Cozy Creamy Taco Soup Recipe: A Heartwarming Family Favorite

My favorite weekend comfort food combines hearty taco ingredients with creamy taco soup that feels like a warm hug.

Unexpected flavor blends make this recipe stand out from traditional soup styles.

Rich, velvety textures mingle with zesty southwestern spices for an incredible meal.

Weeknight dinners become exciting when you can whip up something this delicious in under 30 minutes.

Pantry staples and quick protein options mean you can customize this dish to match your mood.

Bowls of steaming goodness await you with minimal kitchen effort and maximum satisfaction.

Scoop up some comfort and let this soup become your new go-to meal.

Creamy Taco Soup That’s Spiced And Soothing

• Savor Quick Comfort: Effortless Taco Soup Delight helps busy home cooks whip up a delicious meal in under 30 minutes.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion combines classic Mexican-inspired spices with creamy texture that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Versatile Meal Solution adapts easily with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips for personalized dining experiences.
• One-Pot Wonder minimizes kitchen cleanup by preparing the entire meal in a single pot, reducing washing time and simplifying meal preparation.

Creamy Taco Soup Elements

• Ground Beef: Hearty base protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the soup.

• Ro-tel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, Black Beans, Corn: Zesty combination providing texture, mild heat, and extra nutrition with convenient canned convenience.
• Red Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetable that brings sweet crunch and vibrant color to the soup.

• Chicken Broth: Liquid foundation that creates the soup's comforting base and enhances overall flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Creamy ingredient that adds luxurious thickness and tangy richness to the soup.

• Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Ground Cumin, Smoked Paprika: Classic spice blend that delivers warm, complex southwestern flavor profile.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing all other ingredients.

• Grated Cheddar, Avocado, Cilantro, Tortilla Strips: Customizable garnishes that add extra texture, freshness, and personal flair to the soup.

Creamy Taco Soup Preparation

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef

Heat a large pot over medium flame and cook ground beef until it turns golden brown.

Carefully drain away any extra grease to keep the soup light and delicious.

Step 2: Combine Flavor Boosters

• Chicken broth
• Ro-tel tomatoes
• Black beans
• Corn kernels
• Chopped red bell pepper

Step 3: Sprinkle Spice Magic

• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cumin
• Smoked paprika

Step 4: Bring to Bubbling Life

Allow the soup to reach a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes.

This allows all the amazing flavors to dance and mingle together.

Step 5: Create Creamy Perfection

Drop softened cream cheese into the soup and stir continuously until it melts completely.

Watch as the soup transforms into a luxurious, velvety texture.

Step 6: Finish with Final Touches

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper until it reaches your ideal flavor profile.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or crispy tortilla strips.

Taco Soup Creamy Tips

• Remove as much fat as possible to prevent a greasy soup and keep the broth light and clean.
• Adjust chili powder and cumin to your heat preference, tasting as you go for perfect flavor depth.
• Soften cream cheese at room temperature and cut into small cubes for smoother, faster melting without lumps.
• Swap corn for cauliflower or zucchini to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining the soup's hearty texture.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option without sacrificing taste.

Creamy Taco Soup Smart Storage And Reheat Advice

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing dairy-based soups with cream cheese, as texture may separate.
• Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore creamy consistency if needed. Heat until steaming and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place soup in microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.

Side Dishes for Creamy Taco Soup

• Spice Up with Margaritas: Zesty citrus margaritas cut through the soup's richness, complementing the bold Mexican-inspired flavors with their tangy kick.
• Pair with Crisp Tortilla Chips: Crunchy, salted tortilla chips provide a perfect textural contrast to the creamy soup, enhancing each spoonful with a satisfying crunch.
• Serve with Fresh Cilantro Salad: Light, herbaceous cilantro salad with lime vinaigrette balances the soup's hearty profile, adding brightness and freshness to the meal.
• Cool Down with Mexican Slaw: Refreshing cabbage slaw with jalapeño and lime offers a crisp, cool counterpoint to the warm, creamy soup, creating a balanced dining experience.

Creamy Taco Soup Tweaks

• Vegetarian Taco Soup: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed meatless version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian meal.
• Low-Carb Keto Taco Soup: Swap corn with cauliflower florets and reduce bell peppers. Add extra heavy cream for richness and top with shredded cheese and sour cream to boost fat content.
• Slow Cooker Method: Brown beef beforehand, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding cream cheese in the last 30 minutes for a hands-off preparation.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Increase chili powder, add diced jalapeños, and mix in a splash of hot sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for extra zesty flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lean alternative that works perfectly in this soup. Just make sure to brown it thoroughly and drain any excess liquid.

• Is this soup spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level. If you want less spice, reduce the chili powder or use mild Ro-tel tomatoes. For more heat, add some diced jalapeños or use hot Ro-tel.

• How can I make this soup more protein-rich?

Consider adding a can of drained and rinsed kidney beans or increasing the amount of ground meat. You could also top the soup with shredded chicken or sprinkle some cheese for extra protein.

• Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the meat first, then transfer everything except the cream cheese to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, and stir in the cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Creamy Taco Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Creamy Taco Soup delivers Mexican-inspired comfort with rich, spicy flavors and creamy textures. Packed with ground beef, beans, and zesty seasonings, this soup promises a satisfying meal that warms both body and soul.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef

Vegetables:

• 2 (10 ounces/284 grams) cans Ro-tel diced tomatoes & green chilies with juices
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (12 ounces/340 grams) can corn, drained
• 1 (14 ounces/397 grams) can black beans, drained & rinsed

Seasonings and Dairy:

• 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth
• 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese (softened)
• Salt & pepper to taste

Optional toppings: grated cheddar, avocado, cilantro, tortilla strips, etc.

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sizzle ground beef in a spacious cooking vessel until thoroughly browned, carefully eliminating surplus grease for a lighter consistency.
2. Pour chicken broth into the meat-filled pot, introducing vibrant Ro-tel tomatoes, hearty black beans, sweet corn kernels, and crimson bell peppers.
3. Sprinkle a harmonious blend of aromatic spices – chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and smoky paprika – creating a robust flavor profile.
4. Elevate temperature until liquid reaches a vigorous bubbling point, then reduce heat, allowing ingredients to meld and intensify flavors during a 10-minute gentle simmer.
5. Incorporate softened cream cheese, gently stirring until the dairy element completely dissolves, transforming the soup into a luxuriously smooth and velvety texture.
6. Delicately balance the seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
7. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, offering an array of optional garnishes to customize each individual portion.

Notes

• Customize the protein by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter version.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and rinsing canned beans thoroughly before adding to the soup.
• Boost vegetable content by adding extra diced vegetables like zucchini or spinach for increased nutrition and texture.
• Create a dairy-free alternative by substituting cream cheese with cashew cream or coconut cream for a similar creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg