Save to Pinterest One Tuesday evening when the rain would not quit I decided to experiment with my standard chili base. I accidentally poured in a splash of heavy cream instead of milk and the result was life changing. The kitchen filled with a scent that was both spicy and comforting like a cozy blanket for the senses. It turned a humble soup into something much more luxurious.
I remember bringing a giant thermos of this to a chilly outdoor bonfire last November. My friends kept coming back for refills until the pot was scraped completely dry. Even the skeptics who said they did not like soup were won over by the cheesy richness. It has since become my most requested recipe for any gathering.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: Choose a lean mix to avoid an oily texture in your bowl.
- Yellow onion: This provides a savory base that builds flavor as it softens.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh cloves are much better than the jarred version for this soup.
- Red bell pepper: This adds a lovely sweetness that balances out the chili heat.
- Diced tomatoes: Use the whole can including the liquid for the best acidity.
- Sweet corn: These provide a wonderful little crunch and pop of sweetness.
- Black beans: Rinse these well so the broth stays bright and colorful.
- Broth: Beef or chicken broth both work perfectly as the liquid foundation.
- Taco seasoning: This gives the soup that classic flavor everyone recognizes and loves.
- Heavy cream: This is what makes the soup feel like a decadent treat.
- Cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded cheese will melt much more smoothly into the liquid.
Instructions
- Brown the beef:
- Sizzle the meat in your heavy pot until it is dark and crumbly.
- Saute the aromatics:
- Toss in the onions and peppers and watch them turn translucent and fragrant.
- Bloom the spices:
- Stir the seasonings into the hot oil for a minute to unlock their full flavor potential.
- Simmer the soup:
- Pour in the broth and beans then let the flavors mingle over a gentle heat.
- Create the creaminess:
- Stir in the cream and cheese slowly and watch the soup turn a beautiful orange.
Save to Pinterest There is a certain magic in the way a house smells when a pot of spices and cream has been simmering on the stove for an hour. It draws everyone into the kitchen without me having to say a single word. It makes the house feel like a home.
The Best Toppings
A dollop of cool sour cream provides a wonderful temperature contrast to the hot broth. Crushed tortilla chips are a must for that essential salty crunch we crave. I personally love a heavy handful of fresh cilantro to brighten the whole bowl up.
Making It Ahead
This soup actually tastes better the next day after the spices have had time to settle. Just be careful when reheating so you do not break the cream based sauce. I often make a double batch specifically so I can have easy lunches all week long.
Customizing Your Bowl
You can easily tweak this recipe to fit whatever you happen to have in your pantry today.
- Swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the dish.
- Add a handful of diced jalapenos if you want to dial up the heat level significantly.
- Serve it alongside a piece of warm crusty bread to soak up every last drop of broth.
Save to Pinterest I hope this creamy taco soup brings as much warmth to your table as it does to mine. Happy cooking and enjoy every bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the ground beef and add extra black beans or use a plant-based ground meat alternative. The soup remains just as hearty and flavorful.
- → How can I make it spicier?
Add diced jalapeños while sautéing the vegetables, use hot chili powder instead of regular, or serve with hot sauce on the side for adjustable heat.
- → Can I freeze this soup?
It's best frozen before adding the cream and cheese. Cool completely, store in airtight containers for up to 3 months, then add dairy when reheating.
- → What toppings work best?
Fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, extra cheddar, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, avocado slices, and lime wedges all complement the flavors beautifully.
- → Is this gluten-free?
Yes, when using gluten-free broth and taco seasoning. Always check labels on store-bought seasonings and broth to ensure they're certified gluten-free.
- → Can I use different meat?
Ground turkey works well for a lighter version, or shredded chicken can be added. Even chorizo would add delicious depth and smoky flavor.