Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup

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I’ve made a lot of soups in my day, but nothing hits the spot quite like this Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup. It’s rich, comforting, full of bold taco flavor, and packed with hearty ingredients that make every spoonful taste like home. I love how it brings together the zesty essence of taco night with the smooth, spoonable comfort of a cozy bowl of soup. And the best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes with pantry staples and simple steps.

Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy weeknight when I don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen, this soup never fails me. It’s filling, kid-approved, and totally customizable depending on what I have on hand. Plus, that cheesy finish makes it extra irresistible. If you’re a fan of one-pot meals that warm the soul and excite the taste buds, you’re going to love this one.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup

• Quick & Easy: It’s a 30-minute meal with minimal prep and cleanup.
• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot, making this ideal for busy weeknights.
• Crowd-Pleaser: It’s kid-friendly and perfect for feeding a hungry family or a casual gathering.
• Creamy & Cheesy: The combination of cream cheese and shredded cheese gives it that luscious, melty texture you’ll crave.
• Taco-Inspired: All the classic taco flavors—ground beef, tomatoes, seasoning, and cheese—are packed into every bite.
• Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day and stores beautifully.
• Easy to Customize: Swap proteins, adjust spice levels, or sneak in extra veggies with ease.

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What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

I’ve tried this Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup with a variety of beef options, and I always come back to using lean ground beef (85%–90%). It gives the soup a hearty, satisfying flavor without being overly greasy. If you’re using a fattier cut, just be sure to drain the excess grease after browning to keep the texture rich but not oily. Want to keep things extra light? You can even opt for ground turkey or ground chicken, but ground beef really brings that classic taco flavor to life.

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Options for Substitutions

One of the best things about this soup is how flexible it is! You can tweak it based on what you have on hand or your dietary needs:

• Meat Swap: Ground turkey, ground chicken, or even shredded rotisserie chicken all work well if you’re not in the mood for beef.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based cream cheese and shredded non-dairy cheese to make it creamy without the dairy.
• Low-Carb/Keto Friendly: Skip the beans or corn if you’re watching your carbs and load up on more beef and veggies.
• Extra Veggies: Stir in chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrients and color.
• Spice Level: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy taco seasoning if you like a little heat.
• Thicker Soup: Add a few tablespoons of tomato paste or reduce the broth slightly to thicken it up.

This recipe is so forgiving, it practically begs to be customized.

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What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

I’ve tried this Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup with a variety of beef options, and I always come back to using lean ground beef (85%–90%). It gives the soup a hearty, satisfying flavor without being overly greasy. If you’re using a fattier cut, just be sure to drain the excess grease after browning to keep the texture rich but not oily. Want to keep things extra light? You can even opt for ground turkey or ground chicken, but ground beef really brings that classic taco flavor to life.

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Options for Substitutions

One of the best things about this soup is how flexible it is! You can tweak it based on what you have on hand or your dietary needs:

• Meat Swap: Ground turkey, ground chicken, or even shredded rotisserie chicken all work well if you’re not in the mood for beef.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based cream cheese and shredded non-dairy cheese to make it creamy without the dairy.
• Low-Carb/Keto Friendly: Skip the beans or corn if you’re watching your carbs and load up on more beef and veggies.
• Extra Veggies: Stir in chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrients and color.
• Spice Level: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy taco seasoning if you like a little heat.
• Thicker Soup: Add a few tablespoons of tomato paste or reduce the broth slightly to thicken it up.

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Ingredients for This Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup

Each ingredient in this soup brings something essential to the table—flavor, texture, or that cozy, creamy factor that makes it so satisfying. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why it’s important:

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• Ground Beef
  The heart of the recipe. It provides that rich, savory base and gives the soup its taco-style flavor and protein punch.
• Onion (chopped)
  Adds depth and a touch of sweetness once sautéed. It enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the soup.
• Garlic (minced)
  A must for boosting flavor. It brings warmth and rounds out the seasoning blend perfectly.
• Taco Seasoning
  This is where the magic happens. A blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and more gives the soup that signature taco taste.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles (like Rotel)
  Adds a slightly spicy, tangy twist and gives the soup a great tomato base with some texture.
• Cream Cheese
  Melted into the soup, it creates that ultra-creamy, luxurious texture and balances the spice beautifully.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  Stirred in and sprinkled on top, it delivers bold cheesy flavor and that gooey finish everyone loves.
• Beef Broth
  It thins out the soup just enough without sacrificing richness, tying all the flavors together.
• Corn (optional)
  Adds a pop of sweetness and color—it’s a fun, flavorful addition if you like texture in your soup.
• Black Beans (optional)
  For added fiber and bulk. They turn the soup into a truly hearty, satisfying meal.
• Salt & Pepper
  Simple but essential for adjusting and enhancing the final flavor.
• Fresh Cilantro (for garnish)
  Brings brightness and a fresh herbal note right at the end. Optional, but highly recommended.

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Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned and no longer pink. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks for even browning. If there’s excess grease, drain it before moving on.

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Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add the chopped onion to the browned beef and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This step lays the flavor foundation for the soup.

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Step 3: Season the Base

Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir well to coat the beef and onion mixture. Let it toast for a minute to deepen the flavor before adding liquids.

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Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chiles and beef broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for about 5–7 minutes to blend the flavors.

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Step 5: Stir in Cream Cheese

Cut the cream cheese into chunks and add them to the pot. Stir continuously until it melts and blends into the soup, creating a creamy, smooth base.

