Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup corn (preferably frozen white corn)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1-2 Tablespoons taco seasoning (use 2 Tbsp as per instructions)
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more for seasoning to taste)
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup fresh salsa
Canned Ingredients
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
Dairy
- 8 ounces cream cheese (one block), chopped into cubes and at room temperature
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Sauté Veggies: In a large pot over medium heat, cook 1 pound of lean ground beef for a few minutes until browned. Add 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion and 1 chopped red bell pepper, sautéing for about 3 minutes until softened. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Seasonings and Green Chiles: Stir in 2 tablespoons taco seasoning, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Mix in 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles. Cook for an additional minute to blend flavors.
- Add Beans, Corn, Tomatoes, and Salsa: Incorporate 1 can each of black beans, kidney beans, and white beans (all drained and rinsed), 1 cup corn, 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce, 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, and 1/2 cup fresh salsa. Stir everything until well combined.
- Simmer the Soup: Let the soup simmer on low heat for 15 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the soup becomes too thick, add up to 1/2 cup warm water to reach desired consistency.
- Add Cream Cheese and Cilantro, Season to Taste: Add the 8 ounces of room temperature cream cheese in small cubes to the hot soup and stir until fully melted and smooth, creating a creamy texture. Stir in the chopped cilantro and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce grease and make soup healthier.
- Simmering time can be extended for deeper flavor development.
- Room temperature cream cheese melts more evenly into the soup.
- Add warm water if the soup gets too thick during simmering.
- Garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or tortilla chips for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican