Creamy Taco Soup

This Creamy Taco Soup is a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish packed with seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and a creamy, cheesy broth. With all the bold flavors of tacos in a warm and hearty soup, this one-pot meal is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or game-day gatherings. Serve it with tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and your favorite toppings for the ultimate cozy meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and flavorful – A rich, cheesy broth with classic taco spices.
• Easy one-pot meal – Simple ingredients and minimal cleanup.
• Hearty and filling – Packed with protein, beans, and veggies.
• Customizable – Adjust spice levels, swap proteins, or make it low-carb.
• Perfect for meal prep – Freezer-friendly and tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the soup:

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 (15 oz) can corn (drained)
• 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
• 3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese (softened and cubed)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For the taco seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Optional toppings:

• Crushed tortilla chips
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese
• Diced avocado
• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños

Directions

1. Cook the beef and aromatics:

• In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
• Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking for 3–4 minutes until softened.
• Stir in the taco seasoning and mix well.

2. Add the beans, corn, and broth:

• Pour in black beans, kidney beans, corn, Rotel, and broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
• Let the soup simmer for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to develop.

3. Make it creamy:

• Reduce heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
• Pour in the heavy cream and mix well.

4. Add the cheese:

• Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and let it melt into the soup, creating a rich and creamy texture.

5. Serve:

• Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like tortilla chips, sour cream, or jalapeños.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Low-Carb Version: Skip the beans and corn, and use extra ground beef and diced bell peppers.
• Chicken Taco Soup: Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef.
• Spicy Taco Soup: Add extra cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or hot sauce.
• Vegetarian Taco Soup: Replace the meat with extra beans and use vegetable broth.
• Slow Cooker Version: Brown the beef and add all ingredients (except cream cheese and heavy cream) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Stir in the cream cheese and heavy cream at the end.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?

Yes, but homemade seasoning has no added preservatives and allows you to control the spice level.

What’s the best cheese for this soup?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend work best for a creamy and melty texture.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut milk instead of heavy cream.

How do I thicken the soup?

Let it simmer longer to reduce liquid, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water).

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a leaner option that still tastes great with the seasonings.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free broth and taco seasoning.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of Rotel?

Yes, substitute with 1 ½ cups diced fresh tomatoes and 1 small diced jalapeño.

What can I serve with taco soup?

Serve with cornbread, tortilla chips, a green salad, or even warm flour tortillas.

Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Brown the beef using the sauté function, then add all ingredients except cream cheese and heavy cream. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release and stir in the creamy ingredients.

Conclusion

This Creamy Taco Soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and packed with taco flavors in a warm, cheesy broth. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in, meal prep, or a gathering with friends, this soup is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy a bowl of pure deliciousness!

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