Creamy Beef Taco Soup: A Hearty and Flavorful Comfort Dish

Warm up your dinner table with this Creamy Beef Taco Soup, a dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Packed with tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy, spiced broth, this soup is a comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. The rich flavors of smoked paprika, cumin, and chipotle sauce combined with the creaminess of cheddar and cream cheese make this soup a must-try for taco lovers.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 large green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1.2 pounds beef (85% lean)
• 2 tablespoons chopped pickled jalapeños + 2 tablespoons brine from jalapeños
• 4 cups beef broth or chicken broth
• 3 cups crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (240g/8.5 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 5 ounces corn kernels
• 2 tablespoons chipotle sauce
• ½ cup cream (20%)
• 5 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 5 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano

Toppings:

• Chopped cilantro
• Chopped scallions
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt

Directions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

1. Begin by prepping all your ingredients: finely chop the red onion, mince the garlic, and dice the green bell pepper after removing the seeds and veins. This step will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.

Step 2: Cook the Base

1. Heat the olive oil and unsalted butter in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced bell pepper and cook for about 3 minutes until it starts to soften.
3. Add the chopped red onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant and the onions are translucent.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

1. Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Cook for about 3 minutes until it begins to brown.
2. Stir in the spices (salt, black pepper, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and oregano), along with the chopped jalapeños and their brine. Cook for 1 minute to let the flavors meld together.

Step 4: Build the Soup

1. Pour in the beef or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and corn kernels, bringing the soup back to a boil.
3. Once boiling, cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Creamy Elements

1. While the soup simmers, chop the cilantro and grate the cheddar cheese.
2. When the soup is ready, stir in the chipotle sauce, cream, cream cheese, and grated cheddar. Stir until everything is fully incorporated and the soup is smooth.
3. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. Adjust the salt if needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Finish the soup with freshly ground black pepper and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
2. Serve the soup hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as chopped cilantro, chopped scallions, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Quick Tips

• Customization: Feel free to add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition. You can also adjust the spice level by adding more or less chipotle sauce or jalapeños.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
• Serving Suggestion: Pair this soup with a side of crusty bread or tortilla chips for a complete and satisfying meal.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Calories: 450 kcal per serving
• Servings: 6 servings

This Creamy Beef Taco Soup is the perfect combination of comfort and flavor, bringing together the best elements of tacos in a warm, hearty bowl of soup. Whether you’re serving it to family or enjoying it on a cozy night in, this soup is sure to be a hit. Enjoy!

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