The Best Beef Taco Soup Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Beef taco soup represents a delightful culinary fusion that redefines traditional Mexican-inspired flavors into a comforting meal.

The robust combination of savory ingredients creates a warm and satisfying dining experience.

Rich ground beef mingles with aromatic spices, delivering an explosion of taste in each delectable bite.

Hearty beans and vibrant seasonings elevate this soup beyond ordinary recipes, offering a unique twist on classic comfort food.

The smooth, creamy consistency provides a luxurious backdrop for the bold, zesty profile of traditional taco elements.

Perfectly balanced and incredibly versatile, this soup adapts to diverse palate preferences with ease.

Prepare to indulge in a culinary adventure that promises maximum satisfaction.

Creamy Beef Taco Soup: Comfort Food at Its Best

• Savor Hearty Comfort: This soup delivers a rich, warming experience packed with bold flavors and satisfying textures that hug your taste buds like a culinary comfort blanket.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: Prepares in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy families seeking a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen, with minimal chopping and straightforward cooking steps.
• Protein-Packed Nutrition Powerhouse: Loaded with 28g of protein per serving, this soup provides substantial nutritional value while remaining incredibly delicious, supporting muscle health and keeping you full longer.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Offers flexible garnishing options like cilantro, scallions, and sour cream, allowing each person to personalize their bowl and creating an interactive dining experience that appeals to different preferences.

Key Ingredients for a Perfect Beef Taco Soup

• Onion, Garlic, Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables providing a flavor base and aromatic foundation for the soup, with bell pepper adding a sweet and mild crunch.

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein that adds richness and substance to the soup, best when using lean or medium-fat content for optimal flavor.
• Black Beans, Corn: Protein-packed and sweet ingredients that contribute texture and nutrition to the soup.

• Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid base that helps blend all flavors together smoothly.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity and depth to the soups overall flavor profile.
• Olive Oil, Butter: Essential for sautéing vegetables and creating a rich cooking base.
• Cream, Cream Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Creamy ingredients that make the soup luxurious and provide a tangy, smooth texture.

• Spices: Blend of spices that enhance the soups Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
• Chipotle Sauce: Adds smoky heat and complexity to the soup.
• Cilantro, Scallions, Sour Cream: Fresh garnishes that provide brightness, color, and additional layers of flavor.

How to Make Beef Taco Soup That’s Thick and Creamy

Step 1: Prep Your Veggie Base

• Onion
• Garlic
• Bell pepper

Set aside and get ready to create flavor magic.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetable Mixture

Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add bell pepper and cook for 3 minutes until slightly softened. Toss in onion and garlic, cooking for another 2 minutes while stirring constantly.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook for 3 minutes until meat starts to brown. Sprinkle your favorite taco spices over the meat and cook for 1 minute to release those aromatic flavors.

Step 4: Create the Soup Base

• Broth
• Tomatoes
• Beans
• Corn

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend all the flavors together.

Step 5: Add Creamy Goodness

• Chipotle sauce
• Heavy cream
• Cream cheese
• Cheddar cheese

Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the cheeses to melt and create a luxurious texture.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Toppings

• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced scallions
• A dollop of sour cream

Serve hot and enjoy this ultimate comfort meal that brings taco night into a cozy soup form!

Tips for Getting the Right Texture in Your Beef Taco Soup

• Maximize Meat Flavor: Brown ground beef on high heat to develop rich, caramelized notes before adding spices.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Add cream cheese and cheddar off the heat to prevent breaking and ensure smooth, velvety texture.
• Spice Balance Trick: Toast spices briefly in the pot to unlock deeper, more complex flavors before adding liquid ingredients.
• Texture Enhancement: Use full-fat dairy products for a richer, more luxurious soup consistency that coats the palate.
• Quick Serving Hack: Prepare toppings in advance so you can garnish and serve immediately while the soup is piping hot.

How to Store Beef Taco Soup to Keep It Fresh

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors and maintain freshness.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup seems too thick, helping restore its original creamy consistency. Stir carefully to prevent cream and cheese from separating.
• Freezing: Freeze the soup without dairy ingredients for best results. Pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add fresh cream and cheese when reheating to maintain the soup's rich, velvety texture.

