Quick Description
This Creamy Beef Taco Soup is rich, hearty, and packed with bold taco flavor. Made with ground beef, tomatoes, taco seasoning, cream cheese, heavy cream, and melted cheddar, it’s the ultimate cozy one-pot meal. Perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or when you’re craving comfort food that actually fills you up.
Servings & Timing
- Serves: 6–8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: ~40 minutes
Ingredients List
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 24 oz beef broth
- 28 oz diced or crushed tomatoes
- 2 packets taco seasoning
- 4 oz salsa
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
- In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onion and bell pepper.
- Cook until beef is fully browned and vegetables are softened.
- Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Add Garlic & Seasoning
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add both taco seasoning packets and mix well to coat the beef.
3. Build the Soup
- Pour in beef broth, diced/crushed tomatoes, and salsa.
- Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Let cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Make It Creamy
- Reduce heat to low.
- Add softened cream cheese and stir until fully melted and smooth.
- Slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly.
5. Finish with Cheese
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Serve
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition (per serving)
(Approximate values)
- Calories: ~520
- Protein: ~32g
- Carbs: ~8g net
- Fat: ~38g
- Fiber: ~2g
Benefits
- High-Protein: Packed with beef and cheese for long-lasting fullness
- Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: No beans, no fillers
- One-Pot Meal: Easy cleanup, minimal effort
- Meal Prep Friendly: Tastes even better the next day
Additional Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese and cheddar for best texture
- If soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth
- Great for slow cooker or Instant Pot adaptation
Dietary Info
- Keto-Friendly: Yes
- Low-Carb: Yes
- Gluten-Free: Yes (check seasoning packets)
- High-Protein: Yes
Brief Introduction
This Creamy Beef Taco Soup is everything you love about tacos in a warm, comforting bowl. It’s rich, cheesy, and loaded with flavor—without needing tortillas or extra carbs. A family favorite that works for keto, low-carb, or just cozy dinners.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Brown beef with onion and bell pepper
- Add garlic and taco seasoning
- Stir in broth, tomatoes, and salsa
- Simmer to develop flavor
- Melt in cream cheese, heavy cream, and cheddar
- Serve hot and enjoy
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Can swap with ground turkey or chicken
- Taco Seasoning: Use homemade for lower sodium
- Cream Cheese: Adds thickness and richness
- Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack or Colby also work
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or extra chili powder
- Extra Creamy: Add more cream cheese
- Toppings: Sour cream, avocado, green onions, crushed pork rinds
- Serve With: Keto cornbread or a simple salad
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in an airtight container
- Freeze: Up to 2 months
- Reheat: Stove or microwave with a splash of broth
FAQs
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown beef first, then cook on LOW for 6 hours.
Does it thicken as it sits?
Yes—add broth when reheating if needed.
Can I add beans?
Yes for non-keto, but carbs will increase.
Optional Personal Story
This soup started as a “clean out the fridge” dinner and quickly became one of those recipes everyone asks for. It’s comforting, filling, and ridiculously easy—exactly what I want on busy nights.
Call-to-Action
Save this Creamy Beef Taco Soup for your next cozy dinner night. Make a big pot, enjoy leftovers, and tell me how your family liked it 🌮🥣