Creamy Beef Taco Soup is the ultimate comfort food that warms you up from the inside out. This delectable soup combines the robust flavors of seasoned beef, fresh vegetables, and creamy ingredients for a satisfying meal. It’s perfect for any occasion – whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner, hosting a game day gathering, or simply craving a bowl of something delicious after a long day. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why We Love This Creamy Beef Taco Soup Recipe
This Creamy Beef Taco Soup stands out for its rich, hearty taste and creamy texture. You’ll love how the combination of ingredients melds together, giving you a burst of flavor in every bite. The inclusion of jalapeños adds just the right amount of heat without being overwhelming, while the cream cheese and cheddar bring a comforting creaminess that makes this soup feel indulgent. It’s a versatile dish that you can tweak to fit your family’s preferences or dietary needs. Plus, it comes together in one pot, making for easy cleanup and maximum enjoyment.
Ingredients about Creamy Beef Taco Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 large green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1.2 pounds beef (85% lean), ground
- 2 tablespoons chopped pickled jalapeños
- 2 tablespoons 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 tablespoons chipotle sauce
- ½ cup cream (20%)
- 5 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 5 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon 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
Making this Creamy Beef Taco Soup is simple and rewarding. Start by preparing all your ingredients: chop the vegetables and measure out your spices. This will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Once you have everything ready, follow these straightforward steps:
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add your diced green bell pepper and cook for about three minutes until they start to soften.
- Incorporate the red onion and minced garlic into the pot. Continue to cook for an additional two minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the aroma to fill your kitchen.
- Now, it’s time to add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. Keep stirring and browning the beef for roughly three minutes until it turns brown.
- Sprinkle the spices – salt, black pepper, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and dried oregano – into the pot. Stir in the chopped jalapeños and let everything cook for one minute to enhance the flavors.
- Pour in the beef (or chicken) broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Then add the crushed tomatoes, drained kidney beans, and corn. Stir everything well to combine and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about five minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld together beautifully.
- While the soup simmers, prepare a separate bowl where you’ll mix the chipotle sauce, cream, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Once you have a smooth mixture, gently add it to the soup, stirring until it’s creamy. Let the soup simmer for an additional five minutes so the flavors can deepen.
- Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. You want a blend of flavors that suits your palate perfectly.
- Finally, serve your delicious Creamy Beef Taco Soup, garnished with chopped cilantro, scallions, and a generous dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added richness. Your tasty creation is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Beef Taco Soup
Serving your Creamy Beef Taco Soup can be as fun as making it! This hearty dish is perfect on its own, but there are some delightful ways to elevate your meal. You can serve it in bowls, topped with fresh chopped cilantro and scallions for an added crunch and flavor. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can add a nice creaminess that complements the spicy notes of the soup.
Consider pairing your soup with warm tortilla chips, crispy cornbread, or soft flour tortillas for dipping. These sides can enhance the overall experience, providing a delightful contrast to the creamy soup. For those who enjoy a little more heat, offering extra jalapeños or hot sauce on the side will please spice lovers in your group.
In cooler months, this soup makes an excellent choice for cozy family dinners, while in warmer months, it can be a great option for casual outdoor gatherings. No matter when or how you enjoy it, this dish is sure to impress.
Expert Tips: Creamy Beef Taco Soup
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Using fresh vegetables and high-quality beef can significantly enhance the flavor of your soup. Opt for 85% lean ground beef to ensure a perfect balance of flavor without excess greasiness.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder soup, feel free to reduce the amount of jalapeños or even omit the chipotle sauce. On the other hand, for an extra kick, toss in chopped fresh chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Creamy Texture: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before adding it to the soup. This will make it easier to mix and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
- Simmering Time: Allowing the soup to simmer for a longer period can deepen the flavors. If time allows, simmer gently for 20-30 minutes instead of just the minimum time.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skip the garnishes! They not only improve the visual appeal but add freshness and extra flavor to each serving.
How to Store Creamy Beef Taco Soup
Storing your Creamy Beef Taco Soup is easy and convenient. Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them. This soup can be stored in your fridge for 3 to 4 days. If you wish to keep it longer, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months.
To reheat, let the soup thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Use a pot over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup seems thick after storing, add a splash of beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Variation of Creamy Beef Taco Soup
While the Creamy Beef Taco Soup recipe is delicious as is, you might want to experiment with variations to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some suggestions:
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or a combination of black beans and lentils for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables, like zucchini, carrots, or spinach, to boost the nutritional value and add a variety of textures.
- Alternative Proteins: If you’re looking for a change, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. These leaner meats provide a different flavor profile while being lower in fat.
- Spice Level: For fans of spice, you might consider adding more chipotle sauce or diced green chilies for an extra kick. Alternatively, for a smoky flavor, you could use smoked cheese instead of cheddar.
- Creamy Alternatives: For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese. Coconut cream can also be a delicious substitute for those who are dairy-free.
FAQ about Creamy Beef Taco Soup
What is Creamy Beef Taco Soup? Creamy Beef Taco Soup is a delicious blend of seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and creamy ingredients that come together in a comforting bowl of soup.
Can I make Creamy Beef Taco Soup ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare this soup ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for a few days or freeze it for later use.
Is Creamy Beef Taco Soup spicy? It has a mild to moderate spice level, depending on the amount of jalapeños and chipotle sauce you use. You can adjust these ingredients based on your heat preference.
What can I serve with Creamy Beef Taco Soup? This soup pairs well with tortilla chips, cornbread, or soft tortillas. You can also serve it with a side salad for a complete meal.
How can I make Creamy Beef Taco Soup healthier? You can make it healthier by using leaner meats, adding more vegetables, and substituting lower-fat dairy options while preserving the flavor.
Creamy Beef Taco Soup
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter For added richness
- 1 large green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.2 pounds ground beef (85% lean) For a hearty base
- 2 tablespoons chopped pickled jalapeños Adjust to taste
- 2 tablespoons brine from jalapeños For added flavor
- 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 tablespoons chipotle sauce Add more for extra heat
- ½ cup cream (20%) For creaminess
- 5 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature Ensure it's softened for easy mixing
- 5 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro For garnish
- 1 teaspoon salt To taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper To taste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
- Chopped scallions for garnish
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt for serving For serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Prepare all ingredients: chop the vegetables and measure out the spices.
Cooking
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add diced green bell pepper and cook for about three minutes until they start to soften.
- Incorporate the red onion and minced garlic, continuing to cook for an additional two minutes.
- Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon, browning for roughly three minutes.
- Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and oregano, adding chopped jalapeños.
- Pour in the broth and bring to a boil, then add crushed tomatoes, drained kidney beans, and corn.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer for about five minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix chipotle sauce, cream, cream cheese, and cheddar until smooth.
- Gently add the creamy mixture to the soup, stirring until creamy and simmer for an additional five minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serving
- Serve garnished with chopped cilantro, scallions, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
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