Creamy Taco Soup Recipe
This creamy taco soup is perfect for cozy nights and busy days alike. It combines the delicious flavors of tacos in a warm, comforting soup. You can enjoy it with your family or serve it at a party. Let’s dive in and see how to make this delightful dish.
Why Make This Recipe
This creamy taco soup is much more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Here are some reasons to make this recipe today:
Quick and Easy: With just a few steps and common ingredients, you can whip up this soup in no time. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something warm and filling without spending hours in the kitchen.
Delicious Flavors: This soup brings together rich, bold flavors. Ground beef, taco seasoning, and mixed peppers create a tasty base while cream cheese adds a delightful creaminess. You’ll find the perfect balance of spices that will make your taste buds dance.
Customizable: Whether you prefer extra heat or more creaminess, you can easily adjust the flavors to your liking. You can add more jalapeño if you enjoy spicy food, or you can use less cream cheese if you prefer a lighter option.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup keeps well in the fridge. You can make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week. Just reheat it, and you’ll have a comforting meal ready in minutes.
Great for Gatherings: Whether you’re hosting a game day or a family dinner, this recipe is sure to please a crowd. Serve it with toppings like sour cream, cheese, and avocado, and everyone will love customizing their bowl.
How to Make Creamy Taco Soup
Making creamy taco soup is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps to create a delicious bowl of comfort.
Ingredients
Here’s what you will need to make creamy taco soup:
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15)
- 1-2 packages taco seasoning
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, minced (remove membrane and seeds)
- 1 Anaheim pepper, minced
- 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 oz can diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 15 oz 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
- 4 oz – 8 oz cream cheese, softened (use 8 oz for more creaminess)
Directions
Follow these easy steps to make the soup:
Brown the Beef: Start by bringing a large Dutch oven to medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef. Brown the beef, breaking it up with a spoon until it is fully cooked and no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Add Onion and Garlic: After the beef is browned, drain excess grease from the pot. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir for 2-3 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
Combine Vegetables and Seasoning: Now, add the minced jalapeño, Anaheim pepper, taco seasoning, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, chicken broth, lime zest, lime juice, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and dried oregano. Mix everything well to combine.
Taste and Adjust: At this point, it’s a good idea to taste your soup. If you prefer bolder flavors, you can add more taco seasoning or lime juice to match your taste.
Add Cream Cheese: Next, stir in the softened cream cheese. Continue stirring until it has melted and mixed thoroughly into the soup. This will give your soup a rich and creamy consistency.
Simmer: Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the soup to become hot throughout.
Serve: Now, your creamy taco soup is ready! Serve it hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, and diced avocado for an extra delicious touch.
How to Serve Creamy Taco Soup
Serving creamy taco soup is easy. You can choose from various garnishes to make each bowl unique:
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a cool touch to the spicy soup.
- Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness.
- Shredded Cheese: Add some shredded cheese on top for extra richness.
- Avocado: Diced avocado creates a creamy texture and complements the soup.
- Tortilla Chips: Serve with crunchy tortilla chips for added texture.
- Lime Wedges: Squeeze some fresh lime juice on top for extra zing.
Encourage your guests or family to customize their bowls with their favorite toppings. This makes the meal more interactive and fun!
How to Store Creamy Taco Soup
If you have leftovers, you can store creamy taco soup easily:
- Cool Down: Allow the soup to cool down to room temperature before storing.
- Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the soup into airtight containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as the soup may expand when frozen.
- Refrigeration: Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
- Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. The soup will stay good for about 2-3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it on the stove or microwave.
Tips to Make Creamy Taco Soup
Here are some helpful tips for making the best creamy taco soup:
- Choose Lean Meat: Using 85/15 ground beef helps reduce excess grease in the soup. You can also use turkey or chicken for a healthier option.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to sneak in other vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, for added nutrition.
- Adjust Spice Level: If you don’t want it too spicy, you can skip the jalapeño or the taco seasoning.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lime juice and fresh herbs elevate the flavors. Using canned goods is fine, but fresh ingredients make a big difference.
- Mix Non-Dairy Options: If you prefer a non-dairy version, you can substitute cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese or skip it altogether for a lighter soup.
Variation
You can easily modify this recipe to suit your taste:
- Vegetarian Version: Replace ground beef with extra black beans, lentils, or plant-based meat.
- Make It Spicy: For extra heat, increase the amount of jalapeño or add chopped serrano peppers.
- Different Proteins: Swap beef for shredded chicken or cooked turkey for a different flavor profile.
- Creamier Soup: For an even creamier version, try adding more cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end.
FAQs
1. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Brown the beef first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for about 3-4 hours. Add the cream cheese at the end to melt before serving.
2. Can I freeze the soup?
Definitely! Let the soup cool and store it in freezer-safe containers. It can last for 2-3 months frozen. Just reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
3. What should I serve with the soup?
This soup pairs well with tortilla chips, cornbread, or a fresh side salad. You can also serve it with warm tortillas for a comforting meal.
Enjoy making and sharing your creamy taco soup!
Creamy Taco Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the beef in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked.
- Drain excess grease from the pot, then add the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir for 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Add the minced jalapeño, Anaheim pepper, taco seasoning, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, chicken broth, lime zest, lime juice, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and dried oregano. Mix well.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more taco seasoning or lime juice as desired.
- Stir in the softened cream cheese until melted and fully incorporated into the soup.
- Cover and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Serve hot with toppings like sour cream, fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, and diced avocado.