Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup

I’ve been making this Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup for years, and it never fails to bring smiles to my family’s faces. This hearty soup combines all the bold flavors of your favorite tacos in a creamy, spoon-ready bowl that’s pure comfort.

Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, and you walk into your kitchen craving something warm and satisfying. The aroma of seasoned ground beef and melted cheese fills the air as this soup simmers on your stove. What makes this creamy cheesy ground beef taco soup truly special is how it delivers restaurant-quality flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. I love how the cream cheese creates an incredibly rich base while the cheddar adds that perfect stretchy cheese pull we all crave. It’s become my go-to recipe when I want to feed my family something delicious quickly.

Essential Ingredients for Rich Taco Soup

I always recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and texture, though 85/15 works perfectly too if you prefer less fat. The cream cheese is what makes this soup incredibly creamy and rich, so don’t skip it.

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into ½-inch cubes
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: sour cream, cilantro, sliced jalapeños, tortilla chips

How to Make Perfect Taco Soup

I recommend having all your ingredients prepped before you start – this recipe moves quickly once you begin cooking, and you don’t want anything to burn while you’re still chopping.

Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and reaches 165°F internal temperature, breaking it up as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes). You’ll know it’s ready when no pink remains and it’s nicely browned.

Step 2: Drain any excess fat and add the chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. The onion should smell fragrant and sweet.

Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Don’t let it burn – garlic can turn bitter quickly.

Step 4: Stir in the taco seasoning, coating the beef and onion mixture evenly. This step builds flavor throughout the soup.

Step 5: Add the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, and beef broth. Stir to combine everything well.

Step 6: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. You’ll see gentle bubbling around the edges as the flavors meld together. The soup should smell incredible at this point.

Step 7: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and cubed cream cheese. Allow the cream cheese to melt completely – this takes about 2-3 minutes of gentle stirring. Whisk gently if needed to help it incorporate smoothly.

Step 8: Add the shredded cheddar cheese one handful at a time, stirring constantly until each addition melts completely before adding more. This prevents clumping and ensures a smooth creamy cheesy ground beef taco soup.

Step 9: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a spicier soup, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra diced jalapeños.

Step 10: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings.

What to Serve with Taco Soup

This soup pairs beautifully with sides that complement its rich, cheesy flavors without competing.

Warm Cornbread: The sweet corn flavor echoes the soup’s corn kernels while the crumbly texture provides a nice contrast to the creamy soup.

Crispy Tortilla Chips: Perfect for dipping and adds that satisfying crunch that makes every spoonful more interesting.

Simple Green Salad: The fresh, crisp greens help cut through the richness and add nutritional balance to your meal.

Warm Flour Tortillas: Great for dipping or making mini taco wraps with the soup as filling.

These best sides for creamy cheesy ground beef taco soup all bring something special to the table while keeping the meal simple and satisfying.

Smart Storage and Reheating Tips

This soup stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container, making it perfect for meal prep.

When reheating, I recommend using low heat on the stovetop and stirring frequently to prevent the dairy from separating. Add a splash of broth or water if it gets too thick. For microwave reheating, use 50% power and stir every minute to maintain the creamy texture.

This creamy cheesy ground beef taco soup actually tastes even better the next day as all the flavors have more time to develop. You can freeze portions for up to 3 months, though the texture may change slightly after thawing due to the dairy content.

More Irresistible Taco Soup Variations for Ultimate Comfort

This creamy cheesy ground beef taco soup pairs beautifully with lighter chicken-based variations that offer different textures and flavors. Our Chicken Taco Soup with Cream Cheese delivers similar creamy luxury with tender shredded chicken – perfect when you want that same rich texture with a milder protein base.

For busy weeknight meals, try our Slow Cooker Taco Soup that practically cooks itself while delivering incredible flavors. When you’re seeking high protein options, our High Protein Creamy Taco Soup provides 25 grams of protein per serving with ground turkey and cream cheese. For those preferring classic simplicity, the Easy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe offers traditional taco flavors without the cream base – ideal for serving alongside this richer version.

Common Questions About This Recipe

Make This Comforting Soup Tonight

This creamy cheesy ground beef taco soup has become a staple in my kitchen because it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The combination of tender ground beef, melty cheese, and bold taco flavors creates pure comfort in a bowl.

Your family will be asking for seconds, and you’ll love how easy it is to make on busy weeknights. Try this recipe tonight – it’ll become one of your new favorites!

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