ADVERTISEMENT
1. Cook the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
2. Add the Onions and Garlic
To the cooked beef, add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the Taco Seasoning
Next, sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture and stir well to coat the meat and vegetables in the spices. If you’re using homemade taco seasoning, you can adjust the spices according to your preferences (add more chili powder for heat or cumin for depth).
4. Add the Canned Ingredients
To the beef and seasoning mixture, add the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and green chilies. Stir everything together and pour in the beef broth. Bring the soup to a simmer, and let it cook for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Make It Creamy
Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese and sour cream to the pot. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes creamy and smooth. If the soup is too thick, you can add a little extra broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.
6. Taste and Adjust
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add salt and pepper to taste, and feel free to add more taco seasoning or chili powder for extra flavor and heat.
7. Serve and Top
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings. Some great options include shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, tortilla chips for crunch, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Beef Taco Soup
- Lean Meat Option: If you prefer a leaner version of this soup, you can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning since these meats can be milder in flavor.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add extra veggies to bulk up the soup and increase its nutritional value. Try adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach for added fiber and vitamins.
- Spice It Up: If you love a bit of heat, add some hot sauce, diced jalapeños, or crushed red pepper flakes to kick the spice level up a notch.
- Make It Vegan: To make this soup vegan, swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or extra beans and vegetables. Use vegan sour cream and cream cheese to make the dish fully plant-based.
- Slow Cooker Option: If you prefer to let the soup simmer on its own, you can easily make this recipe in a slow cooker. Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic beforehand, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the cream cheese and sour cream at the end and stir to combine.
Why Creamy Beef Taco Soup is the Ultimate Comfort Food
This Creamy Beef Taco Soup is the ultimate comfort food because it combines all the flavors of a taco in a cozy, hearty soup form. The richness of the cream cheese and sour cream balances out the savory taco seasoning, and the beef provides a satisfying protein that makes the soup both filling and flavorful.
It’s also versatile—serve it on its own with a side of tortilla chips, or pair it with a simple salad or cornbread for a complete meal. Plus, it’s a great dish to make in large batches, so you can enjoy leftovers throughout the week or even freeze some for future meals.
The warm, spicy broth will warm you up on a cold day, and the creamy texture will make every spoonful a comforting experience. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or meal prepping for the week, this soup is sure to be a hit.
Conclusion: A Delicious, Hearty Meal
If you’re looking for a flavorful, comforting meal that’s quick and easy to make, look no further than this Creamy Beef Taco Soup. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy a delicious, creamy soup that’s packed with bold taco flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this soup will quickly become a family favorite.
So grab your ingredients, fire up your stove, and treat yourself to a bowl of this creamy, comforting goodness—you won’t regret it!
