Creamy Taco Soup

Enjoy a hearty and flavorful bowl of Creamy Taco Soup, a comforting dish perfect for cooler days. This soup combines lean beef mince with a medley of spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin, creating a robust base. Simmered with onions, red peppers, black beans, and sweetcorn in a savory beef stock, the soup is enriched with creamy cream cheese for a luxurious texture.

Garnish with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and grated cheddar for added zest and richness. It’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Creamy Taco Soup

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large onion, diced

1 large red pepper, diced

2 large garlic cloves, minced

1 small green chilli, minced

450 g (1 lb) lean beef mince

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 tablespoon chilli powder

1 teaspoon cumin powder

½ teaspoon oregano

½ teaspoon onion granules

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 x 400 g (14 oz) can chopped tomatoes

1 x 400 g (14 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained

50 g (1.7 oz) sweetcorn

1 litre (4 cups) beef stock

180 g (6.3 oz) cream cheese

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven and cook the onion and red pepper for 2-3 minutes over medium heat until slightly softened.

Add the garlic and green chilli and continue to cook for another minute.

Next, add the beef mince to the pot and brown it for 4-5 minutes, breaking it down with your spoon.

Stir in all the spices and salt and pepper and continue to cook for another minute, stirring occasionally.

Add the chopped tomatoes, black beans, sweetcorn and beef stock and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

Add the cream cheese to the pot and stir continuously until it melts.

Turn off the heat, season to taste, and serve topped with coriander, lime wedges and grated cheddar, if you like.

Notes:

Meat Selection: Use lean beef mince to reduce the fat content of the soup while still enjoying the hearty texture and flavor.

Spices and Seasonings: The combination of smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, oregano, onion granules, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper gives this soup its distinctive taco flavor. Adjust spice levels according to your preference for heat.

Vegetable Preparation: Dicing the onion, red pepper, garlic, and green chili finely ensures even cooking and distribution of flavors throughout the soup.

Simmering: Allow the soup to simmer gently after adding the chopped tomatoes, black beans, sweetcorn, and beef stock. This helps meld the flavors together and develops a rich broth.

Creamy Texture: Incorporating cream cheese at the end of cooking adds creaminess and a velvety texture to the soup. Ensure to stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated.

Garnishes: Fresh coriander (cilantro), lime wedges, and grated cheddar cheese are suggested garnishes that complement the flavors of the soup. Adjust garnishes based on personal preference.

Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. Additional salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lime juice can enhance the flavors further.

Serving Suggestions: Serve the Creamy Taco Soup hot, accompanied by crusty bread or tortilla chips for dipping. It’s a satisfying meal on its own or paired with a side salad for a complete dinner option.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute lean ground turkey for the beef to reduce fat content while still enjoying a similar flavor profile.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Is this soup spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted by modifying the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper used.

Start with less if you prefer a milder soup.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well.

Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags.

It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use plain Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of cream cheese for a slightly different tangy flavor.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?

Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth for beef broth if you prefer a vegetarian version of this soup.

What should I serve with this soup?

This soup is delicious with toppings such as avocado slices, tortilla chips, or a dollop of sour cream.

It pairs well with crusty bread or cornbread on the side.

How can I make this soup less creamy?

To make the soup less creamy, you can reduce the amount of cream cheese used or omit it entirely.

Adjust the consistency by adding more broth if needed.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned.

Use about 2 cups of diced fresh tomatoes in place of the canned tomatoes.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free if you ensure the taco seasoning, chili powder, and other spices used are gluten-free certified.