Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup Recipe

There is something incredibly comforting about a warm, hearty bowl brimming with layers of bold flavors and creamy textures, which is exactly what the Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup Recipe delivers in spades. This vibrant soup combines seasoned ground beef, a medley of beans and corn, and the perfect cheesy creaminess that wraps every spoonful in cozy satisfaction. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for gatherings, this recipe guarantees a flavor-packed hit that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, delivering authentic taco flavors, creamy richness, and a hearty base that makes this soup so special. From the seasoned ground beef to the mélange of beans and melty cheese, everything is simple yet essential to achieve that perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.

  • Ground beef: Brings a savory, rich protein base that’s super satisfying.
  • Chopped onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
  • Minced garlic: Provides that signature aromatic kick every taco soup needs.
  • Taco seasoning: Infuses smoky, spicy Mexican-inspired flavors effortlessly.
  • Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Lends brightness and a hint of heat.
  • Black beans: Adds hearty texture and earthy flavor while boosting protein.
  • Corn kernels: Gives bursts of sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
  • Beef broth: Creates a flavorful, savory liquid base for the soup.
  • Heavy cream: Brings richness and smoothness, transforming the soup into a creamy delight.
  • Cream cheese: Softens into the soup, enhancing the creamy texture and cheesy flavor.
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly for that gooey, cheesy finish.
  • Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to adjust the taste perfectly to your liking.
  • Optional toppings: Sour cream, cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and tortilla chips add freshness, heat, and crunch.

How to Make Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a little oil over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s beautifully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon so every bit gets a nice sear. This step is the flavor foundation, so be sure to develop a good crust on the beef without rushing.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat to keep the soup from getting greasy. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then toss in the minced garlic and cook just until aromatic—about 30 seconds—so it doesn’t burn but releases all its wonderful flavor.

Step 3: Add Taco Seasoning

Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir well to ensure every piece of beef and onion is coated with those vibrant spices. This seasoning is the soul of the dish, so whether you use a packet or your homemade blend, mixing it thoroughly is key to layering the authentic taco flavor.

Step 4: Combine the Main Ingredients

Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, and beef broth. Stir everything until blended well. This combination offers a colorful, nutrient-packed base that balances boldness with comforting textures, making your soup a true delight to savor.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Bring your mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to keep it at a simmer. Let it bubble quietly for 10 to 15 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld and deepen. This simmering step is where the magic happens, transforming simple ingredients into a cozy, unified dish.

Step 6: Stir in Cream and Cream Cheese

Now pour in the heavy cream, followed by the cubed cream cheese. Stir patiently as the cream cheese melts into the soup, creating a luxuriously smooth and creamy texture that elevates this taco soup to something truly special.

Step 7: Melt in Cheddar Cheese

Add the shredded cheddar cheese and gently stir until it fully melts and combines. This step infuses the soup with that irresistible cheesy goodness that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Step 8: Final Seasoning

Taste your creation and season with salt and pepper as needed. If you are a fan of heat, this is the moment to add a pinch of cayenne or extra diced jalapeños to customize the kick. Your soup is now ready to be ladled into bowls!

How to Serve Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup Recipe

Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Top your bowl with a dollop of sour cream to add cooling creaminess or scatter fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of herbal brightness. For those who love a little heat, thinly sliced jalapeños provide that extra zing, while crumbled tortilla chips bring a fun crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside warm, buttery cornbread or tortilla chips to scoop up every last drop. A simple green salad with lime vinaigrette also makes a refreshing complement, balancing the richness of the soup with crisp, zesty freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out bell peppers. Layered with garnishes arranged artfully on top, this presentation turns an ordinary soup night into a special event that everyone will remember.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup Recipe keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully if you want to prepare in advance. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its creamy, cheesy charm.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cheese from sticking or separating. Add a splash of broth or cream if it seems too thick. Microwave reheating works too, but slow stove reheating delivers the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply skip the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add extra beans or some sautéed mushrooms for protein and keep all the creamy, cheesy goodness intact.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, sour cream or Greek yogurt can be stirred in at the end for creaminess, although the texture will be slightly different and less thick than cream cheese.

Is this soup spicy?

The base recipe has a mild to medium kick depending on your taco seasoning and diced green chilies. You can control the heat by adding extra jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce, or keep it mild for kids and picky eaters.

Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the veggies first, then add all ingredients except the cream, cream cheese, and cheddar to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in the dairy ingredients at the end and heat until melted.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal for its flavor and melting qualities, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend for a different cheesy experience.

Final Thoughts

Giving the Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup Recipe a try will quickly make it a favorite recipe to return to whenever you crave something comforting and bursting with flavor. Its creamy, cheesy layers coupled with the classic taco vibe make it a true crowd-pleaser whether for a busy weeknight or a casual dinner party. Trust me, once you sip that delicious bowl of cozy goodness, it will become your go-to soup for any season!

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Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup Recipe

Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup Recipe


  • Author: lina
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Description

This Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that blends the flavors of seasoned ground beef, flavorful beans, and creamy cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gatherings, this soup combines the zest of taco seasoning with rich cream and melty cheddar, creating a satisfying and indulgent meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning

  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)

Canned Goods

  • 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained

Liquids and Dairy

  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Seasoning and Extras

  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, cilantro, sliced jalapeños, tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Sauté Onions: Drain any excess fat from the beef, then add the chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened and translucent.
  3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Season the Mixture: Add the taco seasoning and stir well to coat the beef and onion mixture evenly with the spices.
  5. Add Canned Ingredients and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, and beef broth. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
  6. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together nicely.
  7. Add Cream and Cream Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and cubed cream cheese, stirring until the cream cheese has completely melted into the soup creating a rich and creamy texture.
  8. Incorporate Cheddar Cheese: Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and smoothly incorporated into the soup.
  9. Season to Taste: Season the soup with salt and pepper as needed. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra diced jalapeños if desired.
  10. Serve with Toppings: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or crumbled tortilla chips for added flavor and texture.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • For a spicier soup, add extra jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the broth slightly or add an extra 2 ounces of cream cheese.
  • Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and taste great reheated.
  • To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure the taco seasoning you use contains no gluten ingredients.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: taco soup, creamy taco soup, ground beef soup, cheesy soup, Mexican soup, comfort food, easy dinner recipe

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