Craving a bowl of warm, comforting deliciousness? Look no further! This Creamy Taco Soup recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a flavourful, hearty soup that’s packed with all the best taco fillings in a creamy, irresistible broth.
What is Creamy Taco Soup?
Ever wondered why they call it Creamy Taco Soup? Is it because it’s a soup that dreams of being a taco? Or maybe because someone accidentally dropped a whole bag of taco seasoning into a pot of cream of mushroom soup (we hope not!).
Seriously, though, it’s a beautiful marriage of two culinary greats: the hearty satisfaction of a classic taco and the comforting warmth of a creamy soup. The origin of the name might be a delightful mystery, but the deliciousness isn’t. Some say ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,’ well, this soup might just be the shortcut! Don’t wait – grab your spoons (and maybe a few tortilla chips) and let’s dive into this incredible Creamy Taco Soup adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Taco Soup
Get ready to fall in love with this Creamy Taco Soup! First and foremost, that creamy texture takes this soup to the next level. It’s not just your average taco soup; the cream cheese adds a rich, velvety smoothness that’s simply divine. Plus, forget expensive restaurant meals – this recipe is incredibly budget-friendly. You can easily feed a crowd without breaking the bank, using pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
And let’s talk about the toppings! From crispy tortilla strips to cool sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of cheese, you can customize this soup to your heart’s content. If you are looking for a non-creamy alternative, give my Chunky Taco Soup recipe a try! Ready to ditch the takeout and whip up some homemade comfort? Lets get started!
Key Ingredients for Creamy Taco Soup:
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece. Gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (such as Rotel)
- 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed tomato soup
- 1 packet taco seasoning (1 ounce)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 4 ounces Cream cheese, softened
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, tortilla chips
How to Make Creamy Taco Soup:
This Creamy Taco Soup is so simple to make, it’s a weeknight dinner champion! It’s packed with flavor, incredibly satisfying, and ready in under an hour, including prep time. The creamy texture elevates this classic soup, making it a family favorite. Its easy to prepare and makes enough that you have left overs to store for another day.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. This step is crucial for developing a rich, meaty base for your soup.
Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot with the ground beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes: Stir in the drained black beans, kidney beans, and corn. Add the can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel) and the can of condensed tomato soup. Mix well to combine. The kidney and black beans combine to give an earthy flavor and corn add a hint of sweetness,
Season and Simmer: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the mixture and pour in the beef broth. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld together. The simmering time allows the flavors to marry to perfection.
Add Cream Cheese: Stir in the softened cream cheese until it is fully melted and the soup is creamy and smooth. This step is what takes this soup from good to amazing. Make sure the cream cheese is fully incorporated for the best texture.
Serve with Toppings: Ladle the Creamy Taco Soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and crushed tortilla chips. Get creative and make it your own!
What to Serve Creamy Taco Soup With:
Creamy Taco Soup is delicious on its own, but these additions will make your meal even better:
- A Side of Cornbread: The sweetness of cornbread complements the savory soup perfectly.
- A Fresh Salad: Balance the richness of the soup with a light and refreshing salad.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: A classic pairing that’s always a crowd-pleaser, especially for kids.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens the flavors of the soup.
Top Tips for Perfecting Creamy Taco Soup:
Want to take your Creamy Taco Soup to the next level? Here are some tips and tricks:
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Use Different Meats: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef to make it lighter.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and add another can of beans or some diced vegetables like zucchini or carrots for a vegetarian version.
- Creamy Consistency: For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup before adding the cream cheese.
- Slow Cooker: Cook beef mixture, beans, corn, tomatoes, soup, seasoning, and broth together on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-6. Stir in cream cheese before serving.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Allow the soup to thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to thin it out.
Final Thoughts:
This Creamy Taco Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a hug in a bowl. It’s quick, easy, customizable, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a party, this soup has you covered. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying bowl of Creamy Taco Soup!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
FAQs:
Q: Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like diced zucchini, carrots, or celery for added nutrients and flavor.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup is great for meal prepping! It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cream cheese?
While cream cheese adds a unique creaminess, you can substitute it with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor. Add it at the end, off the heat, to prevent curdling.
Q: Is this soup spicy?
The spiciness of the soup depends on the taco seasoning you use and whether or not you add additional hot sauce or cayenne pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Simply combine all the ingredients (except the cream cheese) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking, or when the soup is fully cooked
Enjoy your bowl, I hope you love it!