Serve Your Beef Taco Soup with These Complementary Sides

• Pair with Zesty Margaritas: The tangy, citrusy notes of a classic margarita will perfectly complement the rich, creamy flavors of the beef taco soup. The tequila's brightness cuts through the soup's heaviness, creating a balanced and refreshing combination.
• Serve with Crispy Tortilla Chips: Crunchy, salted tortilla chips provide a delightful textural contrast to the smooth, creamy soup. They're ideal for scooping up every last delicious bite and adding an extra layer of Mexican-inspired crunch.
• Match with Mexican Coleslaw: A light, zingy coleslaw with cilantro and lime dressing offers a fresh, crisp side that balances the soup's richness. The cool, crunchy salad provides a perfect counterpoint to the warm, hearty soup.
• Complete with Jalapeño Cornbread: A slightly spicy, slightly sweet cornbread adds another dimension to the meal. Its soft texture and complementary flavors enhance the soup's Mexican-inspired profile, creating a truly satisfying dining experience.

Fun Ways to Modify Your Beef Taco Soup

• Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Replace ground beef with hearty black beans or plant-based crumbles. Keep the creamy texture and spices intact for a protein-packed vegetarian version that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Spicy Green Chile Edition: Swap chipotle sauce with roasted green chiles and add diced jalapeños. Increase heat level by incorporating additional cayenne pepper for those craving extra kick.
• Slow Cooker Fiesta Style: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after sautéing vegetables and browning meat. Let it simmer on low for 4-6 hours, allowing flavors to meld deeply and creating a hands-off cooking experience.
• Southwestern Light Version: Use lean ground turkey instead of beef, reduce cheese quantities, and add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach. Lower the fat content while maintaining robust southwestern taste profile.

Beef Taco Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy beef taco soup brings Mexican-inspired comfort to dinner tables with hearty ground beef, zesty spices, and rich creamy textures. Cheese-topped and packed with robust flavors, you’ll savor each spoonful of this satisfying soup that delivers warmth and excitement in one delicious bowl.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1.2 pounds beef (85% lean)
• 5 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 5 ounces shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Liquids:

• 1 large green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups beef broth or chicken broth
• 3 cups crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (240g/8.5 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 5 ounces corn kernels
• 2 tablespoons chopped pickled jalapeños + 2 tablespoons brine from jalapeños
• ½ cup cream (20%)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons chipotle sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

Toppings:

• Chopped cilantro
• Chopped scallions
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt

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Instructions

1. Dice onion, bell pepper, and mince garlic into uniform, small pieces to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
2. Place a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and butter, allowing them to meld and create a rich cooking base.
3. Sauté bell peppers for approximately 3 minutes until they begin to soften and release their natural sweetness.
4. Incorporate onions and garlic, stirring frequently to prevent burning and develop a robust aromatic foundation.
5. Add ground beef to the pot, using a wooden spoon to break it into small, uniform crumbles for consistent texture.
6. Sprinkle prepared spices over the meat, stirring continuously to toast and activate their complex flavor profiles.
7. Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn kernels, raising heat to achieve a vigorous boil.
8. Reduce temperature and allow the mixture to simmer, letting ingredients meld and develop deep, harmonious flavors.
9. Introduce chipotle sauce for smoky heat, then gently fold in heavy cream, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese.
10. Continue simmering until cheese melts completely and soup reaches a creamy, luxurious consistency.
11. Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, thinly sliced scallions, and a dollop of tangy sour cream.

Notes

• Whip up this hearty soup when craving a Mexican-inspired comfort meal that’s packed with rich, creamy flavors.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chipotle sauce or adding jalapeños for extra kick.
• Freezer-friendly option allows storing leftovers up to 3 months in airtight containers.
• Choose full-fat dairy ingredients for maximum creaminess and deeper taste profile.
• Budget-friendly recipe uses affordable ground beef and pantry staples for quick weeknight dinner.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 570 kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 105mg