Creamy Taco Soup Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy meal with a bold Mexican-inspired twist, then Creamy Taco Soup is the answer! This dish blends the flavors of classic tacos into a rich, creamy soup that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or a comforting weekend meal. Packed with seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and a luscious creamy base, this taco soup is simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying.

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned.
2. Drain any excess fat, then add the diced onions and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent.

Step 2: Add Seasoning and Vegetables

1. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture and stir well to coat everything evenly.
2. Add the diced tomatoes, black beans, pinto beans, corn, Rotel tomatoes (if using), and salsa to the pot.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

1. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
2. Allow the soup to simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the flavors meld together.

Step 4: Make it Creamy

1. After the soup has simmered, slowly stir in the heavy cream (or softened cream cheese) and let it warm through for an additional 5 minutes.
2. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or taco seasoning to your preference.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Ladle the creamy taco soup into bowls.
2. Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and tortilla chips on the side or crumbled on top.

Tips for the Best Creamy Taco Soup

• Use cream cheese for extra creaminess: If you prefer a thicker soup, substitute the heavy cream with 8 oz of cream cheese. Make sure to soften the cream cheese beforehand for easy blending.
• Customize the spice level: Adjust the heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot salsa. You can also skip the Rotel tomatoes if you want a milder flavor.
• Add more veggies: Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or jalapeños to the soup for extra nutrition and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Taco Soup is versatile and can be enjoyed with a variety of sides:

• Serve it with a side of cornbread or Mexican rice.
• Add a spoonful of guacamole or a splash of hot sauce to kick up the flavor.
• Top with extra tortilla strips, avocado slices, or even pickled jalapeños for added crunch and flavor.

Variations

• Chicken Taco Soup: Swap out the ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breast.
• Vegetarian Version: Leave out the meat and add more beans (like kidney beans) or sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
• Low-Carb Option: To make this soup low-carb, skip the beans and corn, and add extra veggies such as cauliflower or bell peppers.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

• Yes! Simply brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream during the last 30 minutes.

2. How do I store leftovers?

• Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it becomes too thick.

3. Can I freeze creamy taco soup?

• Yes, you can freeze this soup! However, if using heavy cream or cream cheese, it may separate when thawed. If you plan to freeze, consider leaving out the cream and adding it after reheating.

4. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

• Absolutely! Ground turkey or even ground chicken works well as a leaner alternative to beef.

5. What toppings go well with taco soup?

• You can top the soup with sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado slices, tortilla strips, fresh jalapeños, or even a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.

Conclusion

This Creamy Taco Soup Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together the beloved flavors of tacos into a warm, creamy bowl of goodness. Perfect for those busy nights when you need something hearty and quick, it’s guaranteed to be a family favorite. Whether you enjoy it with a side of tortilla chips or a slice of cornbread, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings and become a regular addition to your meal rotation.

Yield: 6

Creamy Taco Soup Recipe

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If you're craving a cozy meal with a bold Mexican-inspired twist, then Creamy Taco Soup is the answer! This dish blends the flavors of classic tacos into a rich, creamy soup that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or a comforting weekend meal. Packed with seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and a luscious creamy base, this taco soup is simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade, about 2 tablespoons)
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (optional for extra spice)
• 1 cup chicken broth (or beef broth)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional Toppings:
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Sliced avocado
• Fresh cilantro
• Diced jalapeños

Instructions

1. Cook the Meat:
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the Garlic and Seasoning:
   Add the minced garlic and taco seasoning to the pot. Stir well and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
3. Add the Base Ingredients:
   Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, diced green chilies (if using), and chicken broth. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
4. Make It Creamy:
   Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the softened cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the soup. Slowly add the heavy cream, stirring constantly to keep the soup smooth.
5. Add the Cheese:
   Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, a little at a time, until it melts into the soup. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve:
   Ladle the creamy taco soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like sour cream, extra shredded cheese, tortilla chips, or avocado slices.

Notes

Thicker Soup: For a thicker texture, you can reduce the amount of broth or simmer the soup longer to reduce the liquid.

Meat Options: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Make It Spicier: Add extra green chilies, a dash of hot sauce, or sliced jalapeños for a spicier kick.