the beef sit for a minute before stirring, allowing a nice brown crust to form.
- Break it into small pieces as it cooks, but don’t rush – a little patience goes a long way for flavor!
If the beef is too greasy after cooking, just drain any extra fat before adding in your veggies and other ingredients. This way, your soup stays creamy without being greasy!
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 corn, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for garnish
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 ripe tomato, diced (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy taco soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook, so you’ll be enjoying it in about 35 minutes! It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the pot over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook it while breaking it into small pieces until it’s browned all the way through.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté everything together for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and fragrant.
3. Drain Excess Fat:
Once the beef and veggies are cooked, check for any excess fat and drain it from the pot wisely to keep your soup creamy, not greasy!
4. Mix in the Good Stuff:
Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, can of Rotel, and taco seasoning. Bring the mixture to a nice boil—this gets all the flavors mingling!
5. Simmer and Blend Flavors:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes. This is where the magic happens—let those flavors blend together beautifully.
6. Add the Cream Cheese:
Now, lower the heat a little more and add in the softened cream cheese. Stir it gently until it’s fully melted and the soup turns creamy and luscious.
7. Add Cheddar Cheese:
Next, toss in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts completely. This will add even more cheesy goodness!
8. Season to Taste:
Taste your soup and season it with salt and pepper as needed. Adjust to your liking!
9. Serve and Garnish:
Serve the soup hot in bowls, garnished with diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, extra cheddar cheese, and fresh cilantro leaves on top.
10. Optional Crunch:
If you like a little crunch, sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips on top before digging in!
Enjoy your comforting and flavorful Creamy Taco Soup! It’s sure to warm your heart and fill your tummy!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great, leaner alternative to beef. Just cook it the same way, and you’ll still get a deliciously creamy soup!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the meat and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also add more beans or vegetables for additional flavor and texture.
How Long Will Leftover Soup Last in the Fridge?
Leftover Creamy Taco Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove or microwave!
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, you can freeze Creamy Taco Soup for up to 3 months! Just make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
