This Creamy Beef Taco Soup is a warm and cozy delight! It’s packed with ground beef, beans, corn, and a blend of taco spices, all mixed into a creamy base. Yum!
Honestly, this soup makes a perfect dinner for chilly nights. I love to top it with some cheese and tortilla chips—it’s like a fiesta in a bowl! 🎉
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the show! You can use lean beef for less fat, or substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If you’re vegetarian, try plant-based meat crumbles or cooked lentils.
Onion and Bell Pepper: I love the flavor these add, especially when sautéed. If you’re short on time, pre-diced frozen onions and bell peppers work just fine!
Canned Beans: Kidney beans add protein and texture. You can switch these for black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas if you prefer. Drain and rinse them for the best flavor.
Broth: Beef broth adds richness. For a lighter version, feel free to use chicken broth or vegetable broth. Homemade broth works perfectly too!
Half-and-Half or Cream: For creaminess, I often use half-and-half, but light cream or even sour cream can be great substitutes. Want to skip the dairy? Try coconut milk for a different but tasty twist!
How Can You Make Sure the Soup is Creamy and Delicious?
The secret to a creamy texture lies in how you add the dairy and cheese. To prevent the cheese from clumping, you should add it at the end when the soup is off the heat. This helps it melt smoothly into the soup. Here’s how:
- After simmering, remove the pot from heat.
- Gradually stir in the half-and-half or cream, mixing gently.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese slowly, allowing it to melt into the soup without clumping.
Remember, if you’re adding any cold ingredients, such as straight from the fridge, let them sit out for a few minutes to come to room temperature. This helps to keep your soup nice and hot while incorporating the flavors smoothly.
How to Make Creamy Beef Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced green chilies
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning mix
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sour cream, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Creamy Beef Taco Soup will take about 10 minutes to prepare and approximately 30 minutes to cook—so, just about 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for busy nights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s nicely browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat to keep the soup light and tasty.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté everything together for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables become tender and fragrant.
3. Combine Ingredients and Simmer:
Now, stir in the taco seasoning mix along with the diced tomatoes (with their juice), kidney beans, corn, diced green chilies, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring occasionally.
4. Let It Simmer:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows all the delicious flavors to blend beautifully!
5. Make It Creamy:
Add in the half-and-half or heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the soup becomes delightfully creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper as you like!
6. Serve It Up:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a nice dollop of sour cream, some extra shredded cheese, and sprinkle some chopped cilantro or parsley on top, if you want. It adds a nice fresh touch!
7. Enjoy!
Serve the soup hot along with tortilla chips or warm bread on the side for an extra treat. Enjoy the rich, creamy goodness of this hearty beef taco soup!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will work beautifully in this soup. Just be aware that it may be a little leaner, so adding a little olive oil while cooking can enhance the flavor.
Can I Make This Soup Spicier?
Definitely! If you love heat, you can add some diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even more taco seasoning. Taste the soup as you go to achieve your desired spice level!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Let it cool completely, then portion it out into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
