Description
Warm up with a comforting bowl of Creamy Chicken Taco Soup! Bursting with bold spices, tender chicken, and a creamy base, this hearty soup is perfect for chilly evenings or easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Spice Blend:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon table salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Soup Base:
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (e.g., avocado oil)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 lb (453 g) ground beef
- 1 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cans (15 oz each) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (11 oz) Mexican-style corn, drained
- 1 can (7 oz) diced green chiles
- 3 cups (710 ml) beef broth
Optional for Creamy Touch:
- 1 cup heavy cream or dairy-free alternative
Instructions
Prepare the Spice Blend:
Combine all the spices in a small bowl and whisk together. Set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat cooking oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Cook the Meat:
- Add ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it up into crumbles, until browned.
- Drain excess grease if needed.
4. Add the Flavor Base:
- Sprinkle the spice blend over the cooked beef and mix well.
- Add tomato paste, stirring to combine, and cook for 1 minute.
5. Build the Soup:
- Add fire-roasted diced tomatoes, black beans, pinto beans, Mexican-style corn, diced green chiles, and beef broth.
- Stir thoroughly and bring the soup to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add the Creamy Touch (Optional):
During the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in heavy cream or a dairy-free alternative for a creamy finish.
Notes
- Adjust spice levels by modifying the cayenne pepper.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- This soup freezes well; portion into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Substitute ground beef with shredded chicken or a plant-based alternative for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican-American