Creamy Beef Taco Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together the rich flavors of traditional tacos in a cozy bowl of soup. With a creamy base enriched by cream cheese and cheddar, this recipe transforms the usual taco experience into something wonderfully warm and delightful. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner solution or a dish to impress friends and family, this creamy soup delivers both flavor and satisfaction.
Why We Love This Creamy Beef Taco Soup Recipe
This Creamy Beef Taco Soup has become a family favorite for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of spices and creamy ingredients creates a depth of flavor that is both satisfying and comforting. Plus, it’s versatile! You can customize the toppings to suit your taste, making it a fun dish for everyone. Whether you love spicy or mild, this soup lets you tailor it just the way you like.
Ingredients about Creamy Beef Taco Soup
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 large green bell pepper (diced)
- 1 red onion (finely chopped)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1.2 pounds beef (85% lean)
- 2 tbsp chopped pickled jalapeños
- 2 tbsp brine from jalapeños
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 3 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (240 g/8.5 oz) kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 5 ounces corn kernels
- 2 tbsp chipotle sauce
- ½ cup cream (20%)
- 5 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 5 ounces shredded cheddar
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- Chopped scallions (for garnish)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving)
How to Make Creamy Beef Taco Soup Directions
- Begin your cooking journey by heating olive oil and unsalted butter together in a large pot over medium-high heat. Let the butter melt and infuse the oil with flavor.
- Once hot, toss in the diced green bell pepper. Cook it for about three minutes until it softens and becomes slightly translucent.
- Next, add the finely chopped red onion and minced garlic to the pot. Stir everything together and allow it to cook for another two minutes until the aroma fills your kitchen.
- Now it’s time to introduce the star of the dish: the ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks until it’s browned and fully cooked, which should take about three minutes.
- After the beef has browned, stir in the chopped pickled jalapeños along with their brine, salt, black pepper, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Let this mixture cook for an additional minute so that the spices release their delicious aromas.
- Pour in the beef broth, bringing everything to a boil. This step adds depth and flavor to your soup.
- Then, add the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and corn. Stir everything well, cover the pot with a lid, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about five minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- To make the soup creamy, stir in the chipotle sauce, cream, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until everything is well combined, and the cheeses melt into the soup.
- Taste your creation and adjust the seasoning if needed. This soup should be bursting with flavor! When you’re satisfied, serve it hot alongside garnishes like chopped cilantro, scallions, sour cream, and crunchy tortilla chips for added texture.
How to Serve Creamy Beef Taco Soup
Serving your Creamy Beef Taco Soup can elevate the entire dining experience. Start by ladling the soup into bowls, allowing it to showcase its vibrant colors. The garnishes make a significant difference too—sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro and scallions to give it a pop of freshness. Consider offering a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for added creaminess and tang. To add some crunch, serve with tortilla chips on the side or use them as a fun dipping option. This not only enhances the flavor but also provides a delightful variety of textures.
For larger gatherings, consider serving the soup in a slow cooker so guests can help themselves. Set up a toppings bar with additional options like diced avocados, shredded lettuce, or extra pickled jalapeños for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
Expert Tips: Creamy Beef Taco Soup
To ensure your Creamy Beef Taco Soup is perfect every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Choose Quality Beef: For the best flavor and texture, opt for quality beef. Ground chuck or sirloin works beautifully, but lean ground beef also suffices.
- Spice it Up: If you enjoy heat, consider adding more jalapeños or incorporating fresh chili peppers into the mix. You can also adjust the amount of chipotle sauce based on your spice preference.
- Cream Cheese Mixing: To avoid lumps when adding cream cheese, ensure it’s at room temperature. You can also whisk it in a bowl first before adding to the pot.
- Soup Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, add more cream cheese or let the soup simmer longer with the lid off. Conversely, for a thinner consistency, add more broth.
- Store and Reheat: If you have leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat slowly on the stove, adding a bit of broth if it has thickened too much.
How to Store Creamy Beef Taco Soup
Storing your Creamy Beef Taco Soup properly ensures it stays fresh and ready for future meals. Once the soup has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container or divide it into smaller portions for easier reheating. It will last up to three to four days in the refrigerator.
For longer storage, consider freezing the soup. Let it cool completely before pouring it into freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. Make sure to leave some space for expansion as it freezes. Your soup should maintain its quality for about three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Variation of Creamy Beef Taco Soup
One of the joys of cooking is the ability to play with recipes, and Creamy Beef Taco Soup is no exception. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils for a hearty vegetarian version. Ensure to add more veggies like diced zucchini or mushrooms for texture.
- Dairy-Free: If you need a dairy-free option, swap cream and cream cheese for coconut milk and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
- Spicy Kick: For more heat, add fresh diced habaneros or switch out the chipotle sauce for a spicier option.
- Hearty Add-Ins: Feel free to mix in other vegetables such as carrots, celery, or corn for added nutrition and texture, creating a more robust soup.
- Taco Inspired: Take a twist by adding taco seasoning instead of individual spices. This shortcut can make preparation even quicker while still delivering great flavor.
FAQ
What is Creamy Beef Taco Soup?
Creamy Beef Taco Soup is a delicious and hearty soup that combines ground beef, flavorful spices, beans, and a creamy base, delivering the classic taste of tacos in a warming bowl.
How do I make Creamy Beef Taco Soup?
Start by sautéing vegetables, browning ground beef, and adding spices and broth. Then, stir in crushed tomatoes, beans, corn, and creamy ingredients before serving hot with your choice of garnishes.
Can I customize the toppings for Creamy Beef Taco Soup?
Absolutely! You can add a variety of toppings like sour cream, chopped herbs, green onions, or crunchy tortilla chips to enhance flavor and texture according to your taste preferences.
How should I store leftover Creamy Beef Taco Soup?
Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe bags or containers for about three months.
What are some variations of Creamy Beef Taco Soup?
You can create a vegetarian version using beans, try a dairy-free option with coconut milk, or even add additional vegetables for extra nutrition, allowing you to customize the soup to your liking.
Creamy Beef Taco Soup
Ingredients
Vegetable base
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 large green bell pepper (diced)
- 1 large red onion (finely chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
Main ingredients
- 1.2 pounds beef (85% lean) Ground beef
- 2 tbsp chopped pickled jalapeños
- 2 tbsp brine from jalapeños
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 3 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (240 g/8.5 oz) kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 5 ounces corn kernels
Creamy ingredients
- 2 tbsp chipotle sauce Adjust based on spice preference
- ½ cup cream (20%)
- 5 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature) To prevent lumps, use softened
- 5 ounces shredded cheddar
Seasoning
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro For garnish
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
Garnishes
- Chopped cilantro For garnish
- Chopped scallions For garnish
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt For serving
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat olive oil and unsalted butter in a large pot over medium-high heat, allowing the butter to melt.
- Add diced green bell pepper and cook for about three minutes until softened.
- Introduce finely chopped red onion and minced garlic, stirring for another two minutes until aromatic.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart while cooking until browned, about three minutes.
- Stir in chopped jalapeños, brine, salt, black pepper, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil.
- Add crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and corn, then stir well. Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for five minutes.
- Stir in chipotle sauce, cream, cream cheese, and cheddar until well combined and cheeses are melted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving hot.
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