Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting and hearty meal that’s bursting with flavor, this Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup is exactly what you need. Combining the savory richness of ground beef, the bold flavors of taco seasoning, and a creamy, cheesy base, this soup is perfect for cozy nights in or family dinners. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and can be ready in under 30 minutes!

Who doesn’t love tacos? Now imagine all the delicious flavors of your favorite tacos, but in a warm, comforting soup. This Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup combines the bold taste of taco seasoning, hearty ground beef, and a rich, cheesy broth that will warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re serving it to a crowd or enjoying a cozy meal by yourself, this soup is sure to hit the spot.

The Flavors of Taco Soup

The secret to this soup’s irresistible flavor lies in the perfect balance of spices, cheese, and cream. Taco seasoning gives the soup its bold, spicy kick, while the cream and melted cheese create a velvety texture that makes every spoonful indulgent. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the taste of tacos in a whole new form!

Cooking the Ground Beef

1. Brown the ground beef: In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s fully browned. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks to ensure even browning.
2. Add onions and garlic: Once the beef is browned, add the diced onions and minced garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Season with taco seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning to coat the beef mixture evenly. This step adds that classic taco flavor to the base of the soup.

Building the Soup Base

1. Add the tomatoes, beans, and corn: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), black beans, and corn kernels. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
2. Pour in the broth: Add the beef broth, giving the soup a nice depth of flavor. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Melting in the Cheese

1. Add the cream cheese: Once the soup is simmering, stir in the softened cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated. This step adds creaminess and a slight tang to the soup.
2. Add the shredded cheddar cheese: Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, making sure it melts smoothly into the soup without clumping. Use a whisk if needed to get a creamy consistency.

Simmering for Optimal Flavor

Allow the soup to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering process helps the flavors deepen and blend together beautifully. You’ll notice the soup thickening as the cheese and cream create a rich, creamy base.

Serving Suggestions

Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes. Here are some ideas:

• Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a tangy contrast to the rich soup.
• Tortilla chips: Crushed tortilla chips give the soup a nice crunch.
• Avocado: Diced avocado adds a creamy, fresh element.
• Cilantro and jalapeños: Fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños provide a vibrant and spicy finish.

Serve with a side of cornbread, tortilla chips, or even a simple salad for a complete meal.

Storing Leftovers

1. Refrigerating: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
2. Freezing: This soup freezes well! Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat on the stove.

Customization Ideas

• Make it spicier: For a kick of heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when you add the taco seasoning.
• Vegetarian version: Swap the ground beef for plant-based ground meat or extra beans for a vegetarian twist. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Healthier option: Use ground turkey or chicken in place of ground beef, and swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a light cream to cut down on calories.

Conclusion

This Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup is the ultimate comfort food for taco lovers. With its rich, creamy base and bold taco flavors, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your household. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or simply need a quick weeknight meal, this soup delivers deliciousness in every bite.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup in advance? Yes! This soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep.
2. What can I use instead of ground beef? You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground meat for a different protein option.
3. Is there a way to make this soup spicier? Absolutely! Add more heat by incorporating diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra chili powder.
4. Can I use a different type of cheese? Cheddar works best for this recipe, but you can also use Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend.
5. How do I keep the cheese from clumping? Make sure to add the cheese gradually and stir it in slowly over low heat. This will help it melt smoothly without clumping.

Yield: 6

Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup Recipe

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If you’re craving a comforting and hearty meal that’s bursting with flavor, this Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup is exactly what you need. Combining the savory richness of ground beef, the bold flavors of taco seasoning, and a creamy, cheesy base, this soup is perfect for cozy nights in or family dinners. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and can be ready in under 30 minutes!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels (drained)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened and cubed)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Optional toppings: sour cream, cilantro, sliced jalapeños, tortilla chips

Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes).
• Drain any excess fat and add the chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.

2. Add Seasoning and Vegetables:

• Stir in the taco seasoning, coating the beef and onion mixture evenly.
• Add the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, and beef broth. Stir to combine.

3. Simmer the Soup:

• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

4. Make it Creamy:

• Stir in the heavy cream and cubed cream cheese, allowing the cream cheese to melt into the soup.
• Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated.

5. Taste and Adjust:

• Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a spicier soup, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra diced jalapeños.

6. Serve:

• Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like sour cream, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or crumbled tortilla chips.

Notes

Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can reduce the amount of broth or simmer the soup for longer to reduce liquid.

Make it lighter: For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.

Make it spicier: Add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder to increase the heat level to your liking.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.