Creamy Southwestern Beef Taco Soup
This indulgent and flavorful Creamy Southwestern Beef Taco Soup is perfect for a comforting meal on a chilly evening. With a rich combination of ground beef, cream cheese, and zesty Ro-Tel tomatoes, this soup is a delightful blend of southwestern flavors. Enhanced with aromatic spices like cumin and chili powder, and finished with a touch of heavy cream, it offers a deliciously creamy texture. Ideal for those following a low-carb diet, this hearty soup is not only satisfying but also easy to prepare, making it a staple in your recipe collection.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (browned)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
cumin
1 tablespoon (spice)
chili powder
1 teaspoon (spice)
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Ro-Tel tomatoes
2 (10 ounces) cans (undrained)
beef broth
3 cups (liquid)
heavy cream
1/2 cup (liquid)
salt
2 teaspoons (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a large soup pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat along with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup lean.
2
Sprinkle in the cumin and chili powder, stirring for about 2 minutes to allow the spices to become fragrant and infuse the meat.
3
Cut the softened cream cheese into small chunks and add it to the pot. Using the back of a spoon, mash the cream cheese into the beef mixture until it fully melts and is integrated.
4
Pour in the undrained Ro-Tel tomatoes, beef broth, and heavy cream. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the soup to heat through for about 5-10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
6
Serve warm, garnished with your favorite toppings such as avocado, cheese, or cilantro if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Southwestern Beef Taco Soup?
It is a rich and flavorful soup made with ground beef, cream cheese, Ro-Tel tomatoes, and southwestern spices like cumin and chili powder.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
Is this soup suitable for a keto diet?
Yes, the recipe is low-carb and high-fat, making it ideal for those following a ketogenic lifestyle.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or even ground chicken can be used as a leaner substitute for ground beef.
What are Ro-Tel tomatoes?
Ro-Tel is a brand of canned diced tomatoes blended with green chilies and spices.
Can I substitute the Ro-Tel tomatoes?
If you cannot find Ro-Tel, you can use a 10-ounce can of diced tomatoes and a small 4-ounce can of diced green chilies.
How should I store leftover taco soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can this soup be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months, though the dairy components might separate slightly upon thawing; simply stir well while reheating.
How long does it take to cook this soup?
The total preparation and cooking time is approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the beef, onions, and garlic first, then add all ingredients except the heavy cream to the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, stirring in the cream at the end.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, use the sauté function for the beef and onions, add the remaining ingredients, and pressure cook for 5 minutes followed by a quick release.
Is this soup very spicy?
It has a mild to medium heat level depending on the variety of Ro-Tel used and the chili powder.
How can I make the soup spicier?
You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or use the 'Hot' version of Ro-Tel tomatoes.
What toppings go well with Southwestern Beef Taco Soup?
Recommended toppings include sliced avocado, shredded cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, sour cream, or jalapeños.
Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?
Yes, chicken broth is a perfectly acceptable substitute and will not significantly change the flavor profile.
Why is cream cheese used in this recipe?
Cream cheese provides a thick, velvety texture and adds a mild tanginess that complements the spices.
How do I prevent the cream cheese from being lumpy?
Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature and mash it thoroughly into the meat mixture before adding liquids.
Can I add beans to this soup?
If you are not following a low-carb diet, black beans or kidney beans make a great addition.
Can I add corn to the recipe?
Yes, adding a cup of frozen or canned corn is a popular variation for extra texture and sweetness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The main ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on your beef broth and spices to ensure no hidden gluten.
What type of onion is best for this soup?
A yellow or white onion works best for a balanced flavor.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, use approximately 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder to replace the 2 minced cloves.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
You can, but the soup will be less rich and may have a slightly different consistency.
How do I reheat the soup?
Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals.
Can I use half and half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, though the soup will be slightly thinner than if you used heavy cream.
What if I do not have cumin?
You can substitute cumin with a taco seasoning packet, but be mindful of the added salt and carbs.
Is this soup filling enough for a main meal?
Yes, thanks to the protein in the beef and the healthy fats in the cream and cheese, it is very satiating.
Can I add bell peppers?
Yes, sautéing chopped green or red bell peppers with the onions adds extra nutrients and flavor.
Should I drain the fat from the beef?
Yes, draining the excess fat ensures the soup isn't overly greasy and maintains a smooth texture.
Is this soup good for meal prepping?
Absolutely, the flavors often deepen and improve after sitting in the refrigerator overnight.