Easy Taco Soup Recipe

The Creamiest Taco Soup Recipe Your Family Will Adore

Cozy nights call for a hearty and delightful creamy taco soup that warms you from the inside out.

Comfort meets flavor in this simple yet irresistible dish packed with robust ingredients.

Mexican-inspired spices dance through each spoonful, creating a symphony of taste sensations.

Chunky vegetables and tender meat blend seamlessly in a velvety broth that promises satisfaction.

Minimal prep work means you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in under an hour.

Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious, this recipe will become your new go-to meal for chilly evenings.

Grab a bowl and savor every delectable bite of this comforting culinary adventure.

FAQs

  • Is this soup spicy?

The soup has a mild to moderate heat level from green chilies and taco seasoning, but you can easily adjust the spiciness by choosing mild taco seasoning or reducing green chilies.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, replace ground beef with plant-based ground meat or extra beans like kidney or pinto beans, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

  • Do I need to drain canned beans and corn?

Always drain and rinse black beans to reduce sodium, but corn can be added directly from the can after draining excess liquid.

  • What type of cream cheese works best?

Full-fat cream cheese provides the richest, creamiest texture, but reduced-fat versions will also work well in this recipe.

What Makes Creamy Taco Soup Irresistible

  • Simplify Weeknight Dinners: This hearty soup delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal prep, perfect for busy families seeking a satisfying meal without complex cooking steps.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping proteins, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to match individual taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Crowd-Solver: Packed with robust flavors and creamy texture, this soup appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings or casual dinner parties.
  • Quick Nutrition Boost: Loaded with protein from ground beef, beans, and cheese, this soup provides a balanced meal that keeps everyone full and energized with minimal kitchen time.

Creamy Taco Soup Ingredients Overview

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that provides the main protein for the soup.
  • Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatics that build a rich foundational flavor for the dish.
Canned and Pantry Ingredients:
  • Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and tangy brightness to the soup base.
  • Green Chilies: Introduces a mild, zesty heat to enhance the overall flavor profile.
  • Black Beans: Provides additional protein and a creamy texture to the soup.
  • Corn: Adds a sweet and textural element to complement the other ingredients.
  • Beef Broth: Creates the liquid base that helps blend all the soup components together.
  • Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices that gives the soup its signature Mexican-inspired taste.
Creamy and Cheese Components:
  • Cream Cheese: Delivers a smooth, rich, and velvety texture to the soup.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor and helps create a more indulgent consistency.
Optional Toppings:
  • Sour Cream, Cilantro: Fresh garnishes that provide additional flavor and visual appeal.

Preparing Creamy Taco Soup Stepwise

Step 1: Brown Meat and Aromatics

Sizzle ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring continuously until the meat develops a rich, golden-brown color and the aromatics become fragrant and translucent.

Step 2: Blend Zesty Soup Base

Add the following ingredients to the pot:
  • Taco seasoning
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Roasted green chilies
  • Black beans
  • Sweet corn kernels
  • Savory beef broth

Stir everything together, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Allow the soup to gently bubble and simmer for approximately 15 minutes.

This cooking time helps meld the flavors and create a robust, comforting taste profile.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Creamy Texture

Introduce cream cheese into the bubbling soup, stirring until completely melted and integrated.

Sprinkle in sharp cheddar cheese, which will add a delightful richness and tangy undertone.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

Optional but recommended: crown each serving with a dollop of cool sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of brightness and color.

Cooking Tips for Creamy Taco Soup

  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, lighter version of the soup.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium broth and taco seasoning, perfect for those watching salt intake.
  • Enhance flavor by adding a splash of lime juice or a pinch of smoked paprika just before serving.
  • Make it gluten-free by choosing certified gluten-free taco seasoning and checking bean and broth labels.
  • Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months, reheating gently to maintain creamy texture.

Different Styles of Creamy Taco Soup

  • Vegetarian Taco Soup: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced tofu for a meat-free version.
  • Chicken Taco Soup: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or diced chicken breast for a lighter protein option.
  • Low-Carb Taco Soup: Omit beans and corn, use cauliflower rice instead to reduce carbohydrate content.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free cream cheese and skip cheddar cheese, replace with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Best Accompaniments for Creamy Taco Soup

  • Cozy Dinner Centerpiece: Ladle this hearty soup into deep bowls as the star of your evening meal, perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners.
  • Taco Tuesday Twist: Transform your traditional taco night by serving the soup with crispy tortilla chips, additional cheese, and diced avocado for extra crunch and flavor.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in sealed containers for quick lunches at work or school, keeping the soup fresh and delicious for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve in small mugs or cups during sports watch parties, allowing guests to enjoy a warm, satisfying bite between cheering and snacking.

Keeping Creamy Taco Soup Fresh Longer

  • Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it cools completely before storing.
  • Freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for maximum 2-3 months.
  • Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheat refrigerated or thawed soup gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and maintain creamy texture.
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Easy Taco Soup Recipe

Easy Taco Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Mexican-inspired creamy taco soup delivers a hearty one-pot meal packed with robust flavors and comforting textures. Spicy ground beef, black beans, and zesty seasonings combine for a quick dinner that satisfies hungry appetites.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 can (4 ounces) green chilies
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans
  • 1 can (15 ounces) corn
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sizzle ground beef with diced onions and minced garlic in a spacious pot over medium-high heat until meat turns golden brown and crumbles easily, approximately 7-8 minutes.
  2. Sprinkle taco seasoning across the meat mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute evenly and release aromatic spices.
  3. Pour in diced tomatoes, green chilies, black beans, corn kernels, and beef broth, creating a vibrant and robust soup base.
  4. Reduce heat and allow the mixture to gently simmer, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, letting flavors meld and liquid slightly reduce.
  5. Lower temperature and incorporate cream cheese, continuously stirring until completely dissolved and creating a luxurious, creamy texture.
  6. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly and enhance the soup’s rich consistency.
  7. Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with optional dollops of sour cream and freshly chopped cilantro for added brightness and complexity.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, lighter version that still packs tons of flavor.
  • Drain and rinse black beans to reduce sodium content and prevent the soup from becoming too salty.
  • Control soup thickness by adjusting beef broth quantity – add more for a thinner consistency or simmer longer to thicken naturally.
  • Freeze leftover soup in portion-sized containers for quick weeknight meals, keeping cheese separate until reheating to maintain creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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