Creamy Beef Taco Soup

Instructions:

Preparing the Soup Base:

1. Brown the Ground Beef:
   • In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
   • Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if needed.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   • Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the cooked ground beef. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
3. Season the Base:
   • Sprinkle the taco seasoning mix over the beef and onion mixture. Stir well to evenly coat everything. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Add Canned Ingredients:
   • Incorporate the canned black beans, pinto beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel) into the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
5. Pour in Beef Broth:
   • Add the beef broth to the mixture. This adds depth and a savory dimension to the soup.
6. Simmer and Cover:
   • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 20-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the beans and vegetables to soften.

Creating the Creamy Base:

1. Prepare a Roux:
   • In a separate saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about 2-3 minutes to create a smooth roux. This will help thicken the soup.
2. Add Creamy Ingredients:
   • Gradually pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. The mixture should thicken as you stir.
3. Incorporate Cream Cheese:
   • Add the softened cream cheese to the mixture and continue to stir until it’s fully melted and incorporated.
4. Season the Creamy Base:
   • Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. The seasonings enhance the creamy base with a hint of smokiness and spice.
5. Add Shredded Cheddar:
   • Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese and continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted, creating a rich, creamy sauce.

Bringing it all Together:

1. Combine the Creamy Base and Soup Base:
   • Pour the prepared creamy base into the soup pot with the simmered soup base. Stir everything together to create a smooth and creamy soup.

Serving and Optional Garnish:

1. Hot and Delicious:
   • Serve the Creamy Beef Taco Soup hot, ladling it into bowls.
2. Garnish to Perfection:
   • Top each serving with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and a pop of color.
3. Serving with Crunch:
   • Accompany your soup with tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy texture of the soup.

Enjoy your Creamy Beef Taco Soup! Conclusion: Creamy Beef Taco Soup is a delightful fusion of spicy taco flavors and creamy soup comfort. This recipe brings together ground beef, vegetables, and a rich, creamy base that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this detailed recipe ensures that you can create a Creamy Beef Taco Soup that’s both delicious and satisfying. Savor every spoonful and enjoy the comforting warmth of this delightful dish!