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To make creamy taco soup, you need these main ingredients: - 1 lb ground turkey or beef - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained - 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth - 1 packet taco seasoning - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients create a hearty and rich soup that is packed with flavor. The cream cheese and cheddar give it a creamy texture. The diced tomatoes and taco seasoning provide a zesty kick. Toppings can take your creamy taco soup to the next level. Here are some great options: - Sour cream - Avocado slices - Lime wedges - Chopped cilantro - Tortilla chips These toppings add freshness and crunch. A squeeze of lime brightens the dish, while avocado gives it a smooth finish. If you want to make this soup healthier, consider these swaps: - Use ground turkey instead of beef to lower fat. - Replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. - Add more vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach. These changes can make your soup healthier while keeping it tasty. You can enjoy creamy taco soup without the guilt! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. This makes cooking easier. 2. Dice one medium onion and mince two cloves of garlic. 3. Rinse and drain one can of black beans and one can of corn. 4. Open one can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. 5. Measure two cups of chicken or vegetable broth. 6. Get one packet of taco seasoning and set aside. 7. Soften one cup of cream cheese at room temperature. 8. Grate one cup of cheddar cheese. 1. In a large pot, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. 2. Add the diced onion and sauté for three to four minutes until clear. 3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. 4. Add one pound of ground turkey or beef. Cook until brown, breaking it apart. 5. This should take about five to seven minutes. 6. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and mix well with the meat and onions. 7. Pour in the chicken broth, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. 8. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. 9. Lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese. Stir until it melts. 10. Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts. 11. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. 12. Let the soup simmer on low for ten to fifteen minutes. 1. Serve the soup hot in bowls. 2. Add a dollop of sour cream to each bowl. 3. Top with slices of avocado and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. 4. For crunch, add a few tortilla chips on top. 5. Place a lime wedge on the side for extra zest. 6. Enjoy the rich flavors and creamy texture of your soup! To boost the flavor in your creamy taco soup, consider these tips: - Use fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. - Add lime juice for a bright taste. - Try different taco seasonings. Each has a unique kick. - Incorporate fresh jalapeños for heat. - Mix in a splash of hot sauce for extra spice. Making this soup ahead of time is easy. Just follow these steps: - Prepare the soup as usual, but don’t add cheese yet. - Cool it down before storing in the fridge. - You can keep it for up to three days. - When ready to serve, heat and add cheese. - This helps the soup taste even better as flavors blend. You can easily change this recipe for different diets: - For a vegetarian version, swap meat for lentils or mushrooms. - To make it vegan, use plant-based cream cheese. - If you're gluten-free, check the taco seasoning label. - Want low-fat? Use lean turkey and low-fat cream cheese. - Feel free to add more veggies for extra nutrition. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality meat will enhance the flavor of your soup, making it more delicious. Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the taco seasoning to your preference, adding more or less based on your taste for spice. Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Prepare it in advance and let the flavors meld in the fridge overnight. Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor. {{image_2}} You can make a great vegetarian taco soup by swapping the meat. Use 1 cup of lentils or 1 can of chickpeas. These add protein and texture. For a vegan version, use vegetable broth and skip the cream cheese. Instead, try 1 cup of coconut cream for that creamy texture. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor. To change the spice level, adjust the taco seasoning. If you like it mild, use half the packet. For heat, add a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños. You can also use hot salsa instead of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Remember, you can always add spice, but you can't take it out! Feel free to mix and match ingredients. Instead of black beans, use pinto or kidney beans for variety. You can also swap corn for sweet peas or diced carrots for a different taste. If you want a kick, add some diced green chiles or a splash of hot sauce. These swaps keep the soup fresh and fun each time you make it! Store leftovers in an airtight container. Let the soup cool first. Then, place it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, think about freezing it. To reheat, pour the soup into a pot. Warm it over medium heat. Stir it often to avoid burning. You can also use a microwave. Heat it in a safe bowl for 2-3 minutes. Check the soup and stir halfway through. If you freeze the soup, use a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top. This space allows the soup to expand as it freezes. Label the container with the date. The soup will last up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use a slow cooker for creamy taco soup. Start by browning the meat in a pan. Then, add all the other ingredients to the slow cooker. Mix well and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. When done, stir in the cream cheese and cheddar cheese. This method makes the flavors blend nicely. If you need a substitute for cream cheese, try sour cream or Greek yogurt. These options will keep the soup creamy. You can also use a dairy-free cream cheese if you want a vegan option. Just make sure to mix it in well to get a smooth texture. To thicken the soup, you can use a few simple tricks. One option is to add more cream cheese or cheese. Another method is to mix in a cornstarch slurry. Just mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into the soup and cook for a few more minutes. You can also add mashed beans for a thicker texture. We explored the key ingredients for creamy taco soup, including variations and storage tips. Following the simple preparation steps can make cooking easy and fun. You can enhance flavors, adjust for dietary needs, and even try different spice levels. Whether you love it spicy or mild, this soup is flexible. You can also store leftovers without worry. Embrace your creativity in the kitchen and enjoy your delicious creation!

Creamy Taco Soup

A delicious and hearty soup with ground turkey or beef, black beans, corn, and creamy cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey or beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • optional sour cream
  • optional avocado
  • optional lime wedges
  • optional chopped cilantro
  • optional tortilla chips

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Add the ground turkey or beef to the pot. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes).
  • Once the meat is cooked, sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir well to coat the meat and onions evenly.
  • Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese, stirring constantly until melted and fully incorporated into the soup.
  • Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Let the soup simmer on low for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Notes

Serve hot with optional toppings for added flavor.
Keyword creamy, easy, hearty, soup, taco