This Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! With seasoned beef, beans, tomatoes, and lots of gooey cheese, it’s full of flavor.
It’s perfect for chilly nights, and you’ll love how easy it is to whip up! I like to top mine with tortilla chips for that extra crunch. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef to keep it lighter. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, ground turkey or chicken work great too. Plant-based crumbles are another option for a vegetarian twist!
Onion & Garlic: Both add essential flavor. Yellow onions are my go-to; they’re sweet when cooked. If you’re in a rush, onion powder can stand in for fresh onion, but fresh garlic definitely packs more punch!
Diced Tomatoes: A key ingredient for the soup’s base. If you prefer a bit of heat, try using diced tomatoes with green chiles instead. You can also use fresh tomatoes if you have them—just chop up about 4 medium ones.
Beans: Black beans add heartiness and fiber. Feel free to substitute them with kidney beans or pinto beans if you like! Remember to rinse them to get rid of excess sodium.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess to the soup. If you’re dairy-free, use coconut cream or a vegan cream cheese alternative. It may change the flavor a bit, but it will still be delicious!
How Do I Ensure My Soup is Flavorful?
To make the soup truly flavorful, focus on the layering of flavors. Start by browning the ground beef well; this adds a nice depth. After that, cooking the onion and garlic until fragrant is key. Make sure to let the taco seasoning bloom by stirring it in with the beef.
- Cook the beef until it’s nicely browned, not just cooked through.
- Sauté the onion and garlic until soft; this brings out their natural sweetness.
- Allow the soup to simmer for at least 15 minutes; this gives all the ingredients a chance to combine and enhance the taste.
Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasonings before serving. Sometimes a pinch of salt makes all the difference!
Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for extra spice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnishes:
- sliced avocado
- sour cream
- tortilla strips or chips
- chopped fresh cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for prep and about 25 minutes for cooking, making a total of around 35 minutes. It’ll warm your kitchen and your heart!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, start by cooking the ground beef over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it browns. Keep an eye on it and drain any excess fat once it’s nicely browned.
2. Sautéing Onion and Garlic:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This adds a wonderful flavor to the base of your soup!
3. Adding Seasonings:
Now, stir in the taco seasoning and chili powder (if using). Cook for another minute to let those flavors really come to life. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
4. Mixing the Soup Base:
Next, add the canned diced tomatoes (including the juice), black beans, corn, and beef broth into the pot. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients well.
5. Bringing it to a Boil:
Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This is when all the flavors meld together beautifully.
6. Creamy Comfort:
Cut the cream cheese into cubes and add it to the soup, stirring until melted and smooth. This is what makes the soup creamy and delicious!
7. Adding Cheese:
Now, it’s time for the cheddar cheese! Add 1 cup into the soup and stir until it’s melted and blended in. Taste your soup, and if you need more seasoning, add salt and pepper as desired.
8. Serving the Soup:
Ladle the warm soup into bowls. Top each serving with extra shredded cheddar cheese, sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, tortilla strips, and fresh cilantro. Add as much or as little as your heart desires!
9. Enjoy!
Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, cheesy, and comforting Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup! It’s perfect for cozying up on chilly days.
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works perfectly as a lighter alternative. Just be sure to season it well to keep the flavors robust since these meats can be milder than beef.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using a vegan cream cheese or coconut cream. Both will provide a similar creamy texture, though flavor may vary slightly.
How Do I Store Leftover Taco Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little broth or water if it thickens too much.
Can I Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! Brown the meat and sauté the onion and garlic first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the cream cheese and cheddar cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a perfect creamy finish!
