This Creamy Beef Taco Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With ground beef, beans, and a splash of cream, it’s tasty and filling. Perfect for chilly days!
Trust me, you’ll want to keep seconds for this one! 💖 I like to top mine with some cheese and avocado—so good you’ll forget it’s soup!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I prefer using lean ground beef to keep it a bit lighter. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a healthier option. For a meat-free version, try using beans or lentils instead!
Beans: Kidney beans add great texture and protein. You can also use black beans or pinto beans based on what you have or prefer. Canned beans work best for convenience.
Diced Tomatoes: I use canned diced tomatoes with juice for easy flavor. Feel free to substitute with fire-roasted tomatoes for a smokier taste or fresh tomatoes if they’re in season.
Cream: Sour cream gives tang and creaminess, but you can switch to Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. Heavy cream works too for a richer soup.
How Do You Make the Soup Creamy Without Curdling?
Getting that perfect creamy texture is key to this soup. To prevent curdling, add the cream off the heat or after cooling slightly. Here’s how:
- Make sure the soup is slightly cooled before adding sour cream or cream to avoid lumps.
- Stir thoroughly after adding the cream to blend it well with the soup.
- Reheat gently after adding cream but avoid boiling to keep it smooth.
With these tips, your creamy beef taco soup will be a comforting hit! Enjoy it with your favorite toppings!
Creamy Beef Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 cup frozen or canned corn kernels
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 packet (about 1-1.5 tbsp) taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup sour cream or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or chopped parsley, for garnish
- Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado slices, tortilla chips, sliced jalapeños
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy beef taco soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook. So in just 35 minutes, you can have a delicious and hearty meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Veggies:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and let it cook until it’s softened, around 3-4 minutes. Once it’s nice and tender, add the minced garlic and give it a stir, letting it cook for another 30 seconds until it smells amazing!
2. Brown the Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the pot. Use a spoon to break it up into smaller chunks. Cook the beef until it’s fully browned and there’s no pink left. If it seems greasy, feel free to drain the excess fat, but don’t worry if there’s a little bit left for flavor!
3. Season It Up:
Now, sprinkle in the taco seasoning, stirring well to coat all the beef and onions. This is where the soup starts to get its yummy flavor!
4. Add the Good Stuff:
Time to make this soup hearty! Add the kidney beans, diced tomatoes (juice included), corn, and diced green bell pepper to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and stir everything together to combine.
5. Let It Simmer:
Bring your delicious mixture to a boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This will help all the flavors meld together beautifully and the veggies to soften.
6. Cream It Up:
After simmering, stir in the sour cream or heavy cream along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy. Don’t forget to taste and add salt and pepper as needed!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish up your creamy beef taco soup hot in bowls. You can garnish with extra cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh avocado slices, some crunchy tortilla chips, and a sprinkle of cilantro or parsley. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Now you’re all set to savor this amazing soup! Happy cooking! 🥣✨
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative if you’re looking to lighten up the dish. Just follow the same cooking instructions as you would for ground beef.
What Can I Use Instead of Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth on hand, chicken broth or vegetable broth will work just fine. Keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Soup?
Leftover creamy beef taco soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring frequently.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the creaminess.