Name: Creamy Taco Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or plant-based substitute; 2 tablespoons taco seasoning; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with green chilies optional); 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained; 1 can (15 oz) black beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 4 cups broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable); 4 oz cream cheese or plant-based alternative; 1/2 cup heavy cream, half-and-half, or plant-based milk; Salt and pepper to taste

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Creamy taco soup is a hearty, flavorful one-pot dish that brings together all the bold flavors of tacos in a rich, creamy broth. It’s warm, filling, and easy to throw together, making it one of my favorite comfort meals, especially on busy weeknights or chilly evenings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this soup because it’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and incredibly satisfying. It combines classic taco ingredients—beans, corn, tomatoes, and seasonings—with a creamy twist that takes it to the next level. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or just curling up with a cozy bowl. I can customize it with my favorite toppings, and the leftovers taste even better the next day. Creamy Taco Soup

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Olive oil or butter
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Ground beef, turkey, or plant-based alternative
Taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
Canned diced tomatoes (with green chilies, if I like it spicy)
Canned corn, drained
Canned black beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Cream cheese or plant-based cream cheese
Heavy cream, half-and-half, or plant-based milk
Broth (chicken, beef, or veggie)
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

I heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then sauté the chopped onion until it’s soft and translucent.
I stir in the garlic and cook for another minute before adding the ground meat or plant-based substitute.
I cook until browned, then drain any excess fat if needed.
I mix in the taco seasoning and stir well to coat the meat.
I add the diced tomatoes, beans, corn, and broth, stirring to combine.
I bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes to blend the flavors.
I stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and smooth, then pour in the cream or milk.
I simmer just a few more minutes until everything is hot and creamy, then taste and adjust seasoning.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and 25–30 minutes to cook, so I can have it on the table in under 40 minutes.

Variations

I often use ground turkey or a meatless crumble for a lighter version.
To make it dairy-free, I swap the cream cheese and milk for vegan alternatives like cashew cream or coconut milk.
I like adding chopped bell peppers or jalapeños for extra texture and spice.
A splash of lime juice at the end brightens up the flavors.
For a thicker soup, I mash some of the beans before adding them in.

storage/reheating

I store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 2 months. When reheating, I warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, I add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it. Creamy Taco Soup

FAQs

Can I make creamy taco soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, I brown the meat and onions first, then add everything except the dairy to the slow cooker. I cook on low for 6–7 hours, stir in the cream and cream cheese at the end, and let it heat through before serving.

Is it spicy?

It depends on the taco seasoning and tomatoes I use. I can control the heat by choosing mild or spicy versions and adding extra chili flakes if I like it hotter.

Can I freeze creamy taco soup?

Definitely. I let it cool completely, then freeze in individual portions. I thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave.

What toppings go well with this soup?

I like adding crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese, avocado slices, chopped cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor and texture.

How can I make it thicker?

I reduce the broth slightly or mash some beans into the soup while simmering. Adding a bit more cream cheese also thickens it nicely.

Conclusion

Creamy taco soup is a cozy, flavorful meal that never fails to satisfy. It’s got all the taco goodness I crave, wrapped in a creamy, comforting broth that’s both hearty and easy to make. Whether I’m feeding my family, meal prepping for the week, or just need something warm and delicious, this soup always delivers.

Creamy Taco Soup

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Author: lina
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

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Description

Creamy taco soup is a rich, hearty one-pot meal that combines all your favorite taco flavors with a creamy, comforting twist. It’s packed with beans, corn, tomatoes, and ground meat or a plant-based alternative, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb ground beef, turkey, or plant-based substitute
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with green chilies optional)
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
1 can (15 oz) black beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
4 cups broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable)
4 oz cream cheese or plant-based alternative
1/2 cup heavy cream, half-and-half, or plant-based milk
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Add ground meat or substitute and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in taco seasoning to coat the meat evenly.
Add diced tomatoes, corn, beans, and broth. Stir to combine.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth.
Pour in cream or milk and simmer another 3–5 minutes, until heated through. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve hot with your favorite toppings like tortilla chips, cheese, avocado, or cilantro.