This Creamy Taco Soup is the perfect comfort food that combines the bold flavors of taco seasoning with a creamy, rich broth. It’s a deliciously satisfying meal that comes together in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a hearty bowl on your own, this soup is sure to become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love tacos, then you’ll adore this Creamy Taco Soup. It’s like having your favorite taco in a bowl, but with a creamy twist that adds richness and depth to the dish. This soup is hearty, full of flavor, and can be made in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy nights. The creamy texture balances the zesty taco seasoning, and with ingredients like seasoned beef, beans, corn, and cheese, every spoonful is filled with comfort. Plus, it’s easily customizable with your favorite taco toppings!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, cilantro, avocado
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Cook the beef: In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and add the chopped onion. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion softens.
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Season the meat: Stir in the taco seasoning mix and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add the other ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, green chilies, and beef broth. Stir to combine and bring the soup to a simmer.
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Creamy addition: Once the soup is simmering, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.
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Simmer and adjust seasoning: Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
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Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and add your favorite toppings such as sour cream, extra shredded cheese, tortilla chips, or fresh cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Protein: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based protein like lentils or crumbled tofu for a different twist.
- Spicy: Add jalapeños, extra green chilies, or a dash of hot sauce to increase the spice level.
- Vegetarian: Omit the meat and add extra beans or vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to make it a vegetarian-friendly dish.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese for a dairy-free version of this soup.
- Low-Carb: Skip the corn and use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a low-carb option.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to thin the soup if it has thickened too much in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container for freezing. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative if you prefer a leaner option. It will still absorb the taco seasoning and create a flavorful soup.
Is there a way to make this soup spicier?
For more heat, add fresh jalapeños, more green chilies, or a dash of cayenne pepper to the soup. You can also serve it with a sprinkle of hot sauce.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Feel free to substitute the cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack, Mexican blend cheese, or even Pepper Jack if you want a little extra spice.
Can I add vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! You can add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach to increase the vegetable content.
What can I use if I don’t have taco seasoning?
You can make your own taco seasoning by combining chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
How can I make this soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend some of the beans or use an immersion blender to slightly puree the soup. You can also add a little more cheese to thicken it up.
Can I use plant-based options for this recipe?
Yes! You can swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version. Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese for a vegan-friendly version.
What should I serve this soup with?
This soup is delicious on its own or served with a side of tortilla chips, cornbread, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with rice if you prefer a more filling meal.
Conclusion
Creamy Taco Soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines the best flavors of tacos in a warm, hearty, and creamy soup. With its quick preparation and customizable toppings, this soup is perfect for busy nights or when you need a cozy meal. Whether you stick to the classic ingredients or get creative with variations, this soup is sure to satisfy your cravings for something both flavorful and filling!
Print
Creamy Taco Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stove-top
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Taco Soup brings all the bold flavors of tacos into a rich and comforting bowl. With seasoned beef, beans, corn, and a creamy broth, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings and variations, making it a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, cilantro, avocado
Instructions
- Cook the beef: In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and add the chopped onion. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion softens.
- Season the meat: Stir in the taco seasoning mix and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the other ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, green chilies, and beef broth. Stir to combine and bring the soup to a simmer.
- Creamy addition: Once the soup is simmering, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.
- Simmer and adjust seasoning: Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and add your favorite toppings like sour cream, extra shredded cheese, tortilla chips, or fresh cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier version, add jalapeños, extra green chilies, or hot sauce.
- Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based protein as a substitute for ground beef.
- Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding extra beans or vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
- For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese.
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