Creamy Beef Taco Soup is a versatile and indulgent dish that brings together the hearty flavors of tacos with the smooth, satisfying richness of cream. It’s a perfect meal that warms your soul, satisfying your cravings with every spoonful. This soup has everything — tender beef, beans, and vibrant spices, all combined to create a comforting bowl of deliciousness, making it a crowd favorite for any occasion.
Why We Love This Creamy Beef Taco Soup Recipe
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with a creamy, hearty soup. Creamy Beef Taco Soup stands out with its rich flavors and creamy texture. This recipe is not just about filling your belly; it’s about the experience of enjoying a warm, comforting meal that brings family and friends together. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and customize, making it a winner for busy weeknights or gatherings. With every spoonful, you’ll experience a blend of tangy flavors, savory spices, and creamy goodness that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients about Creamy Beef Taco Soup
- 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, chopped scallions, sour cream or Greek yogurt for topping
How to Make Creamy Beef Taco Soup Directions
Start by preparing your ingredients. Finely chop the red onion, mince the garlic, and dice the green bell pepper after removing its seeds and veins. This prep work sets the foundation for a well-balanced soup with vibrant flavors.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil and unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced green bell pepper and cook it for about three minutes until it begins to soften. Next, introduce the finely chopped red onion and minced garlic, stirring them for an additional two minutes until they release their fragrant aroma.
Once the veggies are fragrant and slightly softened, it’s time to add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon, cooking until it’s browned. This should take around three minutes. After the beef is browned, season the mixture with salt, black pepper, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Also, toss in the chopped jalapeños and their brine, stirring everything together for approximately one minute to let the spices bloom.
Now, pour in the beef broth, stirring well to combine. Bring the broth to a vigorous boil, and once it’s bubbling, add the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and corn kernels. Allow the soup to return to a boil, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about five minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
While the soup is simmering, use this time to chop the fresh cilantro and grate the cheddar cheese. When the soup is ready, stir in the chipotle sauce, cream, cream cheese, and grated cheddar. Mix everything well, allowing the cheese to melt and blend into the soup.
After everything is combined, bring the soup to a gentle boil once more, then lower the heat and simmer for an additional five minutes. This step ensures that all the flavors harmonize perfectly. Taste and adjust the salt to your liking, finishing off the soup with freshly ground black pepper and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
Your Creamy Beef Taco Soup is now ready for serving!
How to Serve Creamy Beef Taco Soup
Serving your Creamy Beef Taco Soup is just as exciting as preparing it. To enhance the experience, ladle the soup into individual bowls or a large serving pot for a family-style meal. This soup is deliciously rich and can be served hot, paired perfectly with a side of tortilla chips or warm crusty bread for dipping.
Garnish each bowl with your choice of toppings to add freshness and crunch. Consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess, or sprinkle some grated cheese on top to enhance the cheesy flavor. Freshly chopped cilantro and scallions add a burst of freshness, while avocado slices bring a creamy texture. You can also add a few extra pickled jalapeños for those who enjoy a spicy kick. Remember, the beauty of this dish lies in its customization!
Expert Tips: Creamy Beef Taco Soup
To make the most of your Creamy Beef Taco Soup, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
- Beef Options: If you prefer a leaner option, choose ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. This will slightly alter the flavor but will still yield a delicious soup.
- Slow Cooking: To deepen the flavors even more, consider making this soup in a slow cooker. Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Spice Control: Adjust the spice levels according to your preference. For a milder soup, reduce the amount of jalapeños and chipotle sauce, and for a spicier kick, add more.
- Toppings Galore: Get creative with your toppings! Crushed tortilla chips, diced avocados, or even a squeeze of lime juice can elevate the flavors and textures of your soup.
- Cooking in Batches: If you plan to serve a crowd or want leftovers, consider doubling the recipe. The soup freezes well, making it a great meal prep option.
How to Store Creamy Beef Taco Soup
Storing your Creamy Beef Taco Soup is simple and ensures that you can enjoy it for days to come. Once the soup has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. It will last in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.
For longer storage, consider freezing the soup. Place the cooled soup in freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. This way, it can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Variation of Creamy Beef Taco Soup
There are countless ways to put a personal spin on Creamy Beef Taco Soup, allowing you to try new flavor profiles and ingredients. Here are some variations to consider:
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef with cooked lentils or black beans, and add more vegetables, such as zucchini or squash, for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Tex-Mex Twist: Incorporate diced tomatoes with green chilies or add corn chips as a topping for a fun Tex-Mex flair.
- Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up further.
- Creamy Dairy Alternatives: If you need a dairy-free version, substitute cream and cream cheese with coconut milk or your favorite dairy-free cream cheese.
- Taco Toppings: Instead of traditional toppings, try adding taco-flavored tortilla strips, sliced radishes, or fresh lime juice for a zesty finish.
FAQ
What makes Creamy Beef Taco Soup special?
Creamy Beef Taco Soup combines the rich flavors of tacos with the warmth and comfort of a creamy soup. Its unique blend of spices, beef, and creamy texture makes it irresistible.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To increase the heat, add more jalapeños, chipotle sauce, or toss in a splash of your favorite hot sauce. You can also use spicier peppers in place of the green bell pepper.
Can I meal prep Creamy Beef Taco Soup?
Absolutely! This soup stores well in the fridge for several days and can be frozen for up to three months, making it a great meal prep option.
What toppings can I use?
Get creative! Common toppings include sour cream, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, chopped scallions, and sliced avocados. You can also use crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.
Is this recipe easy to customize?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to your taste. From adding vegetables to adjusting spice levels, there are numerous ways to personalize this delicious soup!
Creamy Beef Taco Soup
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 tbsp olive oil For sautéing
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter For added richness
- 1 large green bell pepper (diced)
- 1 large red onion (finely chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1.2 pounds beef (85% lean) Ground
- 2 tbsp chopped pickled jalapeños
- 2 tbsp jalapeño brine From pickled jalapeños
- 4 cups beef broth Or chicken broth
- 3 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1 can kidney beans (240 g/8.5 oz) Drained and rinsed
- 5 ounces corn kernels
For the Creamy Finish
- 2 tbsp chipotle sauce
- ½ cup cream (20%)
- 5 ounces cream cheese At room temperature
- 5 ounces shredded cheddar
For Seasoning
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro For garnish
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
For Serving
- to taste Chopped cilantro For garnish
- to taste Chopped scallions For garnish
- to taste Sour cream or Greek yogurt For topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Finely chop the red onion, mince the garlic, and dice the green bell pepper after removing its seeds and veins.
Cooking
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil and unsalted butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced green bell pepper and cook it for about three minutes until it begins to soften.
- Next, introduce the finely chopped red onion and minced garlic, stirring them for an additional two minutes until they release their fragrant aroma.
- Once the veggies are fragrant and slightly softened, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon and cooking until it’s browned, about three minutes.
- Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, and dried oregano.
- Toss in the chopped jalapeños and their brine, stirring everything together for approximately one minute.
- Pour in the beef broth, stirring well to combine, and bring to a vigorous boil.
- Once bubbling, add the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and corn kernels. Allow to return to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low, simmering for about five minutes.
- Chop fresh cilantro and grate the cheddar cheese while the soup is simmering.
- When ready, stir in the chipotle sauce, cream, cream cheese, and grated cheddar until melted and blended.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil again, then lower the heat and simmer for an additional five minutes.
- Taste and adjust the salt, finishing with freshly ground black pepper and chopped cilantro.
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