Sometimes a hearty, comforting bowl of soup feels like the perfect answer. This recipe delivers amazing flavor profiles instantly. Finding that balance of rich texture and serious protein is key for busy days. That is exactly why I am so excited about sharing this High Protein Creamy Taco Soup. The addition of cream cheese transforms simple ingredients into something truly luxurious. Honestly, it tastes like your favorite taco filling decided to take a warm, cozy vacation. I often make a big batch on Sunday afternoons. Then, I reheat single servings for easy, satisfying lunches during the week. Leftovers always taste even better the next day, believe it or not.
Why I Love This Recipe
This soup solves the weeknight dinner dilemma beautifully. It comes together so fast, truly under an hour total. We adore how filling this creamy soup feels. It manages to be both indulgent and packed with good stuff. Plus, my family devours every last spoonful!
High Protein Creamy Taco Soup Ingredients
Building this Tex-Mex favorite relies on pantry staples coming together magically. These components combine to create a deeply satisfying meal base. Lean ground turkey or beef provides the high protein boost we need. Beans, like black and pinto varieties, add necessary fiber and heartiness. The diced tomatoes with green chilies bring that signature zesty Tex-Mex tang. Chicken broth creates the necessary liquid volume for a perfect soup consistency. Cream cheese is the secret weapon for unbelievable creaminess and richness. Greek yogurt or sour cream offers an optional final dairy flourish for smoothness.
Substitutions and Tips
- If you skip the meat, use extra beans or vegetarian crumbles for a great vegetarian option.
- For an extra flavor punch, try roasting your plain tomatoes slightly before adding them in.
- Use low-sodium broth to control the overall salt content in your taco soup recipe.
- Ensure your cream cheese is truly softened; cold cubes will lead to frustrating clumps.
How to Make High Protein Creamy Taco Soup
Making this simple comfort food moves along quite quickly. Follow these steps closely for the best results every time.
Step 1: Browning the Base
Heat the olive oil in a large pot comfortably. Add your ground turkey or beef right there. Toss in the chopped onion too for sweetness. Cook everything until the meat looks browned consistently. Be sure to break up the meat while it cooks. Next, drain off any excess fat remaining in the pot.
Step 2: Simmering the Flavors
Stir in that packet of taco seasoning thoroughly now. Add the rinsed beans and the drained corn next. Next, introduce both cans of diced tomatoes. Pour in all four cups of chicken broth easily. Bring this mixture up to a steady simmer gently.
Step 3: Achieving the Creamy Texture
Lower the heat way down to a gentle setting. Cover the pot and let it happily simmer slowly. Allow this flavor melding to happen for thirty minutes. Stir in the softened cream cheese cubes slowly. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely. You want that beautiful, rich, creamy texture developing.
Step 4: Finishing and Serving
Take the pot off the heat completely now. Stir in Greek yogurt or sour cream if you want it. Remember, never let the soup boil afterward. This preserves that velvety smoothness we worked for. Serve this hearty ground turkey soup right away. Top it generously with cheese and avocado slices.
How to Store High Protein Creamy Taco Soup
Storing leftovers is a breeze for busy weeks. Cool the soup completely before storing it away. Transfer the soup into airtight containers safely. It keeps well in your refrigerator for about four days. Freezing is possible but textures change slightly. If freezing, omit the yogurt or sour cream first.
Tips for Success
- Soften Cream Cheese: Use room temperature cream cheese every time.
- Drain Well: Always drain beans and corn thoroughly first.
- Low Simmer: Maintain a low, slow simmer for best flavor development.
- Taste Test: Check seasoning before adding extra salt later on.
- Thickening: A cornstarch slurry can thicken leftovers if needed.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- A large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot is essential for even heating.
- Inside the pot, you need strong wooden or silicone spoons for stirring.
- Measuring cups and spoons help with broth and seasoning accuracy.
- A sharp knife and sturdy cutting board speed up the onion prep.
Serving Suggestions
- Offer tortilla strips or crunchy crushed tortilla chips for texture contrast.
- A dollop of lime-infused crema brightens the whole bowl instantly.
- Serve alongside a simple green salad with cilantro-lime dressing.
- A sprinkle of cotija cheese adds salty flair beautifully.
High Protein Creamy Taco Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex/American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and flavorful High Protein Creamy Taco Soup, made with lean ground turkey or beef, beans, tomatoes, and enriched with cream cheese for a rich, creamy texture.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground turkey or beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream (for creaminess, optional)
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro, crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground turkey/beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, pinto beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for at least 20-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Stir in the softened cream cheese cubes until melted and fully incorporated, making the soup creamy.
- Remove from heat and stir in Greek yogurt or sour cream, if using, for extra creaminess. Do not boil after adding yogurt/sour cream.
- Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips.
Notes
- Using lean ground turkey or beef helps keep the fat content lower.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easier melting into the soup.
- If using Greek yogurt, plain, unsweetened variety is best.
- Do not boil the soup after adding the cream cheese or yogurt/sour cream to maintain the creamy texture.