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Step 6: Add Cheese, Beans, and Corn

Mix in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. If using, now’s the time to stir in the black beans and corn. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes to heat through.

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Step 7: Taste and Adjust

Give the soup a final taste and add salt and pepper as needed. If it’s too thick, splash in a bit more broth. If you like it thicker, let it simmer a bit longer uncovered.

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Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with extra shredded cheese and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately while creamy and melty.

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How Long to Cook the Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup

From start to finish, this soup takes about 25 to 30 minutes to cook:

• Browning the beef and sautéing aromatics: 6–8 minutes
• Simmering with tomatoes and broth: 5–7 minutes
• Melting the cream cheese and cheddar: 5 minutes
• Final simmer with beans and corn: 5 minutes

You’re looking at under half an hour for a pot of rich, cheesy, taco-inspired goodness—perfect for weeknights or when you just want something cozy, fast.

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Tips for Perfect Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup

• Use room temperature cream cheese: It melts faster and more evenly. Cold chunks can stay lumpy if added straight from the fridge.
• Don’t skip draining excess fat: Especially if you’re using a fattier beef. Too much grease will interfere with the creamy texture.
• Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly. Freshly grated cheddar is worth the extra minute.
• Simmer, don’t boil: Keep the soup at a gentle simmer when adding cream cheese and cheddar. Boiling can cause dairy to separate.
• Adjust to your texture preference: For a thinner soup, add more broth. For a thicker consistency, simmer uncovered or stir in extra cheese.
• Garnish like a taco: Add sour cream, sliced jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips, or avocado for extra flavor and texture.
• Taste before serving: Taco seasoning varies by brand—adjust salt and spice at the end to suit your palate.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple, cozy dish like Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup can go sideways if you’re not careful. Here’s what to avoid:

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• Adding cold cream cheese directly to hot soup
  This can lead to clumps that won’t fully melt. Let it soften at room temp or microwave for a few seconds first.
• Boiling after dairy is added
  High heat can cause the cream cheese or shredded cheddar to curdle. Keep the soup at a gentle simmer once the dairy goes in.
• Skipping the taste test
  Different taco seasonings have varying salt levels. Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving to avoid bland or overly salty soup.
• Overcooking the corn and beans
  These ingredients are already cooked. Letting them sit too long on the heat can make them mushy.
• Using pre-shredded cheese
  It doesn’t melt as well and can affect the soup’s creamy consistency. Freshly shredded cheese is worth the effort.
• Crowding the pot with too many extras
  It’s tempting to add everything in your fridge, but too many additions can overwhelm the base flavors.

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What to Serve With Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup?

This soup is hearty on its own, but these sidekicks take it to another level:

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1. Tortilla Chips

Perfect for scooping or crumbling into the soup. They add crunch and a salty bite.

2. Jalapeño Cornbread

The sweet-spicy combo complements the creamy, cheesy soup beautifully.

3. Simple Side Salad

A fresh, crisp salad with lime vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.

4. Mexican Rice

Serve a scoop on the side or even stir some directly into the bowl for an extra-filling meal.

5. Avocado Slices or Guacamole

Creamy, buttery avocado adds a cool, fresh contrast to the warm, spiced soup.

6. Pickled Red Onions

Tangy and bright, these cut through the richness and add a pop of flavor.

7. Lime Wedges

A squeeze of lime just before serving brings everything to life with a hit of acidity.

8. Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt

Adds extra creaminess and a bit of tang—plus it looks great as a garnish swirl.

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Storage Instructions

This soup stores like a dream, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day leftovers. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

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• Refrigerator:
  Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, so leftovers are even tastier.
• Freezer:
  Yes, you can freeze it! But note: dairy can sometimes separate after thawing. To freeze, cool the soup and portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove, stirring well.
• Reheating:
  Warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. Add a splash of broth or milk if the soup has thickened too much.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

This will vary depending on your exact ingredients and serving size, but here’s a close estimate for 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups):

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 780mg

This soup is definitely a comfort food, but you can lighten it up by using lean meat, reduced-fat cheese, or skipping the cream cheese altogether for a brothier version.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What kind of cheese works best in this soup?

Sharp cheddar is my go-to for bold flavor and creamy texture, but you can also mix in Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack for spice, or even Velveeta for ultra-smooth results.

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Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the ground beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3. Stir in cream cheese and shredded cheese about 30 minutes before serving.

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Is this soup spicy?

Not overly. The diced tomatoes with green chiles add a gentle kick, but it’s mild enough for most palates. You can add hot sauce or chopped jalapeños if you want more heat.

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Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, the flavors get even better after a day in the fridge. Just reheat gently to avoid curdling the dairy.

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How do I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?

Simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes or add a handful of shredded cheese. You can also stir in a spoonful of tomato paste for more body and flavor.

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What toppings go best with this soup?

Sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, green onions, shredded cheese, or a squeeze of lime are all delicious.

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Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes! Just ensure your taco seasoning and broth are certified gluten-free, and you’re good to go.

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Can I double the recipe?

Definitely. Just use a large enough pot. This soup is fantastic for feeding a crowd or stocking your freezer with leftovers.

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Conclusion

Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup is everything I love about taco night—savory beef, zesty seasoning, creamy richness—all in one warm and satisfying bowl. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick family dinner, a game day gathering, or just to meal prep for the week, it’s a dependable go-to that never disappoints.

It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and packed with flavor in every spoonful. Plus, with minimal prep and simple ingredients, it proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.

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