Creamy Taco Soup Recipe

There’s a comforting essence to this creamy taco soup that feels like a warm hug after a long day. The rich blend of spices and textures from the ground beef, black beans, and corn creates a symphony of flavors that leaves you blissfully satisfied, especially when topped with a dollop of sour cream and a squeeze of lime.

Taco Soup is my go-to comfort meal. It features ground beef and black beans for heartiness, taco seasoning for vibrant flavor, and tomatoes with green chiles for a little kick.

I love how creamy it is. The cream cheese gives it the perfect silky texture, while the cheddar adds richness without overpowering the other ingredients.

Nutritionally speaking, Taco Soup is far from a junk meal. It has a mix of protein and fiber that will keep you satisfied for quite a while.

And it’s easy to gussy up with toppings like sour cream or avocado.

Creamy Taco Soup Recipe Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Packed with protein, adds hearty flavor and texture.
• Onions: Rich in antioxidants, enhances depth and sweetness.
• Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting properties, infuses aromatic zing.
• Black Beans: High in fiber and protein, offers a creamy bite.
• Corn: Sweet, juicy kernels; a source of healthy carbohydrates.
• Cream Cheese: Creamy texture, adds richness and smoothness.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers sharp, tangy taste with calcium and protein.
• Taco Seasoning: Spicy, zesty mix, infuses vibrant Mexican flair.

Creamy Taco Soup Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, avocado, lime wedges

How to Make this Creamy Taco Soup Recipe

1. In a large pot, olive oil over medium heat. Stir in the ground beef and cook until it is browned. Fat that is left over needs to be drained.

2. Add onion, diced, and garlic, minced, to the pot. Sauté until the onion turns translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Incorporate taco seasoning and mix thoroughly with beef and onions.

4. Put in the pot, black beans, corn, tomatoes that are diced and green chiles, and chicken broth. Stir thoroughly.

5. Heat the mixture until it boils. Then, turn the heat down to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes.

6. Chop the softened cream cheese into small chunks and add them to the soup. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.

7. Slowly mix in the shredded cheddar cheese and cook until melted and smooth.

8. Adjust the salt and pepper in the soup to taste, as needed.

9. When all the components of the dish are well combined and heated through, remove the pot from the heat source.

10. Serve the hot, creamy taco soup, with or without optional toppings such as sour cream, chopped cilantro, avocado, and lime wedges. Enjoy!

Creamy Taco Soup Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Can opener
6. Measuring spoons
7. Ladle

FAQ

• Can I use a different protein instead of ground beef?If you would rather not use ground beef, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for it.
• Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?Sure! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles, and instead of chicken broth, use vegetable broth.
• Can I use homemade taco seasoning?Absolutely! It is possible to control the spice levels and flavor of taco seasoning to your liking using homemade taco seasoning.
• How can I make this soup spicier?To amp up the heat, add extra diced green chiles, jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce.
• Can I freeze leftovers?Indeed, this soup does freeze well. Just ensure that you store it in a container that is airtight, and it can be frozen for as long as 3 months.
• How do I make the soup thicker?You may let it surface for an extended time without covering it or introduce a corn-starch-and-water slurry to make the thickness to your liking.
• What can I serve with this soup?Tortilla chips, warm bread, or a simple side salad make a complete meal when served with this dip.

Creamy Taco Soup Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1 pound ground turkey in place of ground beef.
1 tablespoon vegetable oil instead of olive oil
1 small bell pepper, diced and substituted for the onion for a sweeter flavor.
Choose 2 spicy Italian sausages. Remove the casing and use the sausage instead of ground beef. You will get a different taste.
1 (15-ounce) can of pinto beans, drained and rinsed, used in place of black beans
An additional option for black beans is 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed.
1 (10-ounce) can of plain diced tomatoes, undrained; use this instead of diced tomatoes with green chiles if you want less heat.
Use 4 cups of vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
4 ounces of Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter option.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Flavor with Toasted Spices Before adding the taco seasoning, try toasting it in the pan for a minute to enhance its flavors. This will help release the essential oils in the spices, making them more aromatic and flavorful.

2. Creamy Texture Tip For an even creamier texture, blend half a can of black beans with a little bit of chicken broth before adding them to the pot. This puree will thicken the soup and add depth to the flavor.

3. Optimize Browning Make sure the ground beef is browned well before draining any excess fat. Browning develops rich flavors through the Maillard reaction, which will contribute to the overall taste of your soup.

4. Infuse with Citrus A squeeze of fresh lime juice added right before serving will brighten the flavors and enhance the taste of the soup. Lime also complements the optional toppings beautifully.

5. Keep Cheeses Smooth To prevent the cheese from clumping, ensure it is added slowly with continuous stirring. If the cream cheese is too cold, soften it in the microwave or by leaving it at room temperature to ensure it blends smoothly into the soup.