Keto Creamy Beef Taco Soup Recipe

Why I Love This Recipe

This Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly Creamy Taco Soup is everything you need in a comforting bowl of goodness—hearty, flavorful, and rich without all the extra carbs. It’s the perfect way to indulge in taco-inspired flavors without the traditional tortillas. Packed with veggies, topped with fresh avocado and lime juice, and made creamy with cream cheese or heavy cream, this soup will keep you full and satisfied. Whether you’re on a keto diet or just want a lighter, yet filling, meal, this soup checks all the boxes. It’s quick, easy to make, and can be customized to your liking!

Recipe Details

Duration

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4 people
• Calories per Serving: 347 kcal

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey or chicken)
• 1 tbsp oil (of choice)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes or 1 large tomato, chopped
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese OR 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (homemade or 1 packet)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 (14.5 oz) can beef broth (about 1.5 cups)

Instructions

1. Brown the Meat:
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef (or turkey or chicken), diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook for about 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the meat is browned through and the onion becomes soft and translucent.
2. Add Vegetables & Seasoning:
   Add diced green bell pepper (if using), Rotel diced tomatoes (or a chopped large tomato), cream cheese, and taco seasoning. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and the cream cheese to fully melt and incorporate into the soup.
3. Simmer the Soup:
   Pour in the beef broth and stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to low-medium and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired thickness. If you like your soup a bit thicker, allow it to cook a bit longer to reduce the liquid.
4. Serve:
   Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings such as freshly sliced avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, jalapeño slices, and a drizzle of lime juice.

Tips & Tricks

• Meat Options:
  You can use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner version of this soup. These alternatives will still work great, but if using lean meat, you might want to add an extra teaspoon of oil to prevent it from being too dry.
• Make It Spicy:
  If you like a bit of heat, consider adding some chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce. The Rotel tomatoes already provide a bit of heat, but you can ramp it up to your preference.
• Creamy Variation:
  For a super creamy soup, go for heavy cream instead of cream cheese. It will add a silky texture to the soup without any tanginess, making it more like a creamy chowder.
• Thickening:
  If the soup is too thin, you can thicken it up by adding a tablespoon of cream cheese or simmering it longer to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, a small amount of xanthan gum can be added to thicken it without adding carbs.

Notes

• Vegetable Options:
  If you’re looking to add more veggies to your soup, zucchini or cauliflower rice are great options to add without adding too many carbs. Simply chop them into small pieces and add them in with the bell peppers.
• Taco Seasoning:
  If you prefer homemade taco seasoning, just combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjust to taste depending on how spicy you want the soup.
• Freezer-Friendly:
  This soup freezes well! Allow the soup to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to serve.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different broth?
Yes! You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth if you prefer a different flavor. Beef broth adds a richer taste, but either will work well.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare this soup a day in advance and refrigerate it for easy reheating. The flavors often improve after sitting overnight.

3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meat and onion on the stovetop, then transfer it to a slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. You can also add the cream cheese in at the end, letting it melt just before serving.

Storage

• Refrigeration:
  Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before refrigerating.
• Freezing:
  If you want to make a large batch, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Let it cool fully, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

This Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly Creamy Taco Soup is the ideal option for anyone craving a cozy, filling, and flavorful meal without the carbs. With the added freshness of avocado and lime, it’s a healthy and satisfying way to enjoy all the flavors of tacos in a bowl