Creamy Taco Soup (Print Version)

Rich, comforting soup with bold taco flavors and creamy texture. Loaded with hearty ingredients and ready in 45 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
06 - 1 can (14 ounces) sweet corn, drained
07 - 1 can (14 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
08 - 2 green onions, sliced for garnish

→ Dairy

09 - 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream
10 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus additional for garnish

→ Liquids

11 - 3 cups chicken or beef broth

→ Spices and Seasonings

12 - 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
13 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
14 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
15 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
16 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
17 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Optional Toppings

18 - Sour cream
19 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
20 - Crushed tortilla chips
21 - Lime wedges

# Directions:

01 - In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in the taco seasoning, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add the diced tomatoes with juice, corn, black beans, and broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
05 - Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Lower the heat, then stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the soup achieves a creamy consistency. Do not boil after adding cream.
07 - Adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with green onions, additional cheese, and preferred toppings.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The balance between creamy richness and zesty taco flavors creates that rare dish that satisfies comfort food cravings while still feeling exciting to your taste buds.
  • Its one of those magical one-pot meals where the longer it sits, the more the flavors meld together, making leftovers sometimes even better than the first serving.
02 -
  • Never add the cream and cheese while the soup is boiling I learned this the hard way when my first attempt separated into an unappealing mess.
  • Warming your bowls before serving keeps this soup at the perfect temperature much longer, especially on those extra cold nights when comfort is essential.
03 -
  • Reserve a small amount of the broth to mix with a tablespoon of cornstarch as a thickening agent if you prefer an extra hearty consistency, adding it during the final simmer.
  • Charring corn kernels in a dry skillet before adding them to the soup creates little bursts of smoky sweetness that elevate the entire dish with minimal effort.
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