Picture this: It’s one of those crazy weeknights where everyone’s starving, the kids are bouncing off the walls, and takeout just isn’t in the budget. That’s exactly when my Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup saved the day for the first time. I threw together what I had in the pantry – some ground beef, a few cans of beans and corn, and oh my goodness, that block of cream cheese that was begging to be used. Twenty minutes later? Absolute magic.
This soup became our family’s new obsession faster than you can say “seconds please!” It’s got all the cozy, comforting flavors of tacos – the rich beef, the melty cheese, that hint of spice – but in spoonable form. The best part? It comes together quicker than driving to get fast food. My husband calls it “taco night in a bowl,” and my kids? They don’t even realize they’re eating beans and veggies because it’s just that good.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup
Let me count the ways this soup will become your new weeknight hero:
- Speedy salvation: From fridge to table in 35 minutes flat – faster than pizza delivery!
- Pantry power: Uses ingredients you probably already have (no fancy grocery runs needed)
- Customizable cravings: Make it mild for kids or spicy for adults – it’s your taco party in a pot
- Comfort in a bowl: That creamy, cheesy broth hugs you like your favorite sweatshirt
- Leftover magic: Tastes even better the next day (if there’s any left!)
Trust me, this Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup is the dinner equivalent of a warm hug after a long day.
Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cozy pot of deliciousness – I promise it’s all simple stuff! The magic happens when these everyday ingredients come together:
- 1 lb ground beef (I use 80/20 lean/fat for best flavor, but leaner works too)
- 1 small onion, diced (about 1 cup – yellow or white both work great)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp jarred if you’re in a pinch)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed (don’t skip rinsing – it makes a difference!)
- 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained (or frozen corn works in a pinch)
- 1 (10 oz) can tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel is my go-to, but any brand works)
- 2 cups beef broth (low sodium lets you control the salt better)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade if you’re fancy)
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed (full-fat makes it ultra-creamy)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar packs the most flavor punch)
- 1 cup heavy cream (half-and-half works in a pinch, but won’t be as rich)
- Salt and pepper to taste (go easy at first – you can always add more)
See? Nothing weird or hard-to-find. Just good, honest ingredients that transform into something magical!
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup
Alright, let’s get cooking! This Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup comes together in just a few simple steps, but I’ll walk you through each one so it turns out perfect every time. Grab your favorite soup pot – we’re about to make magic!
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
First things first – heat up a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. No oil needed! Crumble in that pound of ground beef (I like to use my wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks). Now here’s the secret: don’t stir too much! Let it get a nice brown crust in spots – that’s where the flavor lives. Cook until there’s no pink left, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s lots of grease (especially with 80/20 beef), you might want to drain some off – but leave about a tablespoon for cooking the onions.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Time to build flavor! Toss in your diced onion and minced garlic right into the pot with the beef. Lower the heat to medium and stir everything together. You’ll know it’s ready when the onions turn translucent and smell sweet – about 3-4 minutes. Don’t rush this step! Those softened onions are like little flavor bombs waiting to explode in your soup.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Now the fun part! Dump in your drained black beans, corn, tomatoes with green chilies, beef broth, and that packet of taco seasoning. Give it all a good stir and bring it to a gentle bubble. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low, partially cover the pot, and let it hang out for about 15 minutes. This lets all those flavors get to know each other and become best friends.
Step 4: Add Creamy Cheeses
Here comes the magic! Turn the heat down to low-low (you don’t want boiling soup when adding dairy). Drop in your cubed cream cheese and stir patiently until it melts completely – no lumps! This might take 3-4 minutes of gentle stirring. Then gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheddar while stirring constantly. Finally, pour in the heavy cream. Keep stirring until everything is silky smooth and gloriously cheesy. Taste and add salt/pepper if needed – but go easy, remember the taco seasoning already has salt!
And just like that – your Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup is ready to warm bellies and hearts. Now let’s talk toppings!
Tips for the Best Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup
After making this soup more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that take it from good to “oh-my-goodness-can-I-have-the-recipe” amazing:
- Cheese matters: Always use block cream cheese (not the spreadable kind) and shred your own cheddar – it melts so much smoother!
- Low and slow: When adding dairy, keep the heat super low and stir constantly to prevent curdling – patience pays off here.
- Spice control: Start with half the taco seasoning if you’re sensitive to heat – you can always add more later.
