Hearty Creamy Taco Soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines the rich, bold flavors of tacos with a smooth, velvety soup. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this one-pot wonder is packed with protein, beans, vegetables, and a creamy texture that keeps everyone coming back for more. This recipe is easy to make, fully customizable to your preferred spice level, and ideal for serving with a variety of toppings. If you are searching for a cozy, satisfying dinner that your family will love, this creamy taco soup recipe is your answer. It’s also excellent for meal prepping and makes delicious leftovers that only taste better the next day.
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Creamy Taco Soup
- Rich & Creamy: Indulgent and velvety without being too heavy.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
- Fully Loaded: Packed with protein, beans, corn, and veggies.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level, toppings, and ingredients to your taste.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
- 4 cups (32 oz) chicken broth
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained (or 1.5 cups frozen corn)
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), undrained
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream
- Diced avocado or guacamole
- Tortilla chips or strips
- Sliced jalapeños
- Fresh lime juice
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat
In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion. Cook while breaking up the meat until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is soft. Add the bell pepper and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Drain excess grease.
Step 2: Add Aromatics & Seasoning
Add the minced garlic and taco seasoning. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Soup
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits. Add black beans, pinto beans, corn, and the undrained Rotel. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Simmer
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 5: Make it Creamy
Reduce heat to the lowest setting. Add cubed cream cheese and heavy cream. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has melted and the soup is smooth and creamy, about 5 minutes. Do not boil after adding the cream.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and add your favorite toppings for a personalized touch.
Tips & Variations
- Smoother Texture: Use an immersion blender to blend half of the soup before adding cream cheese.
- Spice Level: For mild, use mild taco seasoning and mild Rotel. For spicy, use hot taco seasoning, hot Rotel, and chipotle in adobo.
- Crockpot Method: Brown meat and onions, then transfer to slow cooker with bell pepper, garlic, taco seasoning, broth, beans, corn, and Rotel. Cook on LOW 6-8 hours or HIGH 3-4 hours. Add cream cheese and heavy cream 30 minutes before serving.
- Lighter Version: Use ground turkey, low-fat cream cheese, and substitute heavy cream with evaporated milk.
- Soup Thickness: Soup will thicken over time; thin with extra chicken broth when reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with tortilla chips, fresh avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime. Pair with cornbread or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the meat with extra beans, corn, or plant-based protein and use vegetable broth.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but remove the cream cheese and heavy cream before freezing. Add them when reheating for best results.
How long will leftovers last?
Refrigerated in an airtight container, this soup lasts 3-4 days.
Can I adjust the creaminess?
Yes, reduce or increase the amount of cream cheese and heavy cream to your preferred richness.
Estimated Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, 6 servings)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 4g
Conclusion
Hearty Creamy Taco Soup is a must-try recipe that brings together the comforting flavors of tacos in a creamy, satisfying soup. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or cozy nights in, this recipe is versatile, customizable, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its rich taste, easy preparation, and endless topping options, it’s the ultimate comfort meal for any occasion.