Creamy Beef Taco Soup is a hearty and flavorsome dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This delightful recipe combines rich beef flavors with creamy textures and bold spices, creating a warm bowl of comfort that you and your family will adore. With its combination of ingredients, this soup bursts with flavor and ensures a satisfying meal any day of the week.
Why We Love This Creamy Beef Taco Soup Recipe
There’s something special about the Creamy Beef Taco Soup that makes it a favorite in many households. The blend of ingredients creates a comforting bowl of goodness that warms you from the inside out. The creamy texture combined with the savory beef gives you a satisfying bite with every spoonful. It’s versatile enough to serve as a quick weeknight dinner or to impress guests at a gathering. The best part? It’s simple to prepare, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
Ingredients about Creamy Beef Taco Soup
To bring this delicious soup to life, you will need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 large green bell pepper (diced)
- 1 red onion (finely chopped)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1.2 pounds beef (85% lean)
- 2 tbsp chopped pickled jalapeños
- 2 tbsp brine from jalapeños
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 3 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (240 g/8.5 oz) kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 5 ounces corn kernels
- 2 tbsp chipotle sauce
- ½ cup cream (20%)
- 5 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 5 ounces shredded cheddar
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- Chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Chopped scallions, for garnish
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving
How to Make Creamy Beef Taco Soup Directions
To embark on your creamy beef taco soup adventure, preparation is key. Begin by prepping your ingredients to ensure a seamless cooking experience. Finely chop the red onion and mince the garlic. Remove the seeds and veins from the green bell pepper, and dice it into small pieces.
Next, grab a large pot and heat the olive oil and unsalted butter over medium-high heat until melted. Once hot, add the diced green bell pepper, cooking for about three minutes until it softens. Then, introduce the finely chopped red onion and minced garlic to the pot, stirring them for about two minutes or until they become fragrant.
After the vegetables have cooked down, it’s time to add the ground beef. Break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks, allowing it to brown slightly for about three minutes. To this mixture, add the chopped jalapeños along with their brine. Sprinkle in the spices: salt, black pepper, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Stir everything together for about one minute to release the splendid aromas.
Now, pour in your choice of broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and corn kernels. Stir everything together, then cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for about five minutes. This simmering process helps meld the flavors beautifully.
While your soup simmers, take this time to chop the cilantro, grate the cheddar cheese, and prepare any desired toppings.
Once the five minutes have passed, continue enhancing the flavor by adding chipotle sauce, cream, cream cheese, and the grated cheddar cheese to the pot. Stir these ingredients together until well combined and the cheese has melted. Allow the soup to come back up to a boil, then reduce the heat slightly and simmer for another five minutes.
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the salt if needed. Finish with freshly ground black pepper and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. Serve with your choice of toppings, allowing everyone to customize their bowl.
How to Serve Creamy Beef Taco Soup
Serving Creamy Beef Taco Soup is part of the joy of this dish. You can present it in various ways that will not only enhance the flavors but also delight your family or guests. A great way to do this is by ladling the soup into bowls and placing an array of toppings in smaller bowls on the table.
Consider offering garnishes like chopped scallions, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and additional cilantro for those who enjoy an extra burst of freshness. For a little heat, you can present additional sliced jalapeños or hot sauce on the side. This way, each bowl can become a personal creation, allowing everyone to enjoy the soup just how they like it.
Besides toppings, pairing your creamy beef taco soup with some warm, crusty bread or tortilla chips can provide a delightful crunch that complements the smooth soup. Additionally, a simple side salad can round out the meal, making it complete and satisfying.
Expert Tips: Creamy Beef Taco Soup
Creating the perfect Creamy Beef Taco Soup can be even easier with some expert tips. Here are a few suggestions to elevate your cooking experience:
- Choose Quality Beef: Opt for 85% lean beef for a good balance between flavor and health. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
- Prep Ahead: Spend some extra time beforehand to chop vegetables and measure out ingredients. This makes the actual cooking process much smoother and less rushed.
