Name: Creamy Taco Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef or turkey; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade); 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with green chilies optional); 1 (15 oz) can black or pinto beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 3 cups chicken or beef broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 1 tbsp olive oil or butter; Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional toppings: lime juice, chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, jalapeños, sour cream

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Creamy Taco Soup is one of my favorite comfort meals — warm, hearty, and full of bold, taco-inspired flavor. It’s everything I love about a loaded taco, transformed into a creamy, satisfying soup that I can enjoy with a spoon. Packed with ground meat, beans, corn, tomatoes, and spices, it’s a one-pot wonder that always hits the spot, especially on busy weeknights or chilly days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s easy to throw together, super customizable, and tastes like it’s been simmering for hours — even though it’s ready in under 30 minutes. The creamy broth gives it that cozy texture I crave, and it’s the perfect mix of spicy, savory, and rich. It’s also great for feeding a crowd or saving as leftovers — it reheats beautifully. Creamy Taco Soup

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef or ground turkey
Onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
Canned diced tomatoes (with green chilies, if preferred)
Canned black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
Canned corn, drained
Cream cheese, softened
Chicken broth or beef broth
Heavy cream or half-and-half
Olive oil or butter
Salt and black pepper
Optional: lime juice, chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, jalapeños for topping

Directions

I heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. I add diced onion and cook until soft, then stir in the garlic.
I add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. I drain any excess fat if needed.
I stir in the taco seasoning, then add the diced tomatoes, beans, and corn.
I pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
I lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and smooth.
I add the cream or half-and-half and stir until everything is combined and creamy.
I let it simmer for another 5–10 minutes to thicken slightly, then taste and adjust seasoning.
I serve it hot with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or tortilla chips.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 and takes about 25–30 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

Sometimes I add cooked rice or small pasta to make it heartier. I’ve swapped the cream cheese for a splash of coconut milk for a dairy-free version. You can use rotisserie chicken instead of ground meat, or even make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and using more beans and veggies.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It thickens slightly in the fridge, so I add a splash of broth or milk when reheating on the stove or in the microwave. It also freezes well — I just let it cool, freeze in portions, and thaw overnight before reheating. Creamy Taco Soup

FAQs

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes — I brown the meat and onions first, then add everything to the slow cooker except the cream cheese and cream. I cook on low for 4–6 hours, then stir in the dairy just before serving.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

I’ve used sour cream, plain Greek yogurt, or a bit of shredded cheddar cheese stirred in at the end — all give a nice creamy finish.

Is this soup spicy?

It has a mild to medium heat from the taco seasoning and tomatoes. I adjust the spice by adding chili flakes or jalapeños — or tone it down with extra cream.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — I use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut milk instead of cream. It still turns out rich and flavorful.

What can I serve with it?

I love serving it with tortilla chips, cornbread, or a side salad. It’s also great with warm flour tortillas for dipping.

Conclusion

Creamy Taco Soup is everything I love in one bowl — rich, filling, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether I’m whipping it up for a quick dinner or serving it at a casual gathering, it always disappears fast. It’s a recipe I come back to often, especially when I need something comforting and crowd-pleasing with minimal effort.