Description

This Easy Creamy Taco Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Ground beef combined with beans, corn, tomatoes, and spices creates a hearty base that’s made creamy with the addition of cream cheese and optional heavy cream. Topped with cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro, this soup offers a delicious Tex-Mex twist that’s quick to prepare and sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Beans

1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)

Liquids and Dairy

3 cups beef broth
1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)

Spices and Garnishes

1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

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Instructions

Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if needed to keep the soup from becoming too oily.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook for about 3 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and fragrant.
Add Ingredients: Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and beef broth. Mix well and bring everything to a simmer over medium heat.
Incorporate Cream Cheese: Cut the cream cheese into small cubes and add to the soup, stirring continuously until it has fully melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to blend the flavors.
Finish with Cream (Optional): For extra creaminess, stir in the heavy cream. Season the soup with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper according to your taste preferences.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with shredded cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, and any additional toppings such as avocado slices or tortilla chips if desired.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.
Adjust the amount of taco seasoning based on your spice preference or use homemade seasoning for a healthier option.
For a dairy-free version, omit the cream cheese and heavy cream and consider using dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Adding avocado or tortilla chips as toppings enhances texture and flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican