There are nights when all I want is a dinner that feels cozy, bold, and a little indulgent without taking all evening. This creamy cheesy ground beef taco soup is exactly that kind of meal. It has all the flavors of taco night wrapped up in a rich, comforting bowl of soup, and it comes together surprisingly fast.
This is one of those recipes I reach for when the house is busy and everyone is hungry. Savory ground beef, warm spices, creamy cheese, and just the right amount of heat make this soup feel like a hug in a bowl. Let's get cooking.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Bold taco flavor in cozy soup form
- Creamy, cheesy, and deeply comforting
- Ready in under 40 minutes
- Made with simple pantry staples
- Easy to customize with toppings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies, 10 ounces
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed, 15 ounces
- 1 can corn kernels, drained, 15 ounces
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional toppings: sour cream, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, tortilla chips
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Ground beef gives this soup its hearty base. You can use lean ground beef to keep it lighter, or substitute ground turkey if you prefer.
Cream cheese creates that ultra-creamy texture. Let it soften before adding so it melts smoothly.
Rotel-style tomatoes with green chilies add gentle heat. Use plain diced tomatoes if you want a milder soup.
Instructions
- Heat a little oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Drain excess fat if needed, then add the chopped onion. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, coating the beef and onion evenly.
- Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes so the flavors can come together.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cubed cream cheese, allowing the cream cheese to melt into the broth.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Ladle into bowls and add your favorite toppings.
Pro Tips for Success
- Keep heat low once dairy is added to prevent curdling.
- Stir gently and patiently for a smooth texture.
- Taste before serving and adjust seasoning slowly.
- Add cheese in stages for the creamiest result.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup thickens too much.
Make Ahead and Freezing
This soup works well for making ahead. The flavors deepen as it sits.
For freezing, let the soup cool completely and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
Tips and Variations
- Add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Use pepper jack cheese for a spicier twist.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Stir in a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
- Top with crushed tortilla chips for crunch.
FAQs
It has mild heat. You can easily adjust it up or down.
Yes. Brown the beef first, then cook on low for 4 to 6 hours before adding dairy.
Yes. Add broth when reheating if needed.
📖 Recipe
Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Description
This Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup is the ultimate comfort food, blending bold taco flavors with a rich, creamy base. It's hearty, cheesy, and ready in under 30 minutes-perfect for cozy nights or easy family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, cilantro, sliced jalapeños, tortilla chips
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat, add chopped onion, and sauté 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
- Add Seasoning and Veggies: Stir in taco seasoning, then add diced tomatoes with chilies, black beans, corn, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 10-15 minutes to blend flavors.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in heavy cream and cubed cream cheese. Once melted, add shredded cheddar and stir until fully incorporated.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, cilantro, or tortilla chips.
Notes
To thicken soup, simmer longer or reduce broth slightly. Use half-and-half or milk for a lighter version. For extra heat, add jalapeños or chili powder. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy cheesy ground beef taco soup with tortilla chips, warm cornbread, or a simple side salad. It is perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or casual gatherings.
Nutrition and Notes
This soup is rich, filling, and packed with flavor. It serves a crowd and comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy evenings. I have made versions of this many times, and this one always disappears fast.
Reader Reviews
Readers love how comforting and flavorful this soup is, especially how easy it is to customize with toppings and spice level.
Related Recipes and Internal Links
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