Easy & Creamy Taco Soup Recipe

Cozy & Creamy Taco Soup Recipe: A Bowlful of Comfort

Whipping up a delectable taco soup brings comfort and warmth to your kitchen faster than you can say “delicious.” Spices dance through this hearty bowl, creating layers of rich flavor that surprise and delight.

Mexican-inspired ingredients meld together in a magical culinary experience perfect for chilly evenings.

Tender meat and soft beans create a robust texture that fills hungry bellies with joy.

Minimal prep work means you can have dinner ready in under thirty minutes.

Simple pantry staples become an extraordinary meal that everyone will request again and again.

Grab a ladle and get ready to transform your weeknight dinner into something spectacular.

Flavor Remix Ideas for Creamy Taco Soup

  • Vegetarian Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-rich meat-free version. Add extra spices to boost flavor intensity.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Substitute sour cream with coconut yogurt and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Select cashew cream for added richness and smooth texture.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Skip corn and beans. Increase ground beef quantity and add cauliflower rice instead. Use low-carb thickening agents like xanthan gum for consistent soup texture.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate diced green chilies, jalapeños, and cayenne pepper. Add smoked paprika and chipotle seasoning for deeper, more intense southwestern flavor profile.

FAQs

  • Can I make this taco soup with ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean substitute for beef. Simply brown it the same way and follow the recipe as written.

  • Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can freeze this taco soup in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

  • How can I make this soup spicier?

Add a diced jalapeño when cooking the beef and onions, or include a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to increase the heat level.

  • Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can. Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients except sour cream and cheese to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then stir in sour cream and cheese before serving.

Creamy Taco Soup Bowl of Comfort

  • Packed with kid-approved ingredients like cheese, ground beef, and beans, this soup satisfies everyone from picky eaters to hungry adults.
  • Flexible recipe allows simple toppings like tortilla chips, extra cheese, or sour cream, letting each person personalize their bowl to taste preferences.
  • Minimal dishes and straightforward cooking steps mean less cleanup and more enjoyment, making this soup a stress-free meal solution for weeknight dinners.

Pantry Staples for Creamy Taco Soup

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the primary protein for the soup.
Vegetables and Beans:
  • Onion, Diced Tomatoes, Corn, Beans: These ingredients add texture, color, and nutritional value to the soup.
Seasoning and Creaminess:
  • Taco Seasoning: Brings a bold and zesty Mexican-inspired flavor to the dish.
  • Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream, Shredded Cheddar Cheese: These ingredients create a rich, creamy, and comforting texture that makes the soup extra satisfying.
Liquid Base:
  • Chicken Broth: Provides a savory foundation and helps to thin out the soup to the perfect consistency.
Finishing Touches:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing the overall flavor of the soup.
Optional Toppings:
  • Extra Cheese, Tortilla Chips: Adds extra crunch and flavor for serving.

How to Simmer Up Creamy Taco Soup

Step 1: Sizzle And Brown The Meat

In a large pot, heat the ground beef and onions over medium heat.

Cook until the meat turns golden brown and the onions become translucent.

Carefully drain away any excess fat to keep the soup light and delicious.

Step 2: Build The Flavor Foundation

Add these flavor-packed ingredients to the pot:
  • Taco seasoning
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Black beans
  • Corn kernels
  • Chicken broth

Stir everything together until well combined and the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Create A Creamy Texture

Pour in the cream of chicken soup and mix thoroughly.

This secret ingredient will transform your soup into a rich and velvety delight.

Stir continuously to prevent any lumps from forming.

Step 4: Enhance With Creamy Goodness

Lower the heat and gently fold in:
  • Sour cream
  • Shredded cheddar cheese

Keep stirring until the soup becomes smooth and the cheese melts completely, creating a luxurious consistency.

Step 5: Let The Flavors Dance

Allow the soup to simmer for 10 minutes.

This extra time lets all the incredible flavors mingle and intensify.

Taste and sprinkle in salt and pepper as needed to elevate the overall taste.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Ladle the hot soup into bowls.

For an extra touch, top with additional cheese or crunchy tortilla chips.

Get ready to dive into a bowl of pure comfort!

Pro Moves for Creamy Taco Soup Magic

  • Remove as much grease as possible after browning the beef to prevent an oily soup texture and reduce unnecessary calories.
  • Adjust taco seasoning intensity by using mild, medium, or hot varieties to match your preferred heat preference and family taste.
  • Let the soup simmer longer than 10 minutes to develop richer, more complex taste profiles and allow ingredients to blend seamlessly.
  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for alternative protein sources and dietary flexibility.
  • Cook the soup in advance and store in refrigerator for 3-4 days, which allows flavors to intensify and provides quick meal preparation.

Storing and Reheating Creamy Taco Soup

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
  • Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Stop when soup reaches steaming temperature.
  • Pour soup into a saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if soup seems too thick. Heat until thoroughly warmed and bubbling gently.

Crunchy Pairings for Creamy Taco Soup

  • Pair with Mexican Lager: Crack open a crisp, light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo to complement the soup's rich and spicy flavors.
  • Enhance with Zesty Margarita: Mix a classic margarita with fresh lime juice and tequila to cut through the creamy texture and add a tangy kick.
  • Serve with Crunchy Cornbread: Bake a quick jalapeño cornbread on the side to provide a perfect textural contrast and soak up the delicious soup broth.
  • Match with Fresh Cilantro Salad: Toss a light cilantro, lime, and green onion salad to add brightness and fresh herbs that balance the hearty soup.
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Easy & Creamy Taco Soup Recipe

Easy & Creamy Taco Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty taco soup delivers Mexican-inspired comfort in one delightful bowl, blending rich ground beef, zesty spices, and tender beans. Warm, satisfying spoonfuls promise a quick meal that brings family together with bold southwestern flavors you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (453 g) ground beef
  • 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 packet taco seasoning

Vegetables and Beans:

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) corn kernels, drained

Dairy and Soup Base:

  • 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
  • 1 cup (113 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sizzle ground beef and onions in a large pot over medium heat until meat browns, carefully draining accumulated grease.
  2. Incorporate taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, beans, corn, and chicken broth, stirring thoroughly to create a uniform mixture.
  3. Elevate the temperature until liquid reaches a gentle bubbling point, then whisk in cream of chicken soup until completely blended.
  4. Reduce heat to low, gently folding sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese into the soup, creating a silky, harmonious texture.
  5. Allow soup to simmer quietly for 10 minutes, enabling flavors to intertwine and develop robust depth.
  6. Perform a final taste assessment, adjusting salt and pepper to personal preference.
  7. Ladle into warm bowls, garnishing with optional cheese sprinkles or crispy tortilla chip fragments for added crunch and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option that reduces saturated fat.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth and taco seasoning to control salt intake for heart-healthy diets.
  • Create a dairy-free version by substituting cream of chicken soup with coconut cream and using nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
  • Keep leftover soup refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently to maintain creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Jack Sullivan

Jack Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens​

Education

New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.​

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.​


Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.

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