This creamy taco soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With tender ground beef, zesty taco seasoning, and a mix of colorful veggies, it’s both hearty and tasty.
I love how quick this recipe is to whip up on a busy day. Just toss everything in and let it simmer. Serve it with crispy tortilla chips, and you’ll be all smiles! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey or Beef: Ground turkey is a leaner option, and I often use it for a lighter soup. If you’re looking for beefy flavor, lean ground beef works well too. You can even substitute with ground chicken or textured vegetable protein for a meatless version!
Onion: A small yellow onion gives a nice sweetness, but white onions can also be used if you want a sharper flavor. If you need a quicker option, onion powder works in a pinch—just use about 1 teaspoon.
Black Beans: If you’re not a fan of black beans, pinto beans or kidney beans make great substitutes. Just make sure to rinse and drain well!
Cream Cheese: This ingredient is key to the creaminess, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Just stir it in at the end for a creamy texture!
How Do I Make Sure My Soup is Creamy and Delicious?
The secret to a rich and creamy taco soup lies in how you handle the cream cheese. Here’s my pro tip:
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened at room temperature. This helps it melt smoothly into the soup.
- Add the cubed cream cheese toward the end of cooking and stir continuously until it’s fully incorporated.
- If you find the soup too thick, simply add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust seasoning as you go. A little extra salt, pepper, and maybe a splash of lime juice can elevate the flavors beautifully!
How to Make Creamy Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey or ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced tomatoes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy taco soup can be made in about 30 to 40 minutes total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping your ingredients and then another 20 to 30 minutes cooking and blending everything together. It’s a quick recipe that lets you enjoy a warm, hearty meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat and Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground turkey or beef, along with the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion turns translucent, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat for a lighter soup!
2. Add the Veggies and Seasoning:
Next, stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, diced green chilies, and taco seasoning. Pour the chicken broth into the pot and mix everything well. This is where all those delicious flavors come together!
3. Bring to a Boil and Simmer:
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors blend beautifully as the soup thickens slightly.
4. Make it Creamy:
Now for the magic! Add the softened cream cheese cubes to the pot. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and the soup achieves a creamy texture. This is what makes the soup so comforting and rich!
5. Final Touches:
Take a moment to taste your creamy taco soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Everyone’s taste buds are different, so personalize it to your liking.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle on your favorite toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped cilantro, and diced tomatoes. Don’t forget those crispy tortilla chips on the side for dipping!
This creamy taco soup is a perfect meal for any day. Enjoy your time cooking and savor every spoonful!
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Turkey or Beef?
Absolutely! Ground chicken can be a great substitute and will still keep the soup lean and flavorful. Just follow the same cooking instructions, and you’ll be good to go!
What Can I Add for Extra Vegetables?
If you want to pack in more veggies, diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach would work wonderfully. Just add them when you’re cooking the onions and garlic so they soften nicely!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To keep it fresh longer, consider freezing the soup—just allow it to cool fully before transferring it to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Can I Make This Soup Spicy?
Definitely! To add spice, try using spicy diced tomatoes or jalapeños. A dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also kick it up a notch!