Creamy Dreamy Taco Soup Your Weeknight Fiesta
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Creamy Dreamy Taco Soup: Your Weeknight Fiesta!
Fancy a hug in a bowl? Honestly, who doesn't? This creamy taco soup is pure comfort food, especially when the nights get a bit nippy. It's like taco night, but even easier.
Taco 'Bout Delicious
This easy taco soup is a Tex-Mex classic. Imagine digging into a cheesy, savory hug. It's like a culinary vacation to the Southwest! This amazing southwestern soup is so easy to make.
This ground beef taco soup recipe is simple, quick, and tasty! It's perfect for when you crave something hearty without the fuss.
Weeknight Winner!
Need a weeknight dinner hero? This is it. From browning the beef to ladling it into bowls, it takes under an hour.
You will get about 6-8 servings. Perfect for the whole family, or meal prep.
This comfort food soup is packed with flavor and goodness. Think protein, fibre, and a whole lotta love. The best part? It's adaptable.
Use ground beef or turkey. Make it spicy or mild. It’s really up to you.
Why This Creamy Taco Soup Rocks
One of the best things about this soup? It's a sneaky way to get your veggies in. Packed with beans, corn, and tomatoes, it's actually pretty good for you.
Plus, that cream cheese adds a lovely richness and makes it extra satisfying. It's really a cheesy taco soup dream.
It makes a great quick taco soup option for any time of year. I love making this when I want something warm.
I like using cream cheese because it is such a great ingredient, for an extra depth of flavor. This creamy taco soup recipe takes taco night to a whole new level.
Now, let's gather those ingredients and get cooking, shall we?
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Creamy Taco Soup Ever
Alright, let's talk ingredients for our creamy taco soup . This isn't rocket science, I promise! It’s about making a super satisfying easy taco soup that'll become your go-to weeknight dinner .
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Soup
- 1 pound ( 450g ) ground beef. Lean is good. Quality matters!
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped. About 1 cup / 150g .
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped. Aim for 1 cup / 150g .
- 2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh is best!
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning. store-bought or homemade is fine.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder. For that southwestern soup kick!
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin. Adds warmth, trust me.
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional). But, oh my gosh, it's good!
- 1 (15 ounce/425g) can black beans, rinsed and drained.
- 1 (15 ounce/425g) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained.
- 1 (15 ounce/425g) can corn, drained.
- 1 (10 ounce/280g) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained.
- 4 cups ( 950ml ) chicken broth. Veggie broth works too.
- 8 ounces ( 225g ) cream cheese, softened. This is key for that cheesy taco soup vibe.
- 1/2 cup ( 120ml ) sour cream.
Honestly, finding good ground beef makes a world of difference. Look for a bright red color, and ideally, get it from your local butcher.
You know, the one who always has a good story to tell?
Seasoning & Flavor Bombs
This ground beef taco soup lives and dies by its seasoning. Don't be shy. A great mix of taco seasoning, chili powder, and cumin is essential.
Smoked paprika? Chef's kiss . You can sub with a pinch of cayenne for heat. It's totally up to your tastebuds!
Equipment You'll Need
- A large pot or Dutch oven. Crucial!
- Cutting board. Safety first!
- Chef's knife. Sharp is key.
- Wooden spoon. For stirring stuff!
- Can opener. Obvs!
Got no Dutch oven? Don't sweat it! A large, heavy bottomed pot will do just fine. I've even used a stockpot in a pinch. This quick taco soup is all about being adaptable.
Creamy Dreamy Taco Soup: Your Weeknight Fiesta!
Alright, let's get cracking on this creamy taco soup recipe. Seriously, think of it as your culinary cuddle buddy. When it's chilly out, this is exactly what you need.
Like a classic sitcom, this comfort food soup is familiar and always a crowd pleaser. Want a quick taco soup ? Here's the game plan!
Prep Steps: Taming the Chaos!
First, let's talk mise en place . Or, "everything in its place." Chop your onion and bell pepper. Mince your garlic.
Open those cans of beans and corn. Soften the cream cheese! Honestly, that last one is crucial. Nobody wants lumpy cheesy taco soup !
For safety, keep your cutting board stable. And please, don't cut yourself!
step-by-step: Soup-er Easy!
- Brown 1 pound of ground beef in a large pot. Drain the grease, nobody wants that.
- Add 1 chopped onion and 1 chopped bell pepper . Sauté for about 5 minutes , till soft. Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute . Yum!
- Stir in 1 tablespoon taco seasoning, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, and (optional) 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute .
- Add 1 (15 ounce) can of rinsed black beans, 1 (15 ounce) can of rinsed kidney beans, 1 (15 ounce) can of drained corn, and 1 (10 ounce) can of diced tomatoes and green chilies.
- Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes .
