Creamy Taco Soup (Print view)

Rich, comforting soup with bold taco flavors, hearty vegetables, beans, and creamy cheddar cheese.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Meats

01 - 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
06 - 1 can (14 ounces) sweet corn, drained
07 - 1 can (14 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
08 - 2 green onions, sliced for garnish

→ Dairy

09 - ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream
10 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus additional for garnish

→ Liquids

11 - 3 cups chicken or beef broth

→ Spices and Seasonings

12 - 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
13 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
14 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
15 - ½ teaspoon chili powder
16 - ½ teaspoon salt
17 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ Optional Toppings

18 - Sour cream
19 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
20 - Crushed tortilla chips
21 - Lime wedges

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and crumbly, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
02 - Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
03 - Stir in the taco seasoning, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until the spices become fragrant and evenly distributed.
04 - Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, drained corn, black beans, and broth to the pot. Stir thoroughly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
05 - Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and flavor integration.
06 - Lower the heat further, then stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the soup achieves a creamy consistency. Do not allow the soup to boil after adding the cream.
07 - Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with sliced green onions, additional cheese, and desired toppings.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 45 minutes, which means weeknight dinners stop feeling like a scramble.
  • The creamy texture and taco spices hit that perfect balance between familiar and exciting.
  • One pot means less cleanup and more time actually enjoying the meal with people you care about.
02 -
  • Don't skip draining the beans and corn; excess liquid dilutes the flavors and makes the soup watery instead of rich.
  • Adding cream to a boiling pot can cause it to break or curdle—lower your heat and stir gently until the cheese melts.
  • Taste the soup before serving because store-bought broths and seasonings vary wildly in saltiness.
03 -
  • Make a double batch and freeze half in portions—it reheats beautifully and gives future you a gift on a hectic evening.
  • Stir the soup gently from the bottom up when it's simmering to prevent anything from sticking and to keep flavors distributed evenly.
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