- Texture trick: For extra thickness, mash some of the beans against the pot before adding the cheeses.
- Flavor booster: Letting the soup sit for 10 minutes after cooking helps all the flavors marry beautifully.
These little touches make all the difference between a decent soup and the kind that gets requested every week!
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35-Minute Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup – Comfort Perfection
A hearty and cheesy taco soup made with ground beef, perfect for a quick and comforting meal.
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 1 (15 oz) can Black beans
- 1 (15 oz) can Corn kernels
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1 small Onion
- 1 (10 oz) can Tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups Beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 packet Taco seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups Cheddar cheese
- 8 oz Cream cheese
- 1 cup Heavy cream
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, cook until softened.
- Stir in black beans, corn, tomatoes with green chilies, and beef broth.
- Add taco seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
- Stir in cream cheese, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Top with sour cream, avocado, or tortilla chips if desired.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Low Lactose
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Variations of Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup
One of my favorite things about this soup is how easily you can mix it up! Here are some delicious twists we’ve tried:
- Protein swap: Ground turkey or chicken works great if you want something lighter (just add a splash more taco seasoning)
- Veggie boost: Throw in diced bell peppers with the onions or stir in spinach at the end
- Cheese change-up: Pepper jack instead of cheddar gives it a nice kick, or try a Mexican cheese blend
- Creamy alternatives: Swap half the cream cheese for velveeta if you want ultra-smooth texture
- Slow cooker version: Brown meat first, then dump everything except dairy in the crockpot for 4 hours on low – stir in cheeses before serving
The possibilities are endless – make it your own! If you enjoy hearty, comforting meals like this, you might also love our recipe for Cheeseburger Soup.
Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup
Oh, the fun part – dressing up your Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup! I always set out little bowls of toppings so everyone can customize their bowl just how they like it. My must-haves? Crunchy tortilla strips (just crush some chips!), cool sour cream, fresh cilantro, and creamy avocado slices. A squeeze of lime brightens everything up beautifully. For sides, warm cornbread or buttered crusty bread makes the perfect dipper – though honestly, this soup is so hearty it stands alone just fine!
Storing and Reheating Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days – just pop it in an airtight container once it’s cooled a bit. When reheating, go low and slow! Warm it gently on the stove over medium-low, stirring frequently to keep the cheeses smooth. If it looks a little thick, splash in some broth or water to loosen it up. Whatever you do, don’t boil it – we don’t want the dairy to separate!
Nutritional Information
Just so you know, nutrition can vary based on your specific ingredients, but here’s the general breakdown per serving of this delicious Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup: about 450 calories, 25g protein, 25g carbs (with 5g fiber), and 30g fat. It’s a hearty meal that’ll keep you full and happy – no guilt here, just good comfort food!
FAQs About Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup
Can I freeze this soup? I wish! But with all that creamy dairy, freezing can make the texture grainy when thawed. Trust me, I learned this the hard way after trying to stock my freezer. It keeps so well in the fridge for 3 days though – just make a fresh batch when you need it!
How can I make it spicier? Oh, I love this question! My husband always adds extra heat to his bowl. Try stirring in diced jalapeños when sautéing the onions, or use hot taco seasoning instead of mild. A dash of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder works wonders too. For serious heat lovers, top with sliced fresh jalapeños and a drizzle of hot sauce.
Can I make this in a slow cooker? Absolutely! Brown the beef first (don’t skip this step – it adds so much flavor!), then dump everything except the dairy into your crockpot. Cook on low for 4 hours, then stir in the cheeses until melted. Perfect for busy days when you want dinner waiting! If you prefer slow cooker meals, check out our recipe for Crockpot Lasagna Soup.
What if I don’t have cream cheese? No worries! You can substitute with 4 oz of velveeta for that creamy texture, though the flavor will be a bit different. Or, just skip it and add an extra cup of shredded cheese – it’ll still be delicious, just not quite as velvety.
Is there a way to make it thicker? Yes! If you like your taco soup extra hearty, try mashing some of the beans against the pot before adding the cheeses. You can also mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking.
Share Your Feedback
I’d love to hear how your Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup turned out! Did your family go crazy for it like mine does? Drop a comment below with your favorite toppings or any clever twists you tried. And if you snap a photo, tag me – I live for those cheesy soup smiles! You can also follow along for more quick dinner ideas on our Facebook page.
