Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Taco Soup recipe. Packed with savory flavors, hearty ingredients, and a creamy texture, this soup is perfect for warming up on chilly days or serving as a crowd-pleasing meal for family and friends. With a blend of ground beef, vegetables, beans, and spices, each spoonful is a burst of deliciousness. Let’s dive into the recipe and create a bowl of creamy taco goodness that will satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large bell pepper, diced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- 2 (15 oz) cans crushed fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 (14 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (12 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add Vegetables: Add diced bell pepper, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Brown Ground Beef
- Brown Beef: Add lean ground beef to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Season with Taco Seasoning: Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir to coat the meat evenly with the seasoning.
Step 3: Add Broth and Tomatoes
- Pour in Broth: Pour beef or chicken broth into the pot, stirring to combine with the beef mixture.
- Add Crushed Tomatoes: Add crushed fire-roasted tomatoes to the pot, stirring well to incorporate.
Step 4: Incorporate Beans, Corn, and Chilies
- Add Beans and Corn: Stir in drained and rinsed pinto beans and drained corn kernels.
- Mix in Green Chilies: Add diced green chilies to the pot, stirring to combine.
Step 5: Simmer Soup
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Add Cream Cheese
- Stir in Cream Cheese: Add cubed and softened cream cheese to the pot, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the soup.
Step 7: Season and Serve
- Season to Taste: Taste the soup and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting the seasoning to your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the creamy taco soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced avocado.
Cook’s Tips:
- Customize Toppings: Offer a variety of toppings for serving, such as crushed tortilla chips, diced avocado, chopped green onions, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
- Make It Spicy: For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup.
- Leftover Storage: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
With its rich and creamy texture, bold taco flavors, and hearty ingredients, this Creamy Taco Soup is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a cozy dinner at home or served as a crowd-pleasing dish at a gathering, this soup is sure to be a hit with everyone. Whip up a batch today and savor the deliciousness of creamy taco goodness in every spoonful.
Indulge in the creamy, flavorful goodness of Creamy Taco Soup—a comforting and satisfying meal that will warm you up from the inside out
Additional Tips:
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables. Diced carrots, celery, or diced tomatoes can be great additions for added flavor and nutrition.
- Adjusting Consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, you can add more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if you prefer a thicker soup, you can simmer it for longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
- Cream Cheese Incorporation: To ensure smooth incorporation of the cream cheese, it’s best to cube it and allow it to soften at room temperature before adding it to the soup. This will help it melt evenly and blend seamlessly into the soup.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Make the soup vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and using vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth. You can also add extra beans, such as black beans or kidney beans, for added protein and texture.
- Spicy Version: Kick up the heat by adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup. You can also use a spicy taco seasoning blend or add a splash of hot sauce to amp up the heat.
- Tex-Mex Flavors: For a Tex-Mex twist, add a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel) to the soup. This will add extra flavor and a subtle kick of heat.
Serving Suggestions:
- Toppings Bar: Set up a toppings bar with a variety of options for guests to customize their soup. Offer toppings such as shredded cheese, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips.
- Soup and Salad Combo: Serve the creamy taco soup alongside a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing pairs beautifully with the rich and flavorful soup.
- Side of Cornbread: Accompany the soup with a side of warm cornbread or corn muffins for a comforting and delicious meal. The slightly sweet flavor of cornbread complements the savory flavors of the soup perfectly.
With these additional tips, variations, and serving suggestions, you can elevate your Creamy Taco Soup experience and enjoy it in a variety of delicious ways. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or get creative with your own twists, this hearty and flavorful soup is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
