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#### Instructions:
1. **Cook the Ground Beef**: Begin by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the pot and cook it until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the beef.
2. **Sauté the Onion**: Add the diced onion to the pot with the ground beef and sauté for about 3-5 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
3. **Season the Soup**: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and onions. Stir well to coat the beef and onion mixture with the seasoning. Let the spices bloom in the heat for a minute or two.
4. **Add the Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes**: To the pot, add the black beans, pinto beans, frozen corn, and diced tomatoes (with their juice). Stir everything together, allowing the ingredients to combine.
5. **Add the Broth**: Pour in the chicken or beef broth and stir to combine. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. **Make It Creamy**: Add the softened cream cheese to the soup. Stir well until the cream cheese melts completely into the broth. Once the cream cheese is incorporated, pour in the heavy cream and stir until the soup becomes smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
7. **Add the Cheese**: Once the soup is creamy and well-mixed, sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into the soup, adding an extra layer of creaminess and flavor.
8. **Serve and Garnish**: Ladle the creamy beef taco soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes, such as sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips. Serve hot and enjoy!
### Variations of Creamy Beef Taco Soup
One of the great things about creamy beef taco soup is that it’s incredibly versatile. Here are a few variations to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs:
1. **Vegetarian Taco Soup**: To make a vegetarian version, simply swap the ground beef for a plant-based protein like lentils, tempeh, or tofu. You can also add extra vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to make the soup heartier.
2. **Low-Carb Taco Soup**: For a low-carb option, skip the beans and corn, and add extra vegetables like cauliflower rice, spinach, or kale for added nutrition and texture. You can also use a low-carb tortilla chip substitute for garnish.
3. **Spicy Taco Soup**: If you like a little heat, add some diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup. You can also top the soup with spicy salsa for an extra kick.
4. **Slow Cooker Version**: To make the soup in a slow cooker, brown the ground beef and sauté the onions on the stovetop, then transfer everything to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, and add the cream cheese and heavy cream in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
5. **Chicken Taco Soup**: Swap the ground beef for cooked shredded chicken to make a chicken version of this soup. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
### Nutritional Benefits of Creamy Beef Taco Soup
Creamy beef taco soup is a nutrient-dense meal that provides several essential nutrients. Here are some of the nutritional benefits:
– **Protein**: The ground beef (or other protein options) provides a solid dose of protein, which helps build and repair muscle and supports overall body function.
– **Fiber**: The beans and vegetables in the soup provide fiber, which supports digestion, helps control blood sugar levels, and keeps you feeling full longer.
– **Healthy Fats**: The cream cheese, heavy cream, and cheese add healthy fats to the soup, which provide energy and help with nutrient absorption.
– **Vitamins and Minerals**: The soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and calcium, which are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, bone health, and more.
### Conclusion
Creamy beef taco soup is an easy, flavorful, and comforting meal that brings the best of taco night into a bowl of rich, velvety soup. Whether you’re craving a hearty dinner, a family-friendly dish, or a way to warm up on a chilly day, this soup has everything you need: a delicious mix of savory flavors, creamy texture, and satisfying ingredients. Plus, it’s versatile and can be easily customized to suit your dietary preferences.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for something comforting and delicious, try making this creamy beef taco soup. It’s sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation, and your family or guests will be asking for seconds.
