When you’re in the mood for comfort food that doesn’t hold back on flavor, this Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup is the ultimate fix. Loaded with savory ground beef, bold taco spices, creamy textures, and melty cheese, this soup is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for cozy nights or quick family dinners. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and brings all the comforting vibes of a taco night – in soup form!

This recipe is a dream for busy weeknights because it comes together in one pot with minimal prep. Each spoonful is rich, cheesy, and full of Tex-Mex flair. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something hearty and satisfying, this soup will warm you up from the inside out.

🧀 Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious taco soup:

• 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with turkey or plant-based meat)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2–3 Tbsp homemade mix)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (frozen, fresh, or canned and drained)
• 3 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
• Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, jalapeños, tortilla chips, fresh cilantro

🌮 The Flavors of Taco Soup

What sets this soup apart is its bold and creamy flavor combination. The taco seasoning provides that signature Tex-Mex zest, while the cream cheese and cheddar bring richness and a smooth, velvety finish. It’s a genius way to enjoy all the satisfaction of a taco dinner—without the mess of assembling tacos.

You’ll also love how adaptable the flavor profile is. Want it spicier? Just toss in some jalapeños or chili flakes. Prefer it smokier? A dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder does the trick. This soup is as flexible as it is tasty, making it easy to suit your personal heat and flavor preferences.

🍳 Cooking the Ground Beef

Start by browning the ground beef in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it into small, even crumbles as it cooks. This ensures the meat gets nicely seared and adds a rich, meaty depth to the soup base.

Once fully browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Let these sauté with the beef for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This step builds an aromatic foundation, enhancing the flavor of the beef with subtle sweetness and warmth.

🌶️ Spicing It Up with Taco Seasoning

After your onion and garlic have softened, it’s time to stir in the taco seasoning. Be sure to coat the beef mixture thoroughly, so every bite is infused with that signature taco flavor. You can use a store-bought packet for convenience, or whip up your own blend with chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and a hint of cayenne.

This simple seasoning step transforms your soup into something crave-worthy. It’s bold, flavorful, and smells incredible as it sizzles into the beef mixture. Once everything is nicely coated, you’re ready to build the base of your soup.

🍅 Building the Soup Base

Add in the diced tomatoes (including the juices), black beans, and corn. Stir everything together until well mixed. These ingredients bring in sweetness, texture, and hearty fiber that make the soup feel more like a meal than just a starter.

Next, pour in the beef broth. This not only adds moisture to the soup but deepens the flavor with umami goodness. Stir thoroughly, and bring the pot to a gentle simmer. At this point, you’ll already notice the aromas blending into a mouthwatering medley of taco-inspired comfort.

🧈 Melting in the Cheese

Now it’s time to transform the soup into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece. Start by adding the softened cream cheese. Stir slowly and continuously until it’s fully melted into the broth. It might take a few minutes, but don’t rush—this step gives the soup its smooth, tangy richness.

Once the cream cheese is fully incorporated, gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheddar. Stir after each handful to ensure it melts evenly. Using a whisk here can help achieve an ultra-creamy texture and prevent any cheese clumping. The result is a luscious, cheesy broth that hugs every bite.

⏲️ Let It Simmer

Allow the soup to simmer gently for 10–15 minutes. This final simmer brings all the flavors together, thickens the broth, and lets the cheese fully melt and meld into the base. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even consistency.

As the soup simmers, you’ll notice it becoming richer and more cohesive. This brief simmering time takes the flavor from good to unforgettable, giving you a restaurant-worthy bowl of soup without any complicated steps.

🥑 Topping & Serving Suggestions

When it’s time to serve, ladle the soup into bowls and dress it up with your favorite toppings. A dollop of sour cream adds a cool contrast, while crushed tortilla chips give you that satisfying crunch. Fresh avocado slices bring creaminess, and jalapeños or hot sauce offer an extra kick of heat.

Serve this soup with a side of warm cornbread, tortilla chips, or even a green salad for a complete, comforting meal. It’s the kind of dinner that leaves everyone at the table happy—and possibly asking for seconds.

🥣 Storing and Reheating Leftovers

This taco soup stores beautifully! Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat on the stovetop over low heat or pop it in the microwave for a quick bowl of comfort.

You can also freeze this soup for future meals. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently in a pot, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the consistency.

🧩 Customize Your Way

• Spicier: Add hot sauce, jalapeños, or cayenne to dial up the heat.
• Vegetarian: Skip the meat and double up on beans and corn. Use veggie broth instead of beef.
• Lightened Up: Use ground turkey or chicken and swap cream cheese with light cream or half-and-half.

This soup is a blank canvas for your cravings—feel free to make it your own!

✅ Conclusion

This Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup delivers everything you love about tacos in a warm, spoonable form. It’s fast, flavorful, and fantastically satisfying. Whether you’re feeding your family, meal prepping for the week, or just need something cozy in a bowl, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

Recipe Card

Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting and hearty meal that’s bursting with flavor, this Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup is exactly what you need. Combining the savory richness of ground beef, the bold flavors of taco seasoning, and a creamy, cheesy base, this soup is perfect for cozy nights in or family dinners. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and can be ready in under 30 minutes!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 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 cubed
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: sour cream cilantro, sliced jalapeños, tortilla chips

Equipment

• Oven

Method

 

1. Cook the Ground Beef:In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes).Drain any excess fat and add the chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
2. Add Seasoning and Vegetables: Stir in the taco seasoning, coating the beef and onion mixture evenly. Add the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
3. Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Make it Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and cubed cream cheese, allowing the cream cheese to melt into the soup. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated.
5. Taste and Adjust: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a spicier soup, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra diced jalapeños.
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like sour cream, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or crumbled tortilla chips.

Notes

Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can reduce the amount of broth or simmer the soup for longer to reduce liquid.
Make it lighter: For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
Make it spicier: Add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder to increase the heat level to your liking.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.