The Best Creamy Taco Soup Recipe for Cozy Comfort Nights

Diving into a world of comfort, this creamy taco soup brings zesty southwestern flavors right to your kitchen.

Cozy aromas will dance through your home as ground beef simmers with vibrant spices.

Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a rich and satisfying meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Mexican-inspired seasonings blend seamlessly with tender vegetables and smooth cream.

Cheese adds a luxurious touch that makes each spoonful irresistibly delicious.

Quick to prepare and packed with bold flavors, this soup promises to become your new favorite weeknight dinner.

What Makes Creamy Taco Soup So Satisfying

• Pack with Flavor Punch: Loaded with bold spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, this soup delivers a robust taste that will satisfy even the most discerning taste buds.
• Customize Your Bowl: Versatile toppings like cheddar cheese, avocado, and cilantro let everyone personalize their soup, making it a crowd-pleasing option for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Comfort in a Pot: Creamy texture from the melted cream cheese creates a rich, hearty soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, perfect for those seeking ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients for Creamy Taco Soup

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and substance to the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a savory liquid foundation with deep, balanced taste.

• Black Beans: Adds protein, texture, and earthy flavor to the soup.
• Corn: Brings sweet crunch and additional nutritional value.
• Red Bell Pepper: Provides color, mild sweetness, and crisp texture.
• Ro-tel Tomatoes: Delivers tangy flavor and moisture with a hint of heat.

• Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika: Creates a complex, warm, and robust spice profile for the soup.

• Cream Cheese: Offers rich, smooth texture and creates a luxurious consistency.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhances and balances overall seasoning.

• Cheddar Cheese, Avocado, Cilantro, Tortilla Strips: Provides additional flavor, texture, and visual appeal.

How to Prepare Creamy Taco Soup

Step 1: Brown The Beef

Heat a large pot over medium flame and cook ground beef until it turns golden brown.

Use a strainer to eliminate excess grease, ensuring a clean and lean base for your soup.

Step 2: Build The Soup Foundation

• Chicken broth
• Ro-tel tomatoes with liquid
• Black beans
• Corn kernels
• Diced red bell pepper

Stir everything together to create a robust and colorful soup base.

Step 3: Spice It Up

• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cumin
• Smoked paprika

Mix thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly throughout the soup.

Step 4: Simmer And Develop Flavors

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat.

Let the soup gently simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the spices to meld and intensify.

Step 5: Add Creamy Goodness

Drop softened cream cheese into the soup.

Stir continuously until the cheese completely melts and blends into a smooth, luxurious texture.

Step 6: Final Seasoning

Taste the soup and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.

This is your chance to perfect the flavor profile.

Step 7: Serve And Garnish

Ladle the hot soup into bowls.

Pro Tips for Creamy Taco Soup Success

• Choose ground beef with lower fat content to reduce excess grease and create a healthier soup base.
• Toast spices briefly in the pot before adding liquid ingredients to intensify their aromatic qualities and boost overall taste profile.
• Soften cream cheese at room temperature and cut into small cubes for smoother, faster melting without lumps in the soup.
• Adjust chili powder and other seasonings gradually, tasting as you go to achieve perfect heat and flavor balance for your preference.
• This soup tastes even better the next day, so consider preparing in advance and storing in refrigerator to let flavors meld together.

Variations on Creamy Taco Soup

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Low-Carb Champion: Swap corn with cauliflower rice and use full-fat cream cheese to create a keto-friendly soup alternative.
• Slow Cooker Solution: Transfer all ingredients except cream cheese to a crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, adding cream cheese during the last 30 minutes.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Increase chili powder, add diced jalapeños, and include a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick of heat.

Serving Ideas for Creamy Taco Soup

• Taco Soup Flavor Boost: Sprinkle crispy tortilla strips or crushed corn chips on top for added crunch and texture.
• Creamy Comfort Combo: Pair with warm, buttery cornbread or a side of cilantro-lime rice to complete the meal.
• Fresh Finish Flair: Top with diced fresh avocado, chopped cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream for a cool, tangy contrast to the warm soup.
• Protein Power-Up: Serve alongside grilled chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken for extra protein and a heartier meal option.

Storing Creamy Taco Soup Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until soup reaches 165°F, ensuring even warming.
• Pour soup into a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of chicken broth if soup seems too thick. Warm until heated through completely, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• Is this soup spicy?

The spice level is mild to medium. You can adjust heat by adding more or less chili powder, or including a diced jalapeño if you want extra kick.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian.

• How do I prevent cream cheese from clumping?

Soften cream cheese at room temperature first, then cut into small cubes. Stir slowly and consistently while adding to ensure smooth incorporation into the soup.

• What protein alternatives work well?

Ground turkey, shredded chicken, or chorizo can replace ground beef and provide similar rich flavor profiles to this taco soup.

Creamy Taco Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets Mexican flavors in this hearty Creamy Taco Soup, blending rich spices with tender proteins. Warm bowls promise a delightful journey through zesty ingredients that welcome you to savor each spoonful of pure culinary satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef

Vegetables and Beans:

• 2 (10 ounces / 280 grams) cans ro-tel diced tomatoes & green chilies with juices
• 1 (14 ounces / 396 grams) can black beans, drained & rinsed
• 1 (12 ounces / 340 grams) can corn, drained
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped

Seasonings and Dairy:

• 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• Salt & pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Grated cheddar
• Avocado
• Cilantro
• Tortilla strips

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Instructions

1. Sizzle ground beef in a spacious pot at medium heat until thoroughly cooked, carefully draining any accumulated fat.
2. Pour chicken broth into the pot, incorporating Ro-tel tomatoes with their liquid, black beans, corn kernels, and diced red bell pepper.
3. Generously sprinkle chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and smoked paprika across the mixture, thoroughly blending the spices.
4. Elevate temperature until liquid reaches a robust boil, then immediately reduce heat, allowing the soup to gently simmer for approximately 18 minutes.
5. Introduce softened cream cheese into the simmering soup, continuously stirring until the cheese completely dissolves and integrates seamlessly with the liquid.
6. Carefully adjust seasoning, introducing salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
7. Transfer steaming soup into serving bowls, embellishing with optional garnishes like shredded cheddar cheese, creamy avocado slices, fresh cilantro sprigs, or crispy tortilla strips.

Notes

• Select lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier soup base.
• Consider using ground turkey for a lower-calorie alternative that maintains the soup’s rich flavor profile.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing chili powder to suit individual heat preferences.
• For a vegetarian version, swap ground meat with plant-based crumbles or additional beans to maintain protein content.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 271 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg