Creamy Taco Soup

Creamy Taco Soup

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introduction

If you’re searching for a hearty and delightful meal that’s easy to prepare, Creamy Taco Soup is a fantastic choice. This soup combines the robust flavors of taco seasonings with rich creaminess that makes it satisfying for any family dinner or a casual gathering. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, you’ll appreciate how quickly you can whip up this delicious dish.

why make this recipe

Why should you consider making Creamy Taco Soup? Well, for starters, it’s an all-in-one meal that packs a punch of flavor and nutrition. The combination of ground beef, beans, and vegetables makes this soup rich in protein and fiber, providing a truly comforting dining experience. Moreover, this recipe is adaptable; you can easily customize it to suit your family’s taste or dietary preferences.

This soup is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. It’s not just filling, but it also offers a little spice and a lot of warmth, making it a great comfort food option. The creamy texture elevates the dish, making it feel special even though it’s simple to prepare. You’ll find that each bite offers a delightful balance of savory and tangy flavors, leaving your taste buds wanting more.

Moreover, it is a recipe that everyone in the family can love! Make a big batch, and you can enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day. With its make-ahead capabilities, Creamy Taco Soup can become a staple in your recipe collection.

how to make Creamy Taco Soup

Making Creamy Taco Soup is straightforward and doesn’t take much time. You’ll be impressed with how simple the process is. Just follow these steps to create a delicious soup that your family will adore.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (85/15)
• 1-2 packages taco seasoning
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño, minced
• 1 Anaheim pepper, minced
• 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 oz can diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 15 oz can corn, drained
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Zest of 1 lime
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
• 4–8 oz cream cheese, softened

Directions:

1. Heat the Dutch Oven: Start by heating a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. This type of pot retains heat well and is important for even cooking.

2. Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes or until it’s browned. Make sure to drain any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too oily.

3. Add Onion and Garlic: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook these for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This step builds the flavor base for your soup.

4. Incorporate Peppers and Seasoning: Now, it’s time to add the minced jalapeño and Anaheim pepper. Stir in one pack of taco seasoning as well. Cook everything together for another 2 minutes to help the flavors blend.

5. Mix in the Beans and Veggies: Pour in the black beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), corn, and chicken broth. Add the lime zest, lime juice, kosher salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Make sure to mix everything well.

6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup after mixing all the ingredients and adjust the seasoning as desired. You may want to add more salt or taco seasoning based on your preference.

7. Add Cream Cheese: Incorporate the softened cream cheese into the soup. Stir over medium heat until it fully melts and blends into the soup, giving it that creamy texture.

8. Simmer: Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together perfectly.

9. Serve: Serve the soup hot. Top with your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or tortilla chips for added crunch.

how to serve Creamy Taco Soup

Serving Creamy Taco Soup is something you can enjoy with a variety of accompaniments! Here are some great ideas to enhance your meal:

• Toppings: As mentioned, toppings are essential. Sour cream brings coolness, while shredded cheese adds richness. Fresh herbs like cilantro or chives not only look good but also add freshness. Diced avocados provide a creamy texture that pairs well with the soup.

• Side Dishes: Pair your soup with crusty bread or a side salad. Cornbread or tortilla chips also go perfectly and add that traditional Mexican feel.

• Drink Pairing: To complement the spicy flavors of the soup, consider serving it with iced tea or a light beer. A refreshing lemonade can also do wonders on warm days.

how to store Creamy Taco Soup

If you have leftovers (which is likely since this recipe serves a good number of portions), you’ll want to store them properly:

• In the Refrigerator: Let the soup cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-4 days.

• In the Freezer: You can freeze the soup too! Once cooled, ladle it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the containers, as the soup will expand when frozen. It’ll last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then reheat on the stove over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to get the right consistency.

tips to make Creamy Taco Soup

Here are some handy tips to elevate your Creamy Taco Soup:

• Use Quality Meat: For better flavor, choose good-quality ground beef. You may also find it beneficial to use beef that is 85% lean, as it provides more flavor without being overly greasy.

• Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the amount of taco seasoning based on your spice preference. If you love a bit more heat, you can add some cayenne pepper or additional fresh jalapeño.

• Make it Vegetarian: If you’d like to make a vegetarian version, just replace the ground beef with textured vegetable protein (TVP), lentils, or extra beans.

• Blend for Smoothness: If you prefer your soup smoother, try using an immersion blender after simmering or before adding the cream cheese for a blended texture.

• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh herbs and squeeze fresh lime for the best flavor in the soup.

variation

While the original Creamy Taco Soup is delicious as is, there are many variations you can try to keep things interesting:

• Spicy Version: Add more jalapeños or even some diced green chilies for an extra kick of spice!

• Cheesy Flavor: Stir in some shredded cheese along with or instead of the cream cheese for an even more decadent flavor.

• Taco Soup Made with Chicken: Swap out the ground beef for shredded chicken. You can use a rotisserie chicken to make preparation even quicker.

• Different Beans: Feel free to use other types of beans such as pinto beans or kidney beans!

FAQs

1. Can I make Creamy Taco Soup in advance?
Yes, you can make Creamy Taco Soup a day ahead of time. Just let it cool, store it in the fridge, and reheat just before serving. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight!

2. Is Creamy Taco Soup gluten-free?
To make the soup gluten-free, use a taco seasoning that does not contain gluten and ensure that any broth used is gluten-free as well.

3. Can I make Creamy Taco Soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the ground beef and add all the ingredients (except for the cream cheese) into your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream cheese about 30 minutes before serving.

4. What toppings can I use for Creamy Taco Soup?
You can use a variety of toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, diced avocado, cilantro, sliced jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips, or even a squeeze of fresh lime!

5. Can we use other types of meat in this soup?
Yes, turkey or ground chicken also works well. You can also make it vegetarian by using plant-based meat alternatives or by adding more beans and veggies.

Making Creamy Taco Soup is an easy and rewarding experience. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and soon you’ll be enjoying a bowl of this comforting dish that’s sure to please everyone at your table!

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