Creamy Taco Soup Recipe

Cozy Creamy Taco Soup Recipe for Chilly Evening Comfort

Whipping up a delectable creamy taco soup can turn an ordinary evening into a flavor-packed adventure.

comfort meets zesty Mexican-inspired ingredients in this soul-warming dish.

Hearty and rich, the recipe promises a delightful culinary journey that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Spices dance through each spoonful, creating a symphony of taste sensations.

Weeknight dinners deserve something extraordinary, and this soup delivers with its vibrant blend of textures and bold flavors.

Chefs of all skill levels can master this crowd-pleasing meal in less than thirty minutes.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this incredible soup that feels like a warm hug from the kitchen.

Taco Soup With Rich Cream and a Spicy Kick

Whip Up Effortless Comfort: This rich and creamy taco soup offers irresistible advantages.

  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare this delightful meal in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Simplicity: One-pot cooking means minimal cleanup, making it a stress-free option for home cooks of all skill levels.
  • Customize Your Bowl: Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or crispy tortilla strips to create a personalized dining experience that keeps everyone excited.
  • Crowd-Feeding Champion: Easily serves 6-8 people, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings where hearty comfort food is welcome.

Creamy Taco Soup Pantry Picks

Protein:
  • Ground Beef: Rich, hearty protein that adds depth to the soup's flavor. Choose lean beef for less grease.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides liquid base and enhances overall soup flavor. Low-sodium versions work best for controlling salt.
Vegetables and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatics that build a robust flavor foundation. Fresh ingredients offer the most intense taste.
  • Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Adds tangy brightness and mild heat. Rotel brand works great for consistent flavor.
  • Black Beans: Creamy texture and additional protein boost. Drain and rinse canned beans to reduce sodium.
  • Corn: Sweet, textural element that complements other ingredients. Frozen or canned corn are equally good.
Creamy and Seasoning Components:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates luxurious, velvety texture. Full-fat version melts smoothly for best results.
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Thickens and adds creamy richness. Store-bought condensed version works perfectly.
  • Taco Seasoning: Provides signature southwestern flavor profile. Homemade or store-bought mixes are suitable.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for final flavor adjustment. Kosher salt recommended for balanced seasoning.

Creamy Taco Soup Comfort Bowl Steps

Step 1: Brown Ground Beef

Grab a large pot and sizzle the ground beef over medium heat.

Cook until the meat transforms from pink to a delicious golden brown.

If you spot extra grease pooling, go ahead and drain it off for a lighter soup.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic.

Let them dance around the pot until they turn soft and release their magical fragrance, which should take about 3 minutes.

Step 3: Build Soup Foundation

Add these flavor-packed ingredients:
  • Taco seasoning
  • Diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • Black beans
  • Corn

Stir everything together until they’re perfectly mixed and friends with each other.

Step 4: Create Creamy Base

Pour in the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth.

Whisk gently until the mixture becomes smooth and silky.

Bring the pot to a gentle, bubbling simmer.

Step 5: Melt in Creamy Goodness

Lower the heat and introduce cream cheese to the party.

Stir until it completely melts and blends into the soup, creating a luxuriously rich texture.

Take a quick taste and sprinkle in salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Let Flavors Mingle

Allow the soup to simmer lazily for 5-10 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and let all those incredible flavors get to know each other.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

Top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, or crispy tortilla strips.

Dive in and enjoy your comfort in a bowl!

Easy Soup Tips for Creamy Taco Flavor

  • Brown ground beef thoroughly in a hot pan to develop rich, caramelized taste that adds depth to the soup's overall profile.
  • Cut cream cheese into small cubes and allow it to soften at room temperature before adding to ensure smooth, lump-free integration.
  • Adjust heat by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning, or add diced jalapeños for those who love extra kick in their soup.
  • Bulk up the soup with additional protein like shredded rotisserie chicken or black beans for a heartier, more filling dish.
  • This soup tastes even better the next day, so prepare in advance and let flavors meld overnight for maximum deliciousness.

