Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my creamy cheesy ground beef taco soup! It’s one of those cozy, hearty meals that just wraps you in warmth with every spoonful. Picture this: a rich, velvety soup, bursting with flavors of seasoned beef, zesty tomatoes, and cheesy goodness. I love making this for family gatherings or chilly weeknights when everyone’s craving something comforting. The best part? It comes together in no time, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying those precious moments around the table. Trust me, once you serve this up, your loved ones will be coming back for more, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare the Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup Recipe
Alright, let’s dive into making this delicious creamy cheesy ground beef taco soup! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly it all comes together. First things first, grab a large pot and heat it over medium heat. You’re going to want to brown that 1 pound of ground beef along with 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sizzling away, this will take about 5-7 minutes. Remember to break up the beef as it cooks for even browning!
Once that’s looking golden and delicious, drain any excess fat (gotta keep it from being too greasy!). Now it’s time to add in the fun stuff! Toss in 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed), and 1 can of corn (also drained). Pour in 2 cups of beef broth and sprinkle in 1 packet of taco seasoning. Stir it all up and bring it to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This is when all those incredible flavors meld together!
Now for the creamy goodness: stir in 1 cup of cream cheese until it’s perfectly melted and combined. Follow that with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until everything is ooey-gooey and deliciously cheesy! Give it a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed, and then you’re ready to serve hot. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large pot, brown 1 pound of ground beef with 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves over medium heat for 5-7 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the pot.
- Add 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed), and 1 can of corn (drained) to the pot.
- Pour in 2 cups of beef broth and add 1 packet of taco seasoning. Stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in 1 cup of cream cheese until melted and well combined.
- Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a cozy, hearty meal that warms you from the inside out.
- Quick preparation means you can whip it up in about 40 minutes!
- Rich, creamy texture thanks to the cream cheese and cheddar cheese.
- Loaded with flavor from the seasoned beef and zesty taco spices.
- Versatile—top it with your favorite garnishes like sour cream or avocado!
- Perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner.
- One-pot meal makes cleanup a breeze!
- Freezes well, so you can enjoy leftovers for an easy meal later.
Tips for Success
Now, let me share some of my favorite tips to make your creamy cheesy ground beef taco soup absolutely perfect! Trust me, these little tweaks can make a big difference!
- Beef Options: If you want to lighten things up a bit, feel free to swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. It’ll still be delicious!
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses! Pepper jack adds a nice kick, or you can go with a Mexican blend for extra flavor.
- Spice Level: Want a bit more heat? Add some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce when you mix in the taco seasoning. Woohoo, spice it up!
- Veggie Boost: Sneak in some extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. Just chop them up and toss them in with the onions—it’s a great way to add nutrition!
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions right before serving for a burst of freshness. Yum!
- Simmer Longer: If you have time, let the soup simmer a bit longer after adding the cheese. This allows the flavors to deepen and meld together beautifully.
- Toppings Galore: Don’t forget to get creative with your toppings! Sour cream, avocado slices, tortilla strips, or even a squeeze of lime juice can elevate your soup to the next level.
With these tips, you’re all set to create a taco soup that’s not only creamy and cheesy but also tailored to your taste. Enjoy every delightful spoonful!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of my creamy cheesy ground beef taco soup. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this will give you a good idea of what to expect:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 800mg
This soup is a hearty, satisfying meal packed with protein and flavor, making it perfect for a filling dinner. Enjoy it guilt-free, knowing it’s not just delicious but also nourishing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this creamy cheesy ground beef taco soup recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just brown the ground beef, onion, and garlic first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Add in the rest of the ingredients (except the cream cheese and cheddar), and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir in the cheeses before serving for that creamy goodness!
How can I make this soup spicier?
If you’re looking to kick up the heat, add some diced jalapeños when you mix in the taco seasoning. You can also toss in some cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to really bring the spice!
Can I use different beans in this recipe?
Definitely! While black beans are a favorite, you can swap them for pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas. It’s a great way to mix things up and use what you have on hand!
What toppings do you recommend for this taco soup?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! I love topping mine with sour cream, diced avocado, shredded lettuce, or tortilla strips for a nice crunch. Fresh cilantro or green onions add a burst of flavor too—so get creative!
Can I freeze the leftovers of this creamy cheesy ground beef taco soup?
Yes, you can! Just let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop. Just be sure to stir in a bit more broth if it thickens up!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
When it comes to leftovers, my creamy cheesy ground beef taco soup is a real winner! You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just let it cool down to room temperature before sealing it up—this helps keep the flavors intact and prevents any condensation from forming inside the container.
Now, when it’s time to reheat, I recommend using the stovetop for the best results. Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat and stir occasionally until it’s heated through. If it seems a bit thick, don’t worry! Just add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up while you warm it. This keeps that creamy texture nice and smooth, just like when you first made it!
If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave. Just transfer a portion into a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plate (to prevent splatters), and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s piping hot.
And remember, this soup freezes beautifully! If you plan to keep some for later, let it cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to indulge again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Just be sure to stir it well and adjust the consistency with a bit of broth if needed. Enjoy the comforting flavors all over again!
Print
Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and creamy cheesy ground beef taco soup.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 can black beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn (15 oz), drained
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef with onions and garlic over medium heat.
- Drain excess fat.
- Add diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, beef broth, and taco seasoning.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in cream cheese until melted and combined.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Top with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream or avocado.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: creamy cheesy ground beef taco soup recipe