- Reduce heat to low. Add 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of sour cream. Stir until melted and smooth. Do NOT boil!
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite toppings.
Pro Tips: Soup erb Secrets
Wanna take your ground beef taco soup to the next level? If you forgot to soften the cream cheese, microwave it in 30-second intervals .
Stir in between! And hey, the longer this southwestern soup simmers, the better it gets.
Common mistake? Boiling after adding cream cheese. Big no-no! You'll get a curdled mess. Don’t be that guy.
Creamy Taco Soup Recipe Wrap-Up
This easy taco soup is a guaranteed winner, folks. Quick enough for a weeknight dinner , but tastes like you spent hours on it.
Plus, you can totally adjust it to your liking. Want a creamy taco soup recipe ? Here it is!. Enjoy every single spoonful!
Recipe Notes for Your Dreamy Creamy Taco Soup
Alright, let’s dive into some extra tidbits for this creamy taco soup ! Honestly, this easy taco soup is already pretty foolproof, but a few insider tips never hurt. You know?
Serving Up Smiles: Plating & Presentation
First, picture this: a steaming bowl of this cheesy taco soup , topped with a dollop of sour cream. Then, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar, a few crunchy tortilla chips sticking out, and a lime wedge for that extra zing .
This is comfort food soup goals, right there! I sometimes even add a little avocado for some extra healthy fats.
And, a little chopped cilantro is the money on top!
To drink, a crisp Mexican beer or even a lime sparkling water goes perfectly with this southwestern soup . It’s like a little fiesta in every bite.
Leftover Love: Storage Tips
Now, what if you have leftovers? Easy peasy. Just let the ground beef taco soup cool completely. Then, pop it into an airtight container.
It’ll happily chill in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing is also an option. Honestly, I often make a double batch just so I can freeze some! Just thaw overnight in the fridge.
To reheat, just simmer gently on the stove or zap it in the microwave. Just be careful not to boil it after reheating because if you do, the cream cheese may separate.
Remix Time: Variations
Want to mix things up a bit? This quick taco soup is super versatile!
Dietary Swaps: Try using ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner version of your creamy taco soup recipe . Or, for a vegetarian take, ditch the meat and add extra beans and veggies like zucchini or sweet potatoes.
Seasonal Fun: In the summer, throw in some fresh corn kernels. During the fall, roasted butternut squash would be incredible!
Nutrition 101: The Basics
This taco soup with cream cheese is packed with protein from the beef and beans. Plus, you get fiber from the veggies and beans.
The dairy adds calcium too, so not bad, eh?
If you are counting calories, just be mindful of the cheese and sour cream. Those toppings can add up quickly!
This weeknight dinner is delicious and customizable. It also fits most diets! Feel free to experiment with it. There's no way to mess it up! What are you waiting for? You can do this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this creamy taco soup recipe suitable for freezing, and for how long?
Absolutely! Creamy taco soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Think of it as batch cooking, Nigella Lawson style!
Can I make this creamy taco soup vegetarian or vegan?
You bet! For a vegetarian version, simply skip the ground beef and add an extra can of beans (like pinto or great northern) or lentils. You can also add more veggies like diced zucchini or sweet potatoes.
To make it vegan, you'll also need to substitute the cream cheese and sour cream with plant based alternatives like vegan cream cheese and a cashew cream.
What's the best way to prevent my creamy taco soup from being grainy?
The key to a smooth, non-grainy creamy taco soup is all about the cream cheese. Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before adding it to the soup. Also, once you add the cream cheese, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and don't let the soup boil.
Boiling can cause the cream cheese to separate and become grainy. If you like cooking shows on Food Network, you know that temperature control is key!
I'm watching my calories. Can I still enjoy creamy taco soup?
Of course! You can definitely lighten up creamy taco soup. Use lean ground turkey instead of beef, and reduce the amount of cream cheese or substitute with Greek yogurt for added protein and tang. Load up on the veggies and go easy on the cheese and tortilla chip toppings.
Consider it a "fakeaway" that's much healthier than takeout!
What are some good topping ideas for this creamy taco soup?
The topping possibilities are endless, really! Classic choices include shredded cheddar cheese, crushed tortilla chips, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and diced avocado. For a fresh touch, try chopped cilantro, green onions, or a squeeze of lime juice.
A little bit of hot sauce or a swirl of salsa adds a spicy kick! It's like building your own Mr. Potato Head, but with soup!
How can I adjust the spice level in this creamy taco soup recipe?
Spice is nice, but not for everyone! Control the heat in your creamy taco soup by adjusting the amount of chili powder and taco seasoning you use. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies.
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce or eliminate the chili powder altogether. Taste as you go and find the level that's right for you like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, but with spice!
Creamy Dreamy Taco Soup Your Weeknight Fiesta
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-25g |
| Fiber | 8-10g |