This Keto Taco Soup is a warm, hearty dish packed with flavor but low in carbs. It mixes ground meat, zesty spices, and fresh veggies for a filling meal!
Perfect for a cozy dinner, it’s so easy to whip up. Plus, the best part? You can pile on toppings like cheese and avocado without a worry! I can’t resist those crunchy tortilla chips on the side! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using ground beef for its rich flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey works well too. For a vegetarian twist, try using crumbled tofu or lentils.
Heavy Cream: This adds a delicious creaminess to the soup. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, use coconut cream or a low-carb milk like unsweetened almond milk—just know it’ll change the flavor a bit!
Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes bring juicy sweetness. For fresher flavor, you can use fresh ripe tomatoes (about 2-3) or fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a smoky kick.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika are key! If you’re missing one, experiment with taco seasoning. It blends all the flavors you need, but be mindful of the sodium.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Flavor Balance?
To make this soup delicious, start by sautéing your onion and green bell pepper until soft. This builds a flavorful base. When you add the ground meat, break it up well while cooking so it browns evenly.
- Toast your spices for about a minute after adding them with the meat. This makes their flavors pop!
- Don’t rush the simmering process; letting it cook for 15-20 minutes allows the ingredients to meld beautifully.
- Taste before serving! Adjust seasoning based on your preference. A little squeeze of lime at the end brightens everything up.
How to Make Keto Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced green bell pepper (optional for extra texture)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional for mild heat)
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream (optional)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Keto Taco Soup takes about 10 minutes of preparation time and 30 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes to a delicious, hearty meal that’s perfect for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Base:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the diced onion and optional green bell pepper. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes, or until they become soft and fragrant. This will give you a great flavor base for your soup!
2. Add Garlic and Brown the Meat:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 30 seconds, just until it gets fragrant. Then, introduce the ground beef (or turkey) to the pot, cooking it until it’s browned, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to break it up with a spoon as it cooks. If there’s excess grease, feel free to drain it off.
3. Spice It Up:
Now, it’s time to add the flavor! Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let this cook for about 1 minute to allow those spices to toast and deepen in flavor.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Pour in the undrained canned tomatoes, green chilies (if you’re using them), tomato paste, and broth. Stir everything together really well to combine all those yummy ingredients.
5. Simmer the Soup:
Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes. This helps all the flavors meld together beautifully!
6. Add Cream and Finish:
After it’s done simmering, lower the heat a bit more and stir in the heavy cream. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes. Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the spices if needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to serve that delicious Keto Taco Soup! Ladle it into bowls and add your favorite toppings: a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, a few slices of avocado, a generous pinch of fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream if you like. Don’t forget a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top for an extra burst of flavor!
Enjoy your warm, comforting, and low-carb Keto Taco Soup!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative and works perfectly in this soup. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as turkey may cook a bit faster than beef.
How Can I Thicken the Soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add more tomato paste or use an additional 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Another option is to puree a portion of the soup in a blender and stir it back in for a creamier texture.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, this soup is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze it, let the soup cool completely first, then pour it into freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
