Creamy Taco Soup Recipe

Cozy Homestyle Creamy Taco Soup Recipe for Comfort Nights

Comfort meets zesty flavors in this mouthwatering creamy taco soup that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Packed with bold spices and hearty ingredients, our recipe brings a southwestern twist to your dinner table.

Warm and satisfying, each spoonful promises a delightful blend of textures and rich, creamy goodness.

We’ve crafted a simple yet irresistible dish that combines classic taco elements with a smooth, velvety base.

Protein-rich and easy to customize, this soup welcomes your favorite toppings and personal touches.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe that everyone will adore.

Let’s dive into a culinary adventure that promises to become your new go-to comfort meal.

Creamy Taco Soup Recipe Breakdown

  • Packed with beans, beef, and creamy cheese, this recipe delights both kids and adults with its hearty, crowd-pleasing taste.
  • Transform the soup with endless garnish options like crispy tortilla chips, fresh avocado, or tangy sour cream, making each bowl a personal creation.
  • Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor combine in this single-pot recipe, saving time and reducing kitchen mess while delivering a satisfying meal.

Everything Inside Creamy Taco Soup Recipe

Meat and Protein:
  • Ground Beef: Rich and hearty base that adds protein and depth to the soup.
  • Black Beans, Kidney Beans: Soft legumes that provide extra protein and texture.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion: Sweet and savory foundation that builds flavor complexity.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall taste profile.
  • Corn: Sweet kernel vegetable that adds pop of color and texture.
  • Rotel: Zesty tomato and green chile mix for southwestern kick.
Dairy and Creamy Components:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates luxurious, thick texture and tangy undertone.
  • Heavy Cream: Smooth ingredient that adds richness and silkiness.
  • Shredded Cheese: Melty component that boosts creamy, cheesy flavor.
Spices and Seasonings:
  • Taco Seasoning: Signature southwestern spice blend for authentic taste.
  • Paprika: Warm, slightly smoky spice that deepens flavor profile.
  • Cumin: Earthy spice that provides traditional mexican undertone.
  • Lime Juice: Bright, acidic finish that balances rich soup.
Liquid Component:
  • Chicken Broth: Savory liquid base that helps develop soup consistency.

Cooking Guide for Creamy Taco Soup at Home

Step 1: Sizzle The Beef

  • Ground beef
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Taco seasoning
  • Paprika
  • Cumin

Heat a large pot over medium flame. Toss in beef and onions, cooking until meat turns golden brown and crumbly. Drain any extra fat. Sprinkle garlic and spices into the pot, stirring until aromas burst through.

Step 2: Build The Flavor Foundation

  • Rotel tomatoes
  • Black beans
  • Kidney beans
  • Corn
  • Chicken broth

Dump all ingredients into the pot. Stir gently and let everything bubble softly. Allow soup to simmer for 10-15 minutes, letting flavors mingle and dance together.

Step 3: Transform Into Creamy Goodness

  • Cream cheese
  • Heavy cream
  • Shredded cheese
  • Lime juice

Lower heat and introduce cream cheese, stirring until it melts completely. Pour in cream and shredded cheese, whisking until silky smooth. Squeeze fresh lime juice for a zesty kick.

Step 4: Dress And Devour

Scoop soup into bowls. Crown with delightful toppings like dollops of sour cream, sliced avocado, or crunchy tortilla chips. Enjoy your magical creation!

Tricks for Achieving the Perfect Creamy Taco Soup

  • Customize Heat Levels: Swap regular Rotel for mild or hot versions to control the soup's spiciness according to your taste preferences.
  • Boost Protein Power: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that still delivers delicious flavor.
  • Simplify Cream Cheese Melting: Cut cream cheese into smaller cubes and let sit at room temperature before adding to ensure smoother, faster integration into the soup.
  • Make It Vegetarian-Friendly: Eliminate ground beef and use plant-based crumbles or extra beans to create a hearty meatless version that's equally satisfying.
  • Freeze Like a Pro: Store leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months, remembering to cool completely before freezing and thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Save Leftovers of Creamy Taco Soup

  • Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
  • Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick.
  • Heat in microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until heated through, taking care not to overheat and separate the creamy base.

Dishes That Go with Creamy Taco Soup

  • Select a light, refreshing Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo Especial to cut through the soup's richness and complement its bold taco flavors.
  • Mix a zesty margarita using fresh lime juice, tequila, and triple sec to mirror the soup's citrus notes and provide a tangy, refreshing counterpoint.
  • Create a side of fluffy white rice seasoned with fresh cilantro and lime zest to absorb the soup's creamy texture and add a bright, herbal dimension.
  • Layer crisp, salty tortilla chips around or on top of the soup to provide a satisfying textural contrast and reinforce the Mexican-inspired taste profile.

Change It Up with Creamy Taco Soup Additions

  • Vegetarian Taco Soup: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich flavor and protein content.
  • Low-Carb Keto Option: Swap beans for cauliflower florets and use full-fat cream cheese to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the creamy texture intact.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute dairy ingredients with coconut cream, nutritional yeast, and dairy-free cheese shreds to accommodate lactose-intolerant preferences.
  • Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients except cream cheese and heavy cream into a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours, then stir in creamy components during the final 30 minutes for an effortless one-pot meal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Taco Soup

  • Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture.

  • Is this soup spicy?

The soup has a mild to moderate spice level from the taco seasoning and Rotel. If you prefer less heat, use mild Rotel or reduce the amount of taco seasoning.

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. Simply follow the same cooking instructions and the soup will turn out just as delicious.

  • Do I need to drain the beans?

Yes, drain and rinse the black and kidney beans before adding them to the soup. This helps remove excess sodium and prevents the soup from becoming too watery.

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Creamy Taco Soup Recipe

Creamy Taco Soup Recipe


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4.9 from 33 reviews

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

Description

Warm Mexican-inspired Creamy Taco Soup brings comfort and zest to dinner tables with its bold, tangy flavors. Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a soul-satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (10 ounces) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)

Beans and Corn:

  • 1 (15 ounces) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 ounces) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 ounces) can corn, drained

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin

Liquid Components:

  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or beef broth)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional, for brightness)

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 1 (8 ounces) block cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican cheese blend)

Garnishes:

  • Sour cream
  • Sliced avocado
  • Shredded cheese
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Crushed tortilla chips
  • Sliced jalapenos

Instructions

  1. Initiate the foundation by sautéing ground beef with onions in a spacious pot, rendering the meat until it achieves a rich golden-brown coloration.
  2. Eliminate accumulated fat, then incorporate aromatic spices including garlic, taco seasoning, paprika, and cumin, allowing the mixture to bloom and release its intense flavors.
  3. Introduce vibrant ingredients such as Rotel tomatoes, black and kidney beans, and corn into the seasoned meat mixture, then cascade chicken broth over the contents.
  4. Allow the concoction to gently simmer, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures for approximately 10-15 minutes.
  5. Transition to a lower heat setting and gradually integrate cream cheese cubes, stirring until completely dissolved and creating a luxurious base.
  6. Enhance the soup’s richness by folding in heavy cream and shredded cheese, whisking until the mixture transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency.
  7. Brighten the flavor profile with a splash of fresh lime juice, providing a subtle tangy undertone.
  8. Transfer the creamy taco soup into serving bowls and customize with preferred garnishes like sour cream, diced avocado, or crispy tortilla chip fragments.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to create a leaner, lighter version of the soup that’s equally delicious and satisfying.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and homemade taco seasoning, which allows you to control salt content without sacrificing flavor.
  • Boost nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini during the simmering stage, creating more texture and increasing vegetable intake.
  • Easily make this soup gluten-free by ensuring taco seasoning is certified gluten-free and using corn-based products like tortilla chips for garnishing.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 490 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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