Creamy Taco Soup Recipe

Creamy Taco Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the best of taco ingredients in a rich, creamy base. This hearty soup features seasoned meat, beans, corn, and tomatoes, all simmered together in a savory broth. The addition of heavy cream and cheese makes it extra creamy and satisfying, perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of tacos in a warm, soup form.

Making creamy taco soup is quick and easy. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to cook, making it a perfect weeknight meal. You can have a delicious, homemade soup ready in under an hour, which is ideal for busy days when you want something comforting but don’t have much time to cook.

The creamy taco soup recipe brings a burst of flavor with every spoonful. The combination of taco seasoning with the smoothness of cream and cheese creates a satisfying balance that everyone enjoys. It’s a dish that can be customized easily, adding or removing ingredients based on personal preference. Over time, this soup has become a family favorite, with its easy preparation and rich, comforting taste. The hearty ingredients make it a filling meal, and leftovers are just as good, if not better, the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Taco Soup

• Quick and Easy to Make: This creamy taco soup comes together in no time. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a comforting bowl ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying.
• Rich, Creamy Flavor: The creamy texture of this soup is irresistible. With cream cheese and broth, each bite is smooth and velvety, blending perfectly with the bold taco seasoning. It’s a delicious twist on traditional taco flavors.
• Customizable for Your Taste: Love spice? Add extra chili powder. Want it milder? Skip the hot sauce. This soup is easy to tweak, so you can adjust the flavor to suit your preference. Everyone in your family can enjoy it just the way they like.

Ingredient Notes for Creamy Taco Soup

• Ground beef or chicken: Both options work well in this soup, offering a hearty protein base. Ground chicken is a leaner choice, while beef adds richness.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and flavor to the soup. Dice it finely for a smoother texture.
• Bell pepper: Brings color and a mild, sweet flavor. You can choose any color, but red or yellow bell peppers are popular.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves give the soup a punch of flavor. Mince it well for an even taste throughout the soup.
• Taco seasoning: This blend of spices is key to getting that classic taco flavor. You can buy a packet or make your own.
• Tomatoes: Use diced tomatoes for a juicy, tangy base. You can also add tomato paste for a thicker texture.
• Black beans: A great source of fiber, they add a nice contrast in texture and flavor. Drain and rinse before adding to the soup.
• Kidney beans: These beans are slightly firmer than black beans and give the soup a heartier feel. Drain and rinse as well.
• Corn kernels: Sweet corn adds a bit of crunch and sweetness to the soup. Frozen corn works just fine.
• Chicken broth: A savory liquid that helps make the soup rich and comforting. You can also use vegetable broth for a lighter option.
• Heavy cream: This is what makes the soup creamy and smooth. It balances the spice from the taco seasoning.
• Cheddar cheese: Adds creaminess and a sharp flavor. Shred it yourself for the best melt.
• Salt and pepper: Always season to taste. These basic seasonings help bring all the flavors together.

Creamy Taco Soup Variation

While the base recipe is delicious on its own, there are several ways you can change up your Creamy Taco Soup to suit your tastes or dietary preferences:

• Vegetarian Taco Soup: Skip the ground beef and use extra beans like kidney beans or pinto beans for a plant-based version. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Spicy Taco Soup: If you like heat, add some diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili flakes to give your soup a spicy kick.
• Cheesy Taco Soup: Stir in extra cheese such as cream cheese or cheddar to make the soup even richer and creamier.
• Slow Cooker Version: For a hands-off approach, brown the meat and then throw all ingredients into a slow cooker. Let it cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the cream near the end of cooking time.

How to Serve Creamy Taco Soup

Creamy Taco Soup is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are a few ideas:

• With Sides: Pair the soup with a side of warm cornbread or garlic bread for a hearty meal.
• Taco Bar Style: Serve the soup with a variety of toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, cilantro, and tortilla chips, and let everyone customize their bowl.
• As a Main Course: It’s a complete meal on its own, packed with protein, fiber, and veggies. Serve with a side salad for added freshness.

Storage Options

Creamy Taco Soup keeps well in the fridge and is perfect for meal prep. Here’s how you can store it:

• In the Fridge: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• In the Freezer: If you want to store the soup for longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a bit more broth if needed to thin it out.

FAQs About Creamy Taco Soup

Can I make creamy taco soup ahead of time?
Yes, creamy taco soup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months, making it a great meal prep option.

Is creamy taco soup spicy?
The spiciness of creamy taco soup can be adjusted to your preference. You can make it mild by using less chili powder or adding sour cream to tone down the heat.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in creamy taco soup?
Absolutely! Ground turkey can replace beef in creamy taco soup for a lighter version. It still provides great flavor with the taco seasoning and creamy base.

What toppings go well with creamy taco soup?
Toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, and tortilla chips add extra flavor and texture to creamy taco soup. Customize your soup with your favorite toppings for a delicious twist.

Creamy Taco Soup Recipe

Creamy Taco Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish thatcombines the best of taco ingredients in a rich, creamy base. This hearty soupfeatures seasoned meat, beans, corn, and tomatoes, all simmered together in asavory broth. The addition of heavy cream and cheese makes it extra creamy andsatisfying, perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings. It's a great way to enjoythe flavors of tacos in a warm, soup form.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Course: Soup

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Soup Base:

• 1 lb. ground beef or chicken or use a combination of both
• 1 medium onion diced
• 1 green bell pepper diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade taco seasoning, if preferred
• 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz
• 1 can black beans 15 oz, drained and rinsed
• 1 can kidney beans 15 oz, drained and rinsed
• 1 can corn kernels 15 oz, drained
• 3 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Sour cream
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Extra shredded cheese

Equipment

• Large Soup Pot
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Stirrer
• Can Opener
• Cutting Board and Knife
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Blender (optional)
• Ladle

Method

 

1. Cook the Ground Beef or Chicken: In a large soup pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef (or cook the chicken) until fully cooked through. If using chicken, chop it into bite-sized pieces or shred it. Drain any excess grease from the beef if necessary.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot with the meat. Stir occasionally for about 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
3. Add Taco Seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly in the seasoning. If you prefer to make your own taco seasoning, you can mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
4. Add the Soup Ingredients: Pour in the diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, corn, and chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Stir in Cream and Cheese: Once the soup has simmered and thickened slightly, reduce the heat to low. Add the heavy cream and shredded cheeses. Stir until the cheese has melted and the soup becomes creamy and smooth. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed.
6. Simmer and Serve: Allow the soup to simmer on low heat for an additional 5 minutes. Serve hot and garnish with optional toppings such as sour cream, tortilla chips, chopped cilantro, or extra cheese.

Notes

When adding cheese, be sure to stir it in slowly to avoid it curdling. Using freshly shredded cheese will melt better and create a smoother texture. If you want your soup thicker, you can reduce the amount of broth or let it simmer longer.