Name: Creamy Taco Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (or ground pork, or ground turkey); 1 medium onion, diced 1/4 inch; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tbsp taco seasoning (see notes); 1 large red bell pepper, diced 1/2 inch; 15 ounce can corn, drained (or 1.5 cups frozen corn kernels); 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed; 15 ounce can diced fire roasted tomatoes (with chilis or regular diced tomatoes/fire roasted for mild); 4 cups low sodium chicken broth; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temperature for at least 1 hour (see notes for dairy free options); Sea salt and pepper, to taste; 1 diced avocado; Tortilla chips; Lime wedges; Fresh cilantro, green onions, chopped tomatoes; Grated cheddar or pepper jack cheese; Sour cream

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (or ground pork, or ground turkey)

1 medium onion, diced 1/4″

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 tbsp taco seasoning

1 large red bell pepper, diced 1/2″

15 ounce can corn, drained (or 1.5 cups frozen corn kernels)

15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed

15 ounce can diced fire roasted tomatoes (with chilis or regular)

4 cups low sodium chicken broth

8 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temperature

Sea salt and pepper to taste

Optional toppings: diced avocado, tortilla chips, lime wedges, fresh cilantro, green onions, chopped tomatoes, grated cheddar or pepper jack cheese, sour cream

Instructions

Step 1: Prep and measure all ingredients before you begin cooking to keep the process smooth.

Step 2: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up into small pieces with a spoon or spatula.

Step 3: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the beef and cook until the onion turns translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 4: Stir in the taco seasoning, diced red bell pepper, corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Mix well and bring to a boil.

Step 5: Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, until the bell pepper is tender and flavors meld together.

Step 6: Remove the pot from heat. Add softened cream cheese in small pieces and stir gently, allowing it to melt and incorporate fully into the soup.

Step 7: Season with sea salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, or sour cream.

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with coconut cream and add it when you add the broth and vegetables.

Try swapping ground beef for ground turkey or pork for a different flavor and leaner meat option.

Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for extra smoky heat.

Serve with crushed tortilla chips on top for added crunch and texture.

To save time, use pre-made taco seasoning or make your own blend with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Omit the ground meat and add extra beans, corn, or even diced zucchini for more vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian version.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Fresh tomatoes can be used if they are ripe and flavorful. Dice about 2 cups of fresh tomatoes and cook them a little longer in the soup for the best results. You may need to adjust seasoning accordingly.