- Experiment with Heat: If you love heat, increase the amount of chopped jalapeños or include other spicy elements like diced serrano peppers or hot taco seasoning.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro adds a vibrant flavor. If you don’t enjoy it, try using fresh parsley as an alternative.
- Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter soup, you can reduce the amount of cream or cream cheese. Alternatively, add more for an even richer flavor.
- Experiment with Spice Levels: Spices can be adjusted to your taste. If you’d like a smokier flavor, increase the smoked paprika, or if you prefer a more robust flavor, add extra cumin.
How to Store Creamy Beef Taco Soup
Storing your Creamy Beef Taco Soup is straightforward and will keep its deliciousness for days. To ensure freshness, allow the soup to cool down naturally after cooking. Once it has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.
If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing the soup. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Creamy Beef Taco Soup can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, defrost it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.
Variation of Creamy Beef Taco Soup
One of the joys of cooking is the ability to adapt recipes to fit personal preferences. Here are some variations you might consider for your Creamy Beef Taco Soup:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for a mix of black beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu. This hearty alternative maintains protein while being plant-based.
- Creamy Spinach: Add fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra nutrient boost and a vibrant green color.
- Cheesy Delight: Incorporate different types of cheese depending on what you have on hand. Pepper Jack can add a nice kick, or you can use Monterey Jack for a creamier texture.
- Sweet Corn Bisque: For a bit of sweetness, add fresh or frozen sweet corn and blend part of the soup for a creamy bisque texture.
- Mexican Twist: Add fresh lime juice or zest before serving for a zesty flavor. You can also throw in some diced avocados for creaminess.
FAQ
What is Creamy Beef Taco Soup?
Creamy Beef Taco Soup is a delicious and hearty soup made with ground beef, vegetables, spices, and creamy elements like cream and cream cheese. It blends flavors reminiscent of classic taco dishes into a comforting bowl.
Can I make Creamy Beef Taco Soup in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Creamy Beef Taco Soup ahead of time. It stores well in the refrigerator for a few days and can also be frozen for longer storage, making it a great make-ahead meal.
What toppings can I put on my Creamy Beef Taco Soup?
You can top your Creamy Beef Taco Soup with ingredients like sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or shredded cheese. Tortilla chips or crusty bread pairs nicely too!
Is there a vegetarian alternative to the creamy beef taco soup?
Certainly! You can replace the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu. This provides a delicious vegetarian option while keeping it hearty and filling.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the Creamy Beef Taco Soup?
To adjust the heat, you can add more or fewer jalapeños, utilize different types of hot sauce, or increase the amount of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor without the heat.
Creamy Beef Taco Soup
Ingredients
Base ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 large green bell pepper (diced)
- 1 red onion (finely chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1.2 pounds beef (85% lean)
- 2 tbsp chopped pickled jalapeños
- 2 tbsp brine from jalapeños
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 3 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (240 g/8.5 oz) kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 5 ounces corn kernels
- 2 tbsp chipotle sauce
- ½ cup cream (20%)
- 5 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 5 ounces shredded cheddar
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
For garnishing
- Chopped cilantro For garnish
- Chopped scallions For garnish
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt For serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Prep your ingredients: finely chop the red onion, mince the garlic, remove seeds from the green bell pepper, and dice it.
Cooking
- In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until melted.
- Add the diced green bell pepper and cook for about 3 minutes until softened.
- Introduce the red onion and garlic, stirring for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it into smaller pieces, and brown slightly for about 3 minutes.
- Add the chopped jalapeños and their brine, followed by the salt, black pepper, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and oregano. Stir for about 1 minute.
- Pour in the broth and bring to a boil.
- Add crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and corn, stirring together. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Chop cilantro and grate cheddar cheese while the soup simmers.
- Once simmered, add chipotle sauce, cream, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined and cheese has melted. Bring back to a boil then simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Taste and adjust salt if needed. Finish with freshly ground black pepper and cilantro.
Serving
- Ladle soup into bowls and place topping options on the table for customization.
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