Creamy Chipotle Taco Soup

Here’s a flavorful and creamy Chipotle Taco Soup recipe that’s perfect for cozy nights or meal prep. This recipe brings the smoky heat of chipotle peppers together with creamy textures for a delicious soup.

Creamy Chipotle Taco Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or chicken/turkey if preferred)

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained

• 1 packet taco seasoning

• 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped (adjust based on heat preference)

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)

• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra creaminess)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

• Lime wedges, for serving

• Tortilla chips, crushed (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Ground Meat:

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef (or your chosen meat) over medium heat. Break it up into crumbles as it cooks. Once cooked through, drain excess fat if necessary.

2. Sauté Onion and Garlic:

   • Add the diced onion to the pot with the ground meat. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.

   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Add Seasonings:

   • Stir in the taco seasoning, cumin, and chili powder. Let it cook for about 1 minute to bloom the spices.

4. Add the Broth & Vegetables:

   • Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (with juice), black beans, and corn. Stir well.

5. Chipotle Kick:

   • Add the chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (start with 1 for mild heat, or add more for extra spiciness). If you want the soup to be extra smoky, you can add a tablespoon of the adobo sauce as well.

6. Simmer:

   • Bring the soup to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let it cook for 15-20 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.

7. Make it Creamy:

   • Stir in the heavy cream and softened cream cheese. Mix well until the cream cheese melts completely into the soup. This will make the soup rich and creamy.

   • If you like extra cheese, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese now, letting it melt in.

8. Adjust the Seasoning:

   • Taste the soup and adjust with salt and pepper, or more chipotle/adobo if you want it spicier.

9. Serve:

   • Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with crushed tortilla chips, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for extra brightness.

Optional Garnishes:

• Sliced avocado

• Sour cream or Mexican crema

• Extra shredded cheese

• Jalapeño slices for a bit more heat