Beef Taco Soup with Ground Beef and Beans

This creamy beef taco soup is a rich, satisfying, Mexican-inspired dinner made with ground beef, onion, bell pepper, garlic, taco seasoning, tomatoes, salsa, cream, cream cheese, and melted cheddar. It is hearty enough for a full meal, easy enough for a busy weeknight, and can be made either in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop. This flavorful taco soup is high in protein, low in carbs, keto-friendly, gluten-free, and made with no added sugar when you use an appropriate taco seasoning.

You Will Love This Easy Taco Soup Recipe

It is creamy, cheesy, and full of taco flavor. This easy taco soup has the comforting texture of a creamy soup with the bold flavor of seasoned beef, tomatoes, salsa, and melted cheese. It is the kind of recipe that disappears quickly because every spoonful is rich, warm, and satisfying.

You can make it two ways. This recipe works beautifully in an Instant Pot or in a regular soup pot on the stovetop. Both methods are simple, and both give you a cozy, flavorful dinner without a lot of extra dishes.

It fits different eating styles. As written, this is a low carb keto taco soup with no beans, corn, or rice. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use lean ground beef, light cream cheese, and fat-free half-and-half. You can also customize it with extra vegetables or swap the beef for ground chicken or turkey.

Beef Taco Soup Ingredients

Here is what you need to make this creamy beef taco soup recipe:

• Ground Beef – 80/20 ground beef adds great flavor, but leaner ground beef may also be used.
• Onion – Use yellow or white onion for a savory base.
• Bell Pepper – Any color works, so use what you have on hand.
• Garlic Cloves – Fresh minced garlic adds extra depth.
• Beef Broth – Gives the soup its hearty, savory base.
• Diced Tomatoes – Crushed tomatoes may also be used if you prefer a smoother texture.
• Salsa – Use your favorite salsa, mild or spicy.
• Taco Seasoning Mix – Homemade or store-bought seasoning both work. Check the label if you need it to be gluten-free, sugar-free, or keto-friendly.
• Cream Cheese – Make sure it is very soft before adding it so it melts smoothly into the soup.
• Heavy Cream – Fat-free half-and-half can be substituted for a lighter version.
• Cheddar Cheese – Mild, medium, or sharp cheddar all taste delicious.

Equipment

• Instant Pot or pressure cooker – Optional, if using the pressure cooking method.
• Soup pot or Dutch oven – Needed if preparing the soup on the stovetop.

Taco Soup Recipe Easy Variations

This creamy taco soup is easy to adapt based on your preferences and dietary needs.

• Make it lower in fat by using lean ground beef, light cream cheese, fat-free half-and-half, and half the cheddar cheese. If using fattier beef, cook and drain it before continuing with the recipe.
• Change the protein by substituting ground chicken, ground turkey, or lean ground beef.
• Add more vegetables such as zucchini, squash, or riced cauliflower. Beans and corn are also tasty additions if you are not following a keto diet.
• Make it spicy by adding hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or a spicy salsa to taste.

How To Make Taco Soup

Follow these simple steps to make creamy beef taco soup in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop.

Saute Vegetables and Beef

In an Instant Pot or soup pot, saute the ground beef, chopped onion, and bell pepper over medium-high heat until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink.

Add Soup Ingredients

Add the minced garlic, beef broth, diced tomatoes, salsa, and taco seasoning. Stir well so the seasoning blends evenly into the broth.

Cook

This taco soup can be cooked quickly in the Instant Pot or simmered on the stovetop.

Instant Pot

Cook on high pressure for 2 minutes. When the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally.

Stovetop

Bring the soup to a simmer, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 30 minutes so the flavors can come together.

Add Dairy Ingredients

Add the very soft cream cheese, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. Taste, adjust the seasoning if needed, and serve warm.

How To Serve This Recipe For Taco Soup

• This creamy taco soup is filling enough to serve as a complete meal.
• Top each bowl with sour cream, salsa, shredded cheddar, green onion, olives, avocado, or fresh cilantro.
• For family members who are not eating low carb, add crushed tortilla chips or corn chips on top.
• Serve it with a fresh green salad for a simple and balanced meal.
• A cheese quesadilla makes a great side for non-low carb eaters, while cheese crisps are a good keto-friendly option.

How To Store Beef Taco Soup

Refrigerate: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing note: Dairy-based soups can separate after freezing because the cream may change texture. The flavor is still good, but the soup may look slightly curdled. If you freeze it, stir in a little extra cream and freshly grated cheese while reheating to help bring it back together.

Taco Soup Recipe Top Tips

• Make it ahead: Prepare the soup as directed, cool it completely, and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Reheat when ready to serve. The flavor often improves as it sits.
• Use a taco seasoning that fits your needs: If you need a gluten-free or sugar-free soup, check the seasoning label carefully.
• Use freshly grated cheese when possible: Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly because it often contains anti-caking ingredients.
• Soften the cream cheese first: Very soft cream cheese blends into the broth more easily and helps create a smoother soup.

Yes. Brown the beef with the onion and bell pepper, then add the broth, tomatoes, salsa, garlic, and taco seasoning. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes. Stir in the cream cheese, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese at the end until the soup is creamy and well blended.

Yes. Ground chicken or ground turkey can be used in place of ground beef. The soup will have a slightly different flavor, but it will still be delicious.

Yes. This recipe is keto-friendly because it does not include beans, corn, or rice. It contains 5.5 grams of net carbs, 35.3 grams of fat, and 23.7 grams of protein per serving based on the listed nutrition information.

Use lean ground beef or substitute ground turkey or chicken. You can also use light cream cheese, fat-free half-and-half, and less cheddar cheese. If the soup becomes thinner, a small amount of cornstarch can be used to thicken it if desired.

It depends on the brand. Always read the ingredient label to confirm whether a taco seasoning packet is gluten-free, sugar-free, or suitable for your dietary needs.

Tortilla soup usually includes pieces of fried corn tortilla, while taco soup does not. The two soups can have similar seasonings and ingredients, but tortilla soup is often made with chicken, while taco soup is often made with beef.

Taco soup can become watery if too much broth or water is added. Extra vegetables, especially frozen vegetables, can also release liquid as they cook.

Easy Taco Soup