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There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of hearty, flavorful soup, and this creamy taco soup delivers on all fronts. It’s a wonderfully satisfying dish, packed with familiar taco flavors, tender ground beef, and a rich, velvety broth that’s simply irresistible. The blend of spices and creamy texture makes it a true standout, perfect for warming up on a chilly evening.
This recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen, especially on busy weeknights when I need a meal that’s both quick and crowd-pleasing. It’s the kind of soup that tastes like it simmered all day, yet comes together in under an hour. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite toppings for a truly personal touch.
Why I Love This Recipe
This creamy taco soup is a weeknight warrior!
It’s incredibly easy to make. Maximum flavor comes with minimal fuss. The combination of savory ground beef, hearty beans, and sweet corn is pure comfort food. A luscious, creamy broth ties it all together. It’s also a fantastic way to use up ingredients you have on hand. This makes it both economical and delicious.
Creamy Taco Soup Ingredients
The beauty of this creamy taco soup lies in its simple yet impactful ingredient list. It creates a symphony of flavors and textures. Ground beef provides a savory base. Beans and corn add substance and a touch of sweetness. The real magic comes from the creamy broth. It’s infused with classic taco seasonings. A hint of lime adds brightness.
- Ground Beef: This is our savory foundation. It provides a hearty, satisfying element to the soup.
- Taco Seasoning: This blend is essential. It brings the signature Mexican-inspired flavor profile we love.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatics build depth. They add essential savory notes to the soup base.
- Peppers (Jalapeño and Anaheim): These add gentle warmth. They contribute a touch of fresh pepper flavor too.
- Black Beans: They offer a creamy texture. They also provide earthy flavor, plus fiber and protein.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles: These contribute acidity. They also add a bit of sweetness and a subtle kick.
- Corn: This brings delightful sweetness. It also adds pops of texture throughout the soup.
- Chicken Broth: This is our liquid base. It beautifully ties all the unique flavors together.
- Lime Zest and Juice: These are crucial additions. They add brightness and cut through the soup’s richness.
- Cream Cheese: This is our secret ingredient! It makes this soup luxuriously creamy and smooth.
Substitutions and Tips:
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef. Sauté the vegetables in a bit more oil instead. If you don’t have fresh jalapeño or Anaheim peppers, a pinch of cayenne pepper works. A dash of hot sauce can also add heat. Feel free to use a different type of ground meat like turkey or chicken. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cumin or chili powder. This is along with the taco seasoning.
How to Make Creamy Taco Soup
This easy soup recipe comes together quickly. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights.
Brown the Beef
Grab a large Dutch oven. Heat it over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Cook until the beef is fully browned. There should be no pink left. Drain off any extra grease from the pot.
Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir these into the browned beef. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes. You want the onion to soften. It should become a bit see-through. This step builds a key flavor base.
Combine and Season
Now bring all the great ingredients together. Add the minced jalapeño and Anaheim pepper. Stir in one package of taco seasoning. Add the black beans. Also add the diced tomatoes. Don’t forget the drained corn. Pour in the chicken broth. Add the lime zest. Also add the lime juice, salt, pepper, and oregano. Stir everything well to combine. Taste the broth. Adjust seasonings as you like. Maybe add more taco seasoning. More lime juice is also an option.
Achieve Creaminess and Simmer
Lower the heat to medium. Add the softened cream cheese. Stir gently. Keep stirring until the cream cheese is totally melted. It should blend smoothly into the soup. This creates that signature creamy texture. Once the cream cheese is in, cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for at least 10 minutes. This lets the flavors meld beautifully.
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Creamy Taco Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and flavorful Creamy Taco Soup, perfect for a weeknight meal. This recipe features ground beef, beans, corn, and a rich, creamy broth, customizable with your favorite taco toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15)
- 1–2 packages taco seasoning
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, minced (remove membrane and seeds)
- 1 Anaheim pepper, minced
- 15oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 15oz can diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 15oz can corn, drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- zest of 1 lime
- juice of 1/2 lime (more as-desired)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 4oz – 8oz cream cheese, softened (use 8oz for more creaminess)
- Toppings: sour cream, cilantro, shredded cheese, avocado
Instructions
- Brown Beef: Bring a large dutch oven to a medium-high heat. Add ground beef and move around pan, breaking it apart, until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Sauté: Add onion and garlic. Move around pan until onion softens, approx. 2-3 minutes.
- Combine: Add jalapeño, anaheim pepper, 1 package taco seasoning, black beans, tomatoes with green chiles, corn, broth, lime zest, lime juice, salt, pepper, and oregano. Stir to combine. Taste and add more taco seasoning (up to 1 more package) + the juice of the other half of lime + any additional salt. Everyone has different tastes, so adjust as desired.
- Cream Cheese + Simmer: Add cream cheese and stir on medium heat until it is fully melted and combined. Cover and let simmer 10 minutes, to let the flavors meld.
- Serve: Enjoy with your choice of fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, and avocado.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of taco seasoning and lime juice to your personal preference.
- For a spicier soup, leave the seeds and membranes in the jalapeño.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can use less broth or add a cornstarch slurry.
How to Store Creamy Taco Soup
Once cooled, store leftover creamy taco soup in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often meld and deepen overnight. This makes it even more delicious the next day. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Choose individual portions or a larger container. It will keep for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips for Success
Here are some quick tips to make your creamy taco soup perfect every time!
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust seasonings, lime juice, or heat. Make it just how you like it.
- Soften Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is softened. This allows for easier melting. It also helps create a smoother soup.
- Gentle Simmer: Once the cream cheese is added, simmer gently. Avoid boiling. This helps maintain the creamy texture beautifully.
- Fresh Toppings Matter: A variety of fresh toppings elevate the final dish. Think cilantro, avocado, and sour cream. These add wonderful flavor and texture.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Having the right tools makes cooking this delightful creamy taco soup a breeze.
- Large Dutch oven or pot: This is essential for browning beef and simmering. A heavy-bottomed pot works well too.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and breaking up the ground beef.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient quantities.
- Cutting board and knife: Needed for chopping your veggies.
- Can opener: For easy access to beans, corn, and tomatoes.
- Ladle: Perfect for serving up generous bowls of your delicious soup.
Serving Suggestions
Let’s talk toppings and sides for this amazing creamy taco soup.
- Serve hot. Add a dollop of sour cream. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top.
- Top with shredded cheddar. Monterey Jack cheese is also great. Diced avocado adds a lovely creaminess.
- Offer tortilla chips. Cornbread is also perfect for dipping.
- A simple side salad complements the richness nicely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this creamy taco soup ahead of time?
Yes, this creamy taco soup is a great make-ahead option. You can prepare the soup completely and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually meld even further, making it taste even better. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much.
How can I make this taco soup recipe spicier?
To increase the heat in your creamy taco soup, you can leave the seeds and membranes in the jalapeño pepper when mincing it. Alternatively, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce during the simmering stage. You can also offer extra hot sauce as a topping for individual customization.
What are some good vegetarian substitutions for this soup?
For a vegetarian creamy taco soup, simply omit the ground beef. You can sauté the vegetables in a little extra olive oil. Consider adding more beans, corn, or even some diced sweet potatoes or zucchini for added heartiness. Ensure your taco seasoning is vegetarian-friendly as well.