Taco Soup Storage Plan

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Leave some space at the top for expansion.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick.
  • Transfer to a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Check temperature to ensure even heating.

Taco Soup Side Ideas

  • Pair with Mexican Cerveza: Crisp, light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo Especial cuts through the soup's richness, refreshing the palate with each sip.
  • Create Margarita Magic: Zesty lime margarita complements the soup's spicy profile, balancing the creamy texture with bright citrus notes and tequila warmth.
  • Serve with Crunchy Cornbread: Slightly sweet, golden cornbread provides perfect textural contrast, absorbing the soup's rich broth and adding delightful crunch to each bite.
  • Recommend Sangria Splash: Fruity red sangria offers sweet undertones that harmonize with the soup's bold flavors, creating a festive and satisfying dining experience.

Creamy Taco Soup Adjustments To Try At Home

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version. Add extra beans for protein and texture.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free taco seasoning and cream of chicken soup. Verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free to ensure safe consumption.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream or dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Use coconut milk instead of chicken broth for richness.
  • Spicy Southwest Spin: Increase heat by adding diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or a splash of hot sauce. Incorporate fire-roasted tomatoes for deeper flavor complexity.

FAQs

  • Is this taco soup spicy?

The soup has a mild to moderate heat level from the taco seasoning and diced green chilies. You can adjust the spiciness by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning, or adding extra green chilies for more kick.

  • Can I make this soup without beef?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, shredded chicken, or make it vegetarian by using plant-based ground meat or adding extra beans for protein.

  • How long does it take to prepare this soup?

This taco soup comes together quickly, taking about 25-30 minutes from start to finish. Most of the time is spent browning the meat and letting the flavors blend while simmering.

  • Do I need any special cooking skills to make this soup?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires basic cooking skills like browning meat and stirring ingredients. Even novice cooks can easily prepare this delicious soup.

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Creamy Taco Soup Recipe

Creamy Taco Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Mexican-inspired taco soup delivers bold flavors that dance across your palate with zesty spices and tender meat. Comfort meets excitement in this quick, nourishing dish perfect for warming hungry souls on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (453.6 grams) ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning

Vegetables and Canned Goods:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5-ounce/411.3 grams) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 (15-ounce/425.2 grams) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15-ounce/425.2 grams) can corn, drained

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1 (10-ounce/283.5 grams) can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 (8-ounce/226.8 grams) package cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups (473 milliliters) chicken broth
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Tortilla chips or strips
  • Sliced jalapenos

Instructions

  1. Place ground beef in a spacious cooking vessel and sizzle over medium-high flame, breaking meat into crumbly fragments until no pink remains.
  2. Eliminate any accumulated fat, then introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle taco seasoning across the meat mixture, allowing spices to bloom and intensify their aromatic profile.
  4. Cascade diced tomatoes with green chilies, rinsed black beans, and sweet corn kernels into the pot, stirring to distribute ingredients evenly.
  5. Pour cream of chicken soup and chicken broth, whisking thoroughly to create a smooth, uniform liquid base that promises rich texture.
  6. Reduce flame to gentle warmth and incorporate cubed cream cheese, stirring consistently until completely dissolved and integrated.
  7. Allow soup to simmer quietly, occasionally rotating with a wooden spoon, permitting flavors to harmonize and develop complexity.
  8. Evaluate seasoning, introducing pinches of salt and pepper to elevate the overall taste profile if necessary.
  9. Ladle into deep ceramic bowls and adorn with preferred garnishes like shredded cheese, crisp tortilla strips, or fresh cilantro for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Trim visible fat from ground beef to reduce overall calorie content and make the dish lighter.
  • Consider using ground turkey or chicken as a leaner protein alternative for health-conscious eaters.
  • Swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese for a healthier, protein-packed version without sacrificing creaminess.
  • Enhance vegetarian options by replacing meat with extra beans, lentils, or plant-based crumbles for a hearty, protein-rich meal.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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