Get ready to cozy up with a bowl of incredibly flavorful and comforting creamy taco soup! This recipe delivers a satisfying meal with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights. You can have this rich, customizable soup on your table in just 30 minutes, using simple pantry ingredients you likely already have.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Taco Soup
- Quick and easy weeknight dinner: This soup comes together in a flash, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Packed with bold taco flavors: Enjoy all your favorite taco tastes in a comforting soup form.
- Luxuriously creamy and comforting: The addition of cream cheese creates an irresistibly smooth texture.
- Highly customizable with toppings: Personalize each bowl with your favorite garnishes.
- Great for families and gatherings: It is a crowd-plepleaser everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious creamy taco soup:
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Choose 90% lean or higher for less fat.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth if you’re watching your salt intake. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides comprehensive guidelines on daily sodium intake for adults.
- 2 (10 ounce) cans Ro-tel diced tomatoes & green chilies: Use the mild variety for a subtle kick without too much heat.
- 1 (14 ounce) can black beans: Drain and rinse these thoroughly before adding.
- 1 (12 ounce) can corn: Make sure to drain the canned corn well for the best texture.
- 1/2 red bell pepper: Chopped, this adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1/2 tablespoon chili powder: This is an essential spice for that classic taco flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a wonderful aromatic depth to the soup.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory notes and overall flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Crucial for the signature, warm taco seasoning taste.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Imparts a lovely smoky richness to the creamy taco soup.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (I used Philly): Ensure it is softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free texture.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Adjust seasoning at the end to suit your preference.
- Toppings (optional): Grated cheddar cheese, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, tortilla strips, or sour cream.
Notes & Substitutions
Always soften your cream cheese completely before adding it to the pot; this prevents lumps. For an even deeper flavor and color in your taco soup, use beef broth instead of chicken broth. If Ro-tel isn’t available, substitute with a can of regular diced tomatoes and a small can of chopped green chilies. Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or opting for hot Ro-tel. You can easily swap the ground beef for lean ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this easy recipe. Grab a large soup pot or Dutch oven for cooking everything efficiently. A meat chopper or sturdy spoon works great for breaking up the ground beef. A can opener makes quick work of opening your canned ingredients. Finally, have a cutting board and knife ready for chopping the bell pepper and cream cheese.
Instructions
Prepare this delicious creamy taco soup in just a few simple steps. You’ll be enjoying a warm, flavorful meal in no time!
- Add the ground beef to a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef, breaking it up with your spoon as you go along, for about 10 minutes until fully cooked through. If there’s excess fat, carefully spoon most of it out of the pot.
- Add the chicken broth, Ro-tel diced tomatoes & green chilies (with their juices), black beans (drained and rinsed), corn (drained), and chopped red bell pepper to the pot.
- Stir in all the spices: chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Make sure everything is well combined.
- Increase the heat to high and bring the soup mixture to a boil. Once boiling, turn down the heat so it is simmering gently, uncovered, for about 8 minutes. While the soup cooks, take this time to prep any desired toppings like shredding cheese or chopping cilantro.
- Cut the softened cream cheese into smaller cubes or pieces. Add these cream cheese pieces directly into the simmering soup.
- Stir continuously until the cream cheese is completely dissolved and the soup becomes smooth and creamy throughout. This may take a few minutes of stirring.
- Finally, season the creamy taco soup generously with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a quick taste test and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot with your preferred toppings.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Ensure your cream cheese is very soft, ideally at room temperature, before adding it to prevent lumps and achieve a silky texture. Thoroughly break up the ground beef as it browns for a consistent texture in your easy taco soup. Always adjust the seasoning, especially salt and pepper, to your personal preference before serving. After adding the cream cheese, avoid boiling the soup vigorously; a gentle simmer is best to maintain its creamy consistency. If your soup appears grainy, it’s usually because the cream cheese wasn’t fully melted or softened; continue stirring gently until completely smooth. If your taco soup becomes too thick, simply add a little more chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your hearty creamy taco soup by offering a variety of fresh toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, or crispy tortilla strips. Serve it alongside crunchy tortilla chips or warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping. A dollop of sour cream or a side of homemade guacamole also complements the rich flavors beautifully. For a lighter meal, pair this satisfying taco soup with a simple green salad.
Storage
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for about 3-4 days. When reheating, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. If you plan to freeze this taco soup, do so before adding the cream cheese, as dairy can sometimes separate when thawed. Understanding the culinary science behind freezing helps maintain the texture of your dishes, with tips for freezing dairy-based soups often recommending separating dairy components. Thaw, then add fresh cream cheese when reheating.
Variations
- Spicy: Amp up the heat by adding diced jalapeños, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or extra cayenne pepper to your easy taco soup.
- Protein: Easily swap the ground beef for ground chicken or ground turkey for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.
- Vegetarian: Omit the meat entirely and add extra canned beans (like pinto or kidney beans) and more vegetables such as diced zucchini or bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Bean Blend: Experiment with different canned beans; pinto or kidney beans work wonderfully in place of or in addition to black beans.
- Slow Cooker: Adapt this recipe for your Crockpot! Brown the beef, then combine all ingredients (except cream cheese) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Stir in softened cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 370 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 26 g |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 88 mg |
| Sodium | 1118 mg |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 6 g |
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
Disclaimer: Nutrition values are approximated and can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.
FAQ
- What makes taco soup creamy?
- Cream cheese, specifically softened and stirred into the hot soup, provides the rich, smooth, and creamy texture that defines this delightful dish. It melts seamlessly, adding a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Can I make this soup spicier?
- Absolutely! To increase the heat in your creamy taco soup, you can add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or use “hot” Ro-tel diced tomatoes and green chilies.
- Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
- Yes, but with a small modification. For best results, freeze the soup before adding the cream cheese. Once thawed and reheated, stir in the softened cream cheese to maintain its creamy texture.
- What are the best toppings for taco soup?
- Popular toppings include shredded cheddar cheese, sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, crushed tortilla chips or strips, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
- Yes, you can definitely use your favorite homemade taco seasoning blend in place of the individual spices listed. Just ensure the quantity is roughly equivalent to what the recipe calls for.
Conclusion
This irresistible creamy taco soup truly offers the best of both worlds: incredible flavor and effortless preparation. It’s a comforting, customizable meal that comes together quickly, making it a perfect addition to your busy weeknight rotation. Don’t wait to try this family-favorite recipe; you’ll love how simple and satisfying it is. We encourage you to whip up a batch soon and share your experience in the comments below!
Irresistible Creamy Taco Soup: Quick & Easy Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown 1 pound lean ground beef in a large soup pot over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, breaking it up and draining any excess fat.
- Add all remaining ingredients except cream cheese, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Bring the soup to a boil on high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer, uncovered, for 8 minutes while preparing your toppings.
- Cut the softened cream cheese into pieces, add it to the soup, and stir until fully dissolved. Season with salt and pepper, then serve with desired toppings.