This Creamy Beef Taco Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With juicy beef, zesty spices, and a touch of creaminess, it’s full of flavor that everyone will love.
Cooking this soup is a breeze! Just brown the beef, toss in some veggies, and let it simmer. I enjoy serving it with crunchy tortilla chips on top—so fun and tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works best for this recipe. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option or even plant-based meat crumbles for a vegetarian take.
Taco Seasoning: While store-bought seasoning is convenient, you can make your own mix using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. This way, you control the spices and reduce sodium!
Canned Beans: Kidney beans are great, but feel free to substitute with black beans or pinto beans. Rinse them well to get rid of extra sodium and any preservatives.
Sour Cream: If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt works wonderfully as a substitute for sour cream. It adds creaminess and a bit of tang!
Heavy Cream: You can swap heavy cream for evaporated milk or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream if you have dietary restrictions.
How Do I Achieve the Best Flavor in My Soup?
The secret to a flavorful soup is building the flavors step by step. Start by sautéing the onion and garlic until they’re sweet and fragrant—this is where your base flavor comes from. When browning the beef, let it sear a little for a deeper flavor profile. Don’t rush this process!
- Cook onions until they’re translucent before adding garlic—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
- After you’ve added the beef, give it a good mix to incorporate the taco seasoning evenly.
- Let the soup simmer for at least 15 minutes; this helps all the ingredients meld together beautifully!
Adjusting the seasoning at the end lets you fine-tune the flavors, so taste it and add more spices if needed. Enjoy your soup!
How to Make Creamy Beef Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty soup will take about 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time. In just under an hour, you’ll have a delicious creamy beef taco soup ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant—this will add flavor to your soup base.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it up and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there is excess fat, drain it out before moving on to the next step.
3. Mix in the Seasonings and Veggies:
Stir in the taco seasoning, mixing it well with the beef. Then add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), kidney beans, corn, diced green bell pepper, and beef broth. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients.
4. Simmer for Flavor:
Bring your soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This will allow all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Stir occasionally.
5. Add Creaminess:
After the soup has simmered, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Heat through but avoid boiling it at this stage to maintain creaminess.
6. Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember, this is your chance to make it just right!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your creamy beef taco soup hot in bowls. Top each serving with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or green onions for a fresh finish. Enjoy!
There you have it—a delicious, warming soup that’s perfect for any day. Happy cooking!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes work well in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
How Can I Store Leftovers of Creamy Beef Taco Soup?
Cool the soup completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Make This Soup Spicier?
Definitely! You can add chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or even a splash of hot sauce to give it a kick. Stir in spices gradually, tasting as you go to achieve your desired heat level.
How Do I Reheat Leftover Soup?
You can reheat the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until thoroughly warmed. If using the microwave, transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
