Description
Ground beef taco soup delivers a robust Mexican-inspired meal perfect for chilly evenings. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying dinner that leaves you craving another spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (500 g) ground beef
- 1.5 cups (150 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (14 oz/400 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz/400 g) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup (150 g) corn kernels
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (30 g) taco seasoning
- 4 cups (1 liter) beef broth
- 0.5 cup (120 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sliced jalapenos
- Diced avocado
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Tortilla chips or strips
- Sour cream
- Extra shredded cheese
Instructions
- Meat Preparation: Sear ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, methodically breaking down the meat until it caramelizes to a rich brown, then drain excess fat while preserving the meat’s robust flavor.
- Aromatic Base: Incorporate finely diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they soften and release their fragrant essence, then generously coat the beef with taco seasoning.
- Flavor Building: Introduce diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn into the pot, creating a vibrant, textural medley that promises depth and complexity.
- Liquid Integration: Stream chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring complete submersion, then reduce heat and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, enabling flavors to intertwine and intensify.
- Creamy Transformation: Fold in cream cheese and shredded cheese, stirring until they melt completely and elevate the soup to a luxuriously smooth consistency.
- Final Touches: Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper to taste, then ladle the steaming soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for an extra layer of culinary indulgence.
Notes
- Control Meat Fat: Drain excess fat carefully to maintain flavor intensity without making the soup greasy, using a tilted pan or paper towel method.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Add cream cheese and shredded cheese gradually, stirring continuously to prevent clumping and ensure smooth, silky texture.
- Spice Balance: Adjust taco seasoning based on preference – homemade blends offer more control over salt and heat levels compared to pre-packaged mixes.
- Dietary Modification: Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option, or use plant-based meat alternatives for vegetarian version; use low-fat cheese for reduced-calorie adaptation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg