Creamy Beef Taco Soup

Name: Creamy Beef Taco Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 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)

Posted on December 13, 2025

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Creamy Beef Taco Soup is a delightful meal that brings comfort and warmth to the table, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Packed with bold flavors and creamy goodness, this soup is not only quick and easy to prepare but also customizable with your favorite taco toppings. In just 30 minutes, you can create a satisfying dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With a total cooking time of only 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for rushed weeknights.
Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and creamy ingredients delivers a deliciously rich taste that satisfies your cravings.
Versatile Ingredients: This soup can easily be customized with your favorite beans, vegetables, or toppings to suit your family’s preferences.
Hearty Meal: Loaded with protein and fiber, this dish keeps you full and energized throughout the day.
Beginner-Friendly: Simple steps make it easy for anyone to follow along, whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather all necessary kitchen tools. Having everything ready will streamline the preparation of your Creamy Beef Taco Soup.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons

Why These Tools Matter

Large pot: Perfect for simmering and combining all the ingredients without splatter.
Chef’s knife: Ensures precise chopping of vegetables, making prep work quicker and easier.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring your soup without scratching the pot’s surface.

Ingredients

This soup is perfect for busy weeknights, offering big flavor with minimal effort in just 30 minutes. Quick, easy, and delicious, with a rich, smoky base enhanced by cream cheese and cheddar. Top with your favorite taco garnishes.

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

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Get all the prep done before you start cooking:
1. Finely chop the red onion.
2. Mince the garlic.
3. Remove seeds and veins from the green bell pepper, then dice it.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Heat oil and butter in a large pot over medium-high heat:
* Add diced green bell pepper and cook for about 3 minutes until slightly softened.
* Stir in the chopped red onion and minced garlic; cook for an additional 2 minutes or until fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef into the pot:
* Break it up into pieces as it cooks until browned, about 3 minutes.
* Mix in spices along with the chopped jalapeños and their brine; stir for about 1 minute.

Step 4: Combine Broth and Vegetables

Pour in beef broth:
* Bring to a boil.
* Add crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and corn kernels; bring back to a boil.
* Cover the pot, reduce heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Finish Off the Soup

While waiting:
* Chop cilantro, grate cheddar cheese, and prepare your toppings.
Once ready:
* Stir in chipotle sauce, cream, cream cheese, and grated cheddar until dissolved.
* Bring to a boil again; simmer for another 5 minutes. Adjust salt if needed.

Step 6: Serve

Finish off with freshly ground black pepper and cilantro on top. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream or Greek yogurt. Enjoy!

How to Serve Creamy Beef Taco Soup

Creamy Beef Taco Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want a hearty meal or a light snack, there are plenty of toppings and sides to enhance its flavors.

Top with Fresh Ingredients

Chopped Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal note that complements the richness of the soup.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Provides a creamy texture and tanginess to balance the spices.
Chopped Scallions: Offers a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.

Add Crunchy Toppings

Tortilla Chips: Perfect for dipping, these add a satisfying crunch to each spoonful.
Shredded Lettuce: Lightens up the soup and adds a refreshing crunch.
Diced Avocado: Creamy avocado elevates the dish with its rich texture.

Serve with Grains

Rice: A side of white or brown rice makes this soup even heartier.
Quinoa: For a healthier option, quinoa adds protein and nutty flavor.

How to Perfect Creamy Beef Taco Soup

To elevate your Creamy Beef Taco Soup, consider these helpful tips for achieving the best flavor and texture.

Bold Spices: Use fresh spices like ground cumin and smoked paprika for an intense flavor boost.
Cream Cheese Temperature: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy blending into the soup.
Adjust Heat Levels: Customize spiciness by adding more or fewer jalapeños based on your preference.
Simmer Well: Allow the soup to simmer longer for deeper flavors; just keep it covered to prevent excess evaporation.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Beef Taco Soup

Pairing side dishes with Creamy Beef Taco Soup can create a complete meal experience. Here are some great options that complement this flavorful soup.

Cornbread: A sweet, buttery bread that pairs perfectly with spicy soups; serve warm for best results.
Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft inside, this classic side is great for dipping into your soup.
Green Salad: A simple salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and vinaigrette provides freshness and crunch.
Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa adds vibrant flavors and can be served on top of the soup or as a side.
Baked Potatoes: Serve these fluffy potatoes alongside your soup; they soak up flavors beautifully.
Stuffed Jalapeños: For those who love heat, these cheesy stuffed peppers can be an exciting appetizer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Beef Taco Soup, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure a delicious result.

Skipping the prep work: Failing to chop vegetables and gather ingredients before cooking can lead to chaos in the kitchen. Always prep your ingredients beforehand for a smoother cooking experience.
Not browning the beef properly: If you don’t brown the beef well, it might affect the flavor of your soup. Make sure to cook it until it’s nicely browned before adding other ingredients.
Ignoring spice proportions: Using too much or too little of spices like cumin and paprika can alter the taste significantly. Follow the recipe measurements closely for balanced flavors.
Overcooking or undercooking: Keeping an eye on cooking times is crucial; overcooking can make the soup too thick, while undercooking may leave ingredients raw. Stick to the suggested cooking times for best results.
Neglecting garnishes: Garnishes add flavor and visual appeal but are often overlooked. Don’t skip toppings like cilantro, scallions, or sour cream for added freshness and taste.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Allow the soup to cool before refrigerating to maintain texture.

Freezing Creamy Beef Taco Soup

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Leave some space at the top of the container as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating Creamy Beef Taco Soup

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat soup in an oven-safe dish for about 20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Reheat on medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Creamy Beef Taco Soup?

Creamy Beef Taco Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish made with ground beef, vegetables, and creamy ingredients that create a rich soup perfect for any occasion.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes! You can easily substitute ground chicken for beef in this recipe for a lighter option without sacrificing taste.

How do I make this soup spicier?

To increase the heat level, add more chipotle sauce or incorporate fresh chopped jalapeños into the mix.

Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Creamy Beef Taco Soup stores well in the refrigerator and freezer, making it ideal for meal prep throughout the week.

What toppings work best with this soup?

Popular toppings include chopped cilantro, scallions, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and shredded cheese. Feel free to customize based on your preferences!

Conclusion

This Creamy Beef Taco Soup is not only quick and easy but also packed with flavor that everyone will love. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various toppings or proteins, making it perfect for any night of the week. Give this recipe a try; it’ll quickly become a family favorite!