Have you ever had one of those days? The kind where you want a truly comforting and delicious meal but have very little time or energy to cook. I know I have. On those nights, I turn to this amazing Taco Soup Recipe. It is a bowl full of warmth and flavor that feels like a big hug.
This recipe combines all the wonderful flavors of a taco into a simple, hearty soup. It is creamy, savory, and has just the right amount of spice to wake up your taste buds. Honestly, it has become a staple in my home, and I am so excited to share it with you. Get ready to find your new favorite weeknight dinner.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, this Taco Soup Recipe is incredibly easy to make. You do not need any special cooking skills. If you can brown ground beef, you can make this soup. It all comes together in one pot, which means fewer dishes to clean. That is always a huge win in my book.
Another great thing is how quick it is. You can have a steaming bowl of this soup ready in about thirty minutes. This makes it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights when you are short on time but still want something homemade and satisfying.
The flavors are just so good. The combination of seasoned beef, creamy cheese, and zesty tomatoes creates a rich and savory broth. It is the kind of meal that everyone at the table will enjoy. Kids love it, adults love it, and it is always a crowd pleaser.
Plus, it is wonderfully versatile. You can customize the toppings to suit your taste. Think of it as a blank canvas for all your favorite taco additions. Add some cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or some crunchy tortilla strips. The possibilities are endless.
This is truly one of the best Taco Soup recipes because it is so comforting. It warms you up from the inside out, making it a great choice for a chilly evening. It is a simple, no fuss meal that always delivers on flavor and satisfaction.
Ingredients
The ingredients for this soup are simple and easy to find at your local grocery store. Nothing fancy here, just wholesome components that come together to create something truly tasty. Here is what you will need.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 0.5 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 2 (14.5 ounce) cans beef broth
- 2 (10 ounce) cans diced tomatoes and green chiles (such as RO*TEL®)
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making this delicious Taco Soup With Ground Beef is a straightforward process. Just follow these simple steps, and you will have a wonderful meal ready in no time. Let us get cooking.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start, it is always a good idea to gather all your ingredients. This practice, known as mise en place, makes the cooking process smooth and stress free. Chop your onion and mince your garlic so they are ready to go.
Step 2: Brown The Beef
Place a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook everything together, stirring occasionally to break up the beef.
Continue cooking for about five to seven minutes, or until the beef is nicely browned and crumbly. The onion will become soft and fragrant. Your kitchen will start to smell absolutely amazing at this point.
Step 3: Add The Spices
Once the beef is cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the pot. Return the pot to the heat and add the ground cumin and chili powder. Stir the spices into the beef mixture and cook for another two minutes. This step toasts the spices and deepens their flavor.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Now for the creamy part. Take your softened cream cheese and drop it into the pot in small bits. Use a large spoon to mash the cream cheese into the beef. Keep stirring until you no longer see any white spots. This should take about three to five minutes. The mixture will become wonderfully creamy.
Step 5: Simmer The Soup
Pour in the beef broth, the cans of diced tomatoes and green chiles, and the heavy cream. Add the salt as well. Stir everything together until it is well combined. Let the soup cook until it is heated all the way through, which usually takes about ten more minutes. Give it a taste and add more salt if you think it needs it.
And that is it! Your homemade Taco Soup Recipe is ready to serve. Ladle it into bowls and get ready to add your favorite toppings.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover soup, storing it is very easy. First, allow the soup to cool down to room temperature. It is not a good idea to put hot soup directly into the refrigerator.
Once cooled, transfer the soup to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. When you are ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave.
This soup also freezes beautifully. Pour the cooled soup into a freezer safe container or a heavy duty freezer bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. To serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it gently on the stove.
Tips
Want to take your soup to another level? Toppings are the key. Set up a small topping bar so everyone can customize their own bowl. Some great ideas include shredded cheddar cheese, a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, or crushed tortilla chips for a nice crunch.
If you like your food with a little extra heat, feel free to add more chili powder. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños along with the onion and garlic for a spicier kick.
For a different twist, you can make a Creamy Chicken Taco Soup. Simply substitute the ground beef with shredded cooked chicken. Add the chicken in at the end with the broth and other liquids, just long enough to heat it through.
To make the soup even heartier, consider adding a can of drained and rinsed black beans or pinto beans. A cup of frozen corn also makes a wonderful addition, adding a touch of sweetness and texture. This is such a great Taco Soup Recipe to adapt.
Conclusion
There you have it, a simple and satisfying Taco Soup Recipe that is sure to become a family favorite. It is warm, comforting, and packed with incredible flavor. It is a fantastic meal for any night of the week.
The beauty of this Taco Soup With Ground Beef is its simplicity and adaptability. Whether you stick to the recipe or add your own creative touches, the result is always a delicious and fulfilling meal. I truly think this is one of the best Taco Soup versions out there.
I hope you enjoy making and eating this soup as much as I do. It is proof that you do not need to spend hours in the kitchen to create a memorable and tasty dinner. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Meat?
Absolutely. While this recipe calls for ground beef, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option. Ground sausage would also add a wonderful, savory flavor to the soup.
Is This Recipe Spicy?
This Taco Soup Recipe has a mild level of heat from the chili powder and the diced tomatoes with green chiles. If you prefer less spice, you can use a can of plain diced tomatoes instead. For more heat, add some extra chili powder or a dash of hot sauce.
Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?
Yes, this soup is a great option for meal prep. You can make a full batch and store it in the refrigerator for a few days. The flavors actually tend to get even better overnight as they have more time to meld together.
What Should I Serve With This Taco Soup Recipe?
This soup is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a few side dishes. A slice of warm cornbread is perfect for dipping. A simple green salad or a side of tortilla chips and guacamole would also be excellent companions.
Creamy Taco Soup
This comforting Taco Soup recipe combines all the wonderful flavors of a taco into a simple, hearty soup. It’s creamy, savory, and has just the right amount of spice. A family-friendly staple for busy weeknights.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Before you start, it is always a good idea to gather all your ingredients. Chop your onion and mince your garlic so they are ready to go.
- Place a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook everything together, stirring occasionally to break up the beef. Continue cooking for about five to seven minutes, or until the beef is nicely browned and crumbly.
- Once the beef is cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the pot. Return the pot to the heat and add the ground cumin and chili powder. Stir the spices into the beef mixture and cook for another two minutes. This step toasts the spices and deepens their flavor.
- Now for the creamy part. Take your softened cream cheese and drop it into the pot in small bits. Use a large spoon to mash the cream cheese into the beef. Keep stirring until you no longer see any white spots. This should take about three to five minutes. The mixture will become wonderfully creamy.
- Pour in the beef broth, the cans of diced tomatoes and green chiles, and the heavy cream. Add the salt as well. Stir everything together until it is well combined. Let the soup cook until it is heated all the way through, which usually takes about ten more minutes. Give it a taste and add more salt if you think it needs it.
Notes
Toppings are key! Set up a small topping bar with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, or crushed tortilla chips.
For extra heat, add more chili powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños along with the onion and garlic.
For a different twist, substitute the ground beef with shredded cooked chicken for a Creamy Chicken Taco Soup.
To make the soup even heartier, consider adding a can of drained and rinsed black beans or pinto beans, or a cup of frozen corn.
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It also freezes well for up to three months.
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