Name: Creamy Taco Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp taco seasoning; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup corn (canned or frozen); 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies; 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce; 2 cups chicken or beef broth; 8 oz cream cheese, cubed; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste

Why You’ll Love Creamy Taco Soup Recipe

This Creamy Taco Soup is everything you love about tacos in a rich and creamy bowl. It’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and packed with protein and fiber thanks to the beans and meat. The flavors are bold yet balanced, and the cream cheese gives it a smooth, velvety texture that makes every spoonful satisfying. You can also easily customize the spice level, swap ingredients, or make it in advance for even more convenience.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Onion
Garlic
Taco seasoning
Black beans
Corn (canned or frozen)
Diced tomatoes (with green chilies or plain)
Tomato sauce
Chicken or beef broth
Cream cheese
Olive oil
Salt and pepper

Directions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until softened.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
Stir in minced garlic and taco seasoning. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Reduce heat to low and add cubed cream cheese. Stir until completely melted and incorporated into the soup.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or tortilla chips if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves approximately 6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Protein options: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a meatless crumble for a vegetarian version.
Beans: Use kidney beans or pinto beans instead of black beans.
Spice level: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
Dairy-free: Substitute dairy-free cream cheese to make the recipe lactose-free.
Slow cooker: Brown the beef first, then add everything except the cream cheese to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in cream cheese before serving.
Toppings: Add crushed tortilla chips, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or shredded cheese for extra flavor and texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Creamy Taco Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
If the soup thickens in the fridge, add a splash of broth or water when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

What kind of cream cheese should I use?

Regular full-fat cream cheese melts well and adds the best flavor, but you can also use light or dairy-free versions if preferred.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, it’s great for meal prep. Make a day in advance and store in the fridge. The flavors deepen as it sits.

Is this soup spicy?

It has mild spice from taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with chilies. You can adjust the heat to your taste.

Can I use leftover taco meat?

Absolutely. Leftover seasoned taco meat works perfectly and cuts down on prep time.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

You can use sour cream, heavy cream, or a dairy-free alternative, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Brown the beef first, then combine everything in the slow cooker except the cream cheese. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, stir in cream cheese at the end.

What toppings go well with Creamy Taco Soup?

Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, avocado, and chopped cilantro.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or extra beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth.

Will it freeze well?

Yes, just make sure it’s cooled completely before freezing. Store in freezer-safe containers and thaw before reheating.

How can I make it lower in calories?

Use lean ground meat, low-fat cream cheese, and rinse canned beans and corn to reduce sodium and calories.

Conclusion

Creamy Taco Soup is the ultimate comfort food that brings together the bold taste of tacos and the cozy warmth of a creamy soup. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and perfect for feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week. With just one pot and a handful of ingredients, you can enjoy a rich and satisfying dish any time of the year.