This Keto Taco Soup is a warm and tasty dish that brings Mexican flavors without the carbs! Filled with ground meat, veggies, and spices, it’s perfect for cozy nights.
What I love most is how quick it is to make. Just toss everything into one pot, and you’re good to go! Plus, it’s great for meal prep—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using 80/20 ground beef gives great flavor and fat content. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken work well too for a leaner option. Just check for no added fillers!
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the soup. For a lighter version, consider using coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk, but the texture may change a bit.
Diced Tomatoes: Always opt for no-sugar-added canned tomatoes. If you have fresh tomatoes, feel free to chop them up and use about 2-3 cups instead!
Spices: Chili powder and cumin are essential for flavor. For a twist, you could add taco seasoning or smoked paprika for a nice depth.
How Do I Ensure My Taco Soup is Full of Flavor?
Building flavor is key in this soup, especially when working with ground meat. Start by cooking the beef and incorporating onions and garlic; this will create a solid base.
- Cook the beef until browned and crumbly.
- Next, soften onions and garlic for that aromatic push.
- Don’t rush adding the spices—let them sit in the pan for a minute before adding the liquids. This helps release their natural oils!
Lastly, simmering the soup allows everything to blend together beautifully, so patience is a virtue.
How to Make Keto Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (no sugar added)
- 2 cups beef broth (low sodium)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Toppings:
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Jalapeño slices (optional, for garnish)
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Keto Taco Soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes in total to cook. In just over half an hour, you’ll have a warm, hearty soup perfect for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Beef:
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the pot, using a spoon to break it into smaller pieces. Cook until browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s extra fat, drain it off to keep your soup lean and healthy.
2. Sautéing the Onion and Garlic:
Once the beef is nicely browned, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. The aroma will be fantastic!
3. Adding Spices:
Next, stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy), salt, and pepper. Allow these spices to cook for about 1 minute to release their flavors. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
4. Mixing in the Liquids:
Carefully add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, and tomato paste to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined. This is where the soup starts to come together!
5. Simmering the Soup:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
6. Adding Cream:
After simmering, stir in the heavy cream for richness. Let it cook on low heat for an additional 5 minutes to warm through, giving your soup a lovely creamy texture.
7. Final Touches:
Before serving, taste your soup and add more salt and pepper if needed. Adjust according to your preference!
8. Serving Up:
It’s time to dig in! Serve the soup hot and top each bowl with shredded cheese, sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and jalapeño slices if you like heat. Offer lime wedges on the side for a fresh squeeze of flavor. Enjoy your delicious, keto-friendly taco soup!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as turkey cooks a bit faster than beef. You can also add a touch of olive oil if you find it’s too dry.
How Can I Make This Soup Spicier?
If you want extra heat, consider adding more cayenne pepper or including diced jalapeños or serrano peppers when you sauté the onions and garlic. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side for those who like it spicy!
Can I Prepare This Soup in Advance?
Yes! You can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra broth if it thickens too much. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What Are Some Good Toppings for This Soup?
Great question! Besides shredded cheese and avocado, you can also top your soup with sour cream, guacamole, or even crushed pork rinds for added crunch. Fresh lime juice and cilantro are perfect for brightening up the flavors, too!
