Imagine a pot of creamy taco soup bubbling away on your stove, filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of spices and savory goodness.
There’s something comforting about this dish, with its rich texture and hearty ingredients that promise warmth and satisfaction.
It’s surprisingly easy to whip up, making it a cherished favorite for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Watch as simple ingredients transform into a flavorful masterpiece.
Let’s bring this dish to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 chef’s knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 ladle
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the Creamy Taco Soup, here’s a timeline to follow:
- Reading the Recipe:
- Time Needed: 5 minutes
- Activity: Familiarize yourself with the ingredients, equipment, and instructions.
- Prep Work:
- Time Needed: 10 minutes
- Activity:
- Gather all ingredients and equipment.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Open and drain the cans of black beans and corn.
- Measure out the chicken broth, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Chop fresh cilantro for garnish.
- Cooking:
- Total Time Needed: 30 minutes
- 0-5 minutes: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- 5-10 minutes: Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until the onion is translucent.
- 10-15 minutes: Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned.
- 15-17 minutes: Stir in taco seasoning and mix well with the beef.
- 17-20 minutes: Add diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and chicken broth to the pot.
- 20-40 minutes: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- 40-45 minutes: Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese melts.
- 45-47 minutes: Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- 47 minutes: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Serving:
- Time Needed: 5 minutes
- Activity: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve.
This timeline accounts for the entire process from reading the recipe to serving the soup, ensuring efficient time management.
Recipe Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until the onion is translucent.
Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned.
Stir in taco seasoning and mix well with the beef.
Add diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and chicken broth to the pot.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese melts.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Serving Tips
- Tortilla Chips: Serve alongside the soup for a satisfying crunch and an authentic taco experience.
- Avocado Slices: Add fresh avocado slices on top for a creamy texture and a dose of healthy fats.
- Lime Wedges: Offer lime wedges for squeezing over the soup to add a zesty and invigorating twist.
- Sour Cream: Top the soup with a dollop of sour cream for an extra creamy and tangy flavor.
- Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle chopped green onions for a touch of sharpness and vibrant color.
Storage
Store Creamy Taco Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently.
Freezing
To freeze creamy taco soup, cool it completely.
Transfer to airtight containers, leaving space for expansion.
Label with the date.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat Creamy Taco Soup, gently warm it on the stove over low heat.
Stir occasionally.
Alternatively, use a microwave-safe bowl.
Cover, and heat in the microwave until thoroughly hot.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Taco Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
The combination of savory ground beef, hearty beans, sweet corn, and creamy cheese creates a delightful flavor profile.
With its quick preparation time and simple ingredients, it’s an excellent choice for a weeknight meal.
Additionally, you can customize the soup to suit your taste preferences by adjusting the level of spiciness or thickness.
Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this soup is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Enjoy the rich and satisfying taste of this Mexican-inspired dish, and don’t hesitate to make it a staple in your recipe collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Ground Beef With Another Protein?
Sure, swap ground beef with chicken or turkey for a lighter twist. Sizzle the poultry until golden brown, infusing it with spices. You’ll experience a delightful aroma and slightly different texture, enriching the soup’s savory warmth.
Is This Soup Gluten-Free?
You’re wondering if the soup’s gluten-free. Yes, it is, as long as the taco seasoning doesn’t contain gluten. The aromatic spices, creamy texture, and savory flavors blend harmoniously, creating a delightful, gluten-free culinary experience.
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely, you can swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a melty, spicy kick. The cheese should enhance the creamy texture and bold flavors, creating a luscious symphony that delights your taste buds with every spoonful.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, swap ground beef for hearty mushrooms or protein-rich tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken. Let the savory aroma of sautéed onions and garlic meld with a medley of vegetables for a delightful taste.
What Side Dishes Pair Well With This Soup?
Pair your soup with crispy tortilla chips for a delightful crunch, or serve a fresh avocado salad for a creamy contrast. Consider warm, buttery cornbread to complement the soup’s richness, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Creamy Taco Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Chef's knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz)
- 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn kernels drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned.
- Stir in taco seasoning and mix well with the beef.
- Add diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and chicken broth to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese melts.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.
