Creamy Taco Soup Recipe

The aroma of taco soup simmering on the stove takes me back to family gatherings where laughter and tasty bites filled the air. My love for creamy taco soup ignited during chilly evenings spent with friends, cozying up with a warm bowl of comfort. Each spoonful of this delightful dish captures vibrant flavors and inviting textures, and it has become a staple in my kitchen.

Creamy taco soup brings the best of taco night into a delightful and hearty bowl. The fusion of spices, tender beef, and creamy goodness offers a familiar yet exciting meal. Its versatility makes it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quiet night in or a gathering with friends. You can customize it to suit everyone’s taste, making every bowl an opportunity for personalization and joy.

Creating this creamy taco soup requires a simple yet satisfying list of ingredients. The magic lies in combining fresh vegetables, creamy cheese, and rich broth with a touch of zest. Each layer of flavor enhances the experience, inviting everyone to dig in and enjoy. The recipe generously serves hearty portions that are bound to please any crowd, promising seconds and thirds will be requested eagerly.

Let’s dive into the delicious world of creamy taco soup and explore how to make this comforting dish—a favorite among many—at home.

Creamy Taco Soup: A Flavorful Journey

Fundamentals

Crafting a creamy taco soup starts with understanding its components. Ground beef takes center stage, offering a robust protein foundation. The combination of diced onions and minced garlic creates a flavorful base, releasing a fragrant aroma that awakens the senses.

Spices play a vital role in elevating the flavors. Taco seasoning packs a punch of zest, enhancing the soup’s experience. The blend of jalapeño and Anaheim peppers adds heat and depth, balancing the richness of the cream cheese later in the recipe. Black beans and corn round out the soup with hearty textures, delivering a sense of satisfaction in every bite.

Chicken broth serves as the heart of the soup, binding elements and creating a comforting consistency. The lime zest and juice brighten each spoonful, introducing a refreshing twist. This dish is versatile and forgiving, allowing you to adapt the ingredients based on what’s available or your personal preferences.

Preparation/Setup

To prepare creamy taco soup, start by gathering all your ingredients. This ensures a smooth process, allowing you to work without interruption. A large Dutch oven or a deep pot works best for even cooking and ample space.

First, bring the pot to medium-high heat, letting it warm up as you measure out your ingredients. Gather one pound of ground beef, onion, garlic, and peppers. Ensure you have your canned goods—black beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, corn, and chicken broth—ready to go. Lastly, have lime, cream cheese, and seasoning nearby for quick access.

Once everything is prepped, begin cooking. Brown the ground beef in the pot, breaking it apart with a spatula until fully cooked. This step usually takes about five to seven minutes. After draining excess grease, you’ll add the diced onion and minced garlic. Allow these ingredients to sauté for approximately three minutes until the onion softens.

It’s now time to add the peppers and spices. Stir in the jalapeño and Anaheim peppers, followed by the taco seasoning, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, chicken broth, lime zest, and lime juice. These ingredients create a rich, colorful mixture that sets the stage for the creamy finish.

Ingredients

For creamy taco soup, here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound ground beef (85/15)
• 1-2 packages of taco seasoning
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño, minced (remove membrane and seeds)
• 1 Anaheim pepper, minced
• 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 15-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 15-ounce can corn, drained
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Zest of 1 lime
• Juice of 1/2 lime (or more as desired)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
• 4 ounces to 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened (using 8 ounces for creaminess)

Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Cilantro
• Shredded cheese
• Avocado

Directions

The magic of creamy taco soup unfolds in several simple steps. Start by heating your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks until fully browned. After about seven minutes, drain the excess grease from the pot.

Next, incorporate the diced onion and minced garlic into the beef. Move the mixture around for about two to three minutes, allowing the onion to soften. The combined aromas will transport you straight to the heart of a lively kitchen.

Once the onion is soft, add in the jalapeño, Anaheim pepper, and one package of taco seasoning, stirring well. The vibrant colors begin to dance together. Now is the time to introduce the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and corn. Pour in the chicken broth while adding lime zest, lime juice, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix thoroughly to combine the ingredients, allowing each flavor to meld.

Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more taco seasoning or lime juice per your liking. After you achieve the perfect balance, lower the heat and stir in the softened cream cheese. Allow it to melt fully and blend into the soup, creating a delightful creamy texture.

Cover the pot and let simmer for about ten minutes. This step lets the flavors deepen, providing every bite with warmth and richness. Serve your creamy taco soup in a bowl and top it with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, and avocado for an extra layer of indulgence.

Perfecting Your Creamy Taco Soup

Technique

To elevate your creamy taco soup, pay attention to the cooking times and ingredient combinations. Sautéing the onion and garlic at the start unlocks their sweet and savory potential. The controlled heat allows them to soften perfectly while not overpowering the dish.

Incorporating cream cheese at the end makes a world of difference. By melting it into the simmering broth, it harmonizes with the other elements, creating a silky texture. Be patient during the simmering stage; it allows all flavors to blend beautifully, providing a well-rounded soup that’s deliciously comforting.

Tips/Tricks

For those looking to add a twist to the classic creamy taco soup, consider these tips:

1. Spice Levels: Adjust the heat by adding more or less jalapeño or opting for a milder chili pepper if spice isn’t your thing.

2. Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or quinoa and use vegetable broth instead of chicken. You’ll still achieve a satisfying, creamy soup.

3. Make Ahead: Prepare the soup in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even tastier.

4. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if necessary to regain creaminess.

Serving Your Creamy Taco Soup

Presentation

Serve your creamy taco soup with flair. Ladle it into deep bowls, allowing the colors to shine. Use toppings like a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro to create an inviting and eye-catching presentation. A slice of lime on the side enhances the visual appeal while also inviting guests to add a little extra tang.

Pairings/Storage

Whether enjoyed as a main dish or paired with accompaniments, creamy taco soup satisfies the heart and soul. It pairs beautifully with tortilla chips or a crunchy taco salad on the side. For complete meals, consider serving with a light side of cornbread or a fresh green salad.

For optimal storage, keep any leftover soup in the refrigerator in airtight containers. This allows you to enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week. Reheating tips include warming it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure it heats thoroughly without burning.

Flavors only improve with time, making this creamy taco soup a perfect candidate for meal prep or entertaining. Enjoy the warmth, flavor, and comfort it brings to the table.

Creamy Taco Soup

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• Author: cov3
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

A creamy and hearty taco soup that brings together robust flavors and comforting textures, perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef (85/15)
• 1–2 packages of taco seasoning
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño, minced (remove membrane and seeds)
• 1 Anaheim pepper, minced
• 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 15-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 15-ounce can corn, drained
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Zest of 1 lime
• Juice of 1/2 lime (or more as desired)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
• 4 ounces to 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened

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Instructions

1. Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, breaking it apart until fully browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess grease.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens.
3. Incorporate the minced jalapeño and Anaheim pepper along with one package of taco seasoning. Stir well.
4. Add in the black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, chicken broth, lime zest, lime juice, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix thoroughly.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more taco seasoning or lime juice as desired.
6. Lower the heat and stir in the softened cream cheese, allowing it to melt completely.
7. Cover and let simmer for about 10 minutes, then serve in bowls topped with cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, and avocado.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with lentils or quinoa and use vegetable broth.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: taco soup, creamy soup, comfort food, easy recipes, dinner