Have you ever had one of those days? You are craving the delicious, savory taste of a taco, but you also want something warm and comforting. A dish that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl. If that sounds familiar, then you are in the right place.
This Taco Soup recipe is everything you love about tacos, but served up with a spoon. It is hearty, full of flavor, and so simple to make. It has become a regular in my house, especially on those busy week nights when I need something quick and satisfying.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what is not to love? This is one of those one pot meals that makes you feel like a kitchen hero. Everything comes together so easily, which means less time cooking and more time enjoying.
The flavor is just incredible. You get the savory ground beef, the tangy tomatoes, and a wonderful blend of spices. It really tastes like a taco. But then, the cream cheese melts in, turning it into a rich and velvety soup. It is a true delight.
This Creamy Taco Soup Recipe is also super versatile. You can set up a topping bar with cheese, avocado, and tortilla strips. Everyone gets to build their own perfect bowl. It makes dinner fun and interactive, which is always a win.
Plus, it makes for amazing leftovers. The flavors get even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep. It is a recipe that keeps on giving. This really might be the Best Taco Soup you will ever make.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 (10 ounce) cans Ro tel diced tomatoes & green chilies with juices
- 1 (14 ounce) can black beans drained & rinsed
- 1 (12 ounce) can corn drained
- 1/2 red bell pepper chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Toppings (optional): grated cheddar, avocado, cilantro, tortilla strips, etc.
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown The Ground Beef
First things first, grab a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Place it over medium high heat and add your ground beef. Let it brown for about 10 minutes. Use your spoon to break it up into small pieces as it cooks.
You will hear that satisfying sizzle and the kitchen will start to smell wonderful. If you notice a lot of extra fat in the pot once the beef is cooked, carefully spoon most of it out. A little is fine for flavor.
Step 2: Add The Soup Ingredients
Now for the easy part. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, black beans, corn, and chopped red bell pepper to the pot. Sprinkle in the chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.
Give everything a good stir to combine all those amazing flavors. At this point, hold off on adding the cream cheese, salt, and pepper. We will get to those in a bit.
Step 3: Simmer To Perfection
Turn the heat up to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once it is bubbling, reduce the heat so it settles into a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 8 minutes. This is a great time to get your toppings ready.
This quick simmer helps all the flavors meld together beautifully. Your kitchen is going to smell like the best taco spot in town. This is the heart of our Taco Soup.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Time for the magic touch. Cut your softened cream cheese into smaller pieces and add them to the simmering soup. It might look a little funny at first, but trust the process. Let the pieces melt into the broth.
You will need to stir it pretty well to get it fully dissolved. Keep stirring until the soup becomes smooth and creamy. Once it is all melted in, season with salt and pepper to your liking. Serve your delicious Taco Soup hot with all your favorite toppings.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, you are in for a treat. This soup stores wonderfully. Simply let it cool down to room temperature before storing.
You can keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you are ready to eat, just reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat until it is warm all the way through. You can also use the microwave.
For longer storage, this soup freezes well too. Pour it into freezer safe containers, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. It will last for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Tips
For the creamiest soup, make sure your cream cheese is very soft. I usually take it out of the fridge before I start cooking. You can also microwave it in 20 second bursts until it is soft to the touch. This helps it melt easily.
Feel free to swap the chicken broth for beef broth if you like. It will give the soup a slightly darker color and a richer flavor. If you are watching your salt intake, low sodium broth is a great option for this Best Taco Soup Recipe.
Want to add a little kick? A dash of cayenne pepper will do the trick. I suggest starting with about half a teaspoon and adding more if you like it spicier. It adds a lovely warmth to the dish.
If you cannot find Ro tel tomatoes, do not worry. You can use regular diced tomatoes instead. I do recommend adding a small can of diced green chilies to get that signature zesty flavor. It really makes the Best Taco Soup.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying Taco Soup that is sure to become a new favorite. It is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile.
It is comforting, easy to make, and so much fun to customize with toppings. Whether you need a quick week night dinner or a crowd pleasing dish for a gathering, this Creamy Taco Soup Recipe is always a great choice. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does.
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Meat?
Absolutely. This soup is very flexible. Ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent alternatives to ground beef. You can even use shredded chicken. Just cook it the same way you would the ground beef.
How Can I Make This In A Slow Cooker?
This recipe adapts beautifully for the slow cooker. First, brown the ground beef in a skillet on the stove and drain the fat. Then, add the cooked beef and all other ingredients except the cream cheese to your slow cooker.
Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the softened cream cheese pieces until they are fully melted and the soup is creamy. It is a fantastic set it and forget it meal.
Is This Taco Soup Gluten Free?
Yes, this Taco Soup can easily be gluten free. The main ingredients are naturally gluten free. Just make sure to check the labels on your chicken broth and spices to ensure they are certified gluten free to avoid any cross contamination.
Can I Make This Dairy Free?
You certainly can. To make a dairy free version, simply substitute the cream cheese with your favorite dairy free cream cheese alternative. Also, be sure to use dairy free toppings like avocado and cilantro instead of cheese or sour cream.
Creamy Taco Soup
This hearty Taco Soup is everything you love about tacos, served with a spoon. It’s full of flavor, simple to make, and a comforting meal for busy weeknights.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- First things first, grab a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Place it over medium high heat and add your ground beef. Let it brown for about 10 minutes. Use your spoon to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. If you notice a lot of extra fat in the pot once the beef is cooked, carefully spoon most of it out.
- Now for the easy part. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, black beans, corn, and chopped red bell pepper to the pot. Sprinkle in the chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Give everything a good stir to combine all those amazing flavors. At this point, hold off on adding the cream cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Turn the heat up to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once it is bubbling, reduce the heat so it settles into a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 8 minutes. This quick simmer helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Time for the magic touch. Cut your softened cream cheese into smaller pieces and add them to the simmering soup. Stir it pretty well to get it fully dissolved. Keep stirring until the soup becomes smooth and creamy. Once it is all melted in, season with salt and pepper to your liking. Serve your delicious Taco Soup hot with all your favorite toppings.
Notes
For the creamiest soup, make sure your cream cheese is very soft. I usually take it out of the fridge before I start cooking. You can also microwave it in 20 second bursts until it is soft to the touch. This helps it melt easily.
Feel free to swap the chicken broth for beef broth if you like. It will give the soup a slightly darker color and a richer flavor. If you are watching your salt intake, low sodium broth is a great option for this Best Taco Soup Recipe.
Want to add a little kick? A dash of cayenne pepper will do the trick. I suggest starting with about half a teaspoon and adding more if you like it spicier. It adds a lovely warmth to the dish.
If you cannot find Ro tel tomatoes, do not worry. You can use regular diced tomatoes instead. I do recommend adding a small can of diced green chilies to get that signature zesty flavor. It really makes the Best Taco Soup.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
