Description
This Cheesy Keto Taco Soup is warm, creamy, hearty, and loaded with bold Mexican-inspired flavor. Ground beef, tomatoes, green chiles, peppers, taco seasoning, and a rich cream cheese finish come together in a comforting bowl.
The soup has a creamy texture with just the right amount of spice, making it a satisfying choice for chilly evenings or an easy weeknight dinner. The original recipe is designed without beans and provides approximately 5.3g net carbs per serving.
It is also naturally high in protein, with the source recipe listing approximately 49.8g protein per serving.
Can This Cheesy Keto Taco Soup Support Weight Loss Goals?
This soup can fit into a balanced weight-conscious eating pattern when portion sizes and your overall daily intake are considered. The ground beef provides substantial protein, while the creamy ingredients add richness and satiety.
Because cream cheese, cream, and ground beef can contribute significant calories and fat, portion size is important. The original recipe contains no beans and lists approximately 5.3g net carbs per serving.
Does Cheesy Keto Taco Soup Fit a High Protein Lifestyle?
Yes, this soup can work well in a high-protein lifestyle because ground beef or turkey provides the majority of the protein. The original recipe lists approximately 49.8g of protein and 5.3g net carbohydrates per serving. Cream cheese and cream provide richness while tomato, peppers, and green chiles add flavor without making the soup bean-heavy. For a leaner version, ground turkey or lean ground beef can be used.
My Personal Experience
- The creamy finish makes it extra comforting.
Adding room-temperature cream cheese near the end creates a smooth, rich texture without making the soup overly complicated. - The taco seasoning gives every spoonful plenty of flavor.
Ground beef, tomatoes, green chiles, and taco seasoning create a bold combination that tastes satisfying even without beans. - It is especially good for meal prep.
The flavors can develop as the soup rests, making it convenient for preparing meals ahead of time. - The toppings make it easy to customize.
Shredded cheese, avocado, or sour cream can be added when serving for extra texture and flavor.
Perfect For:
- High protein dinners
- Keto-style meal plans
- Low-carb dinners
- Cozy winter meals
- Easy weeknight dinners
- Meal prep
- Family dinners
- High protein meal plans
- Mexican-inspired comfort food
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High in protein
Ground beef or turkey makes this a substantial protein-rich meal. - Low in net carbs
The original recipe uses no beans and lists approximately 5.3g net carbs per serving. - Creamy and cheesy
Cream cheese and cream give the broth a smooth, rich texture. - Big taco flavor
Taco seasoning, green chiles, jalapeño, and tomatoes give the soup plenty of flavor. - Easy to meal prep
The soup reheats well, making it convenient for lunches and dinners throughout the week.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding cold cream cheese directly to the hot soup — Let it reach room temperature first so it melts more smoothly.
- Cooking the beef without draining excess grease — Drain excess fat after browning for a cleaner broth.
- Boiling aggressively after adding dairy — Keep the heat gentle to help maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
- Adding cream cheese too early — Stir it in near the end so the dairy stays smooth.
Required Equipment
- Large soup pot — Provides enough space for browning the meat and simmering the soup.
- Wooden spoon — Makes breaking up ground meat easy while it cooks.
- Ladle — Makes serving individual portions simple.
- Cutting board and knife — Makes preparing the peppers and jalapeño quick and consistent.
- Whisk — Helps incorporate the cream cheese smoothly if needed.
Storage Instructions
Allow leftover soup to cool before transferring it to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
For longer storage, portion the completely cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2–3 months.
Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling the soup vigorously after reheating because the dairy-based mixture can separate.
Recipe Details
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: Approximately 6 portions
Best Season: Fall & Winter
Calories: Approximately 279 calories per serving according to the source recipe.
Short Description
A creamy, cheesy taco soup loaded with seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, peppers, and green chiles.
It delivers bold Mexican-inspired flavor without beans and keeps the net carbs low.
Perfect for cozy dinners, keto-style meal plans, and easy meal prep.
📝 Ingredients
- 2 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- ½ cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
- 5 cups beef broth
- 1 can (7 oz) tomato paste
- 2 cans (4 oz each) diced green chiles
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 4 oz cream cheese, cut into small pieces and brought to room temperature
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Optional toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Diced avocado
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeño
The quantities above follow the source recipe.
Directions
1. Brown the Meat
Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook for approximately 7–10 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
Continue cooking until browned throughout. Drain excess grease.
2. Add the Vegetables and Seasoning
Add the taco seasoning, undrained tomatoes with green chiles, diced green chiles, tomato paste, beef broth, chopped bell pepper, and jalapeño.
Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly combined.
3. Simmer
Reduce the heat to medium-low and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
Simmer uncovered for approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The broth should become slightly thicker and more flavorful.
High-protein cooking tip: Avoid prolonged vigorous boiling; a gentle simmer keeps the meat tender and helps the broth develop flavor.
4. Add the Cream Cheese
Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature. Cut it into small pieces and add it to the soup near the end of cooking.
Stir gently until the cream cheese melts into the broth and the soup becomes creamy.
5. Add the Cream
Pour in the heavy cream and stir until fully incorporated.
Keep the heat on low for another 1–2 minutes. Do not boil aggressively after adding the dairy.
6. Check the Texture
The finished soup should be creamy, smooth, and thick enough to lightly coat a spoon while remaining easy to ladle.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Serve
Ladle into bowls and add your preferred toppings, such as shredded cheese, avocado, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.
Slow Cooker Directions
- Brown the meat in a skillet over medium-high heat, then drain excess grease.
- Transfer the meat to a slow cooker.
- Add taco seasoning, tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, green chiles, bell pepper, and jalapeño.
- Stir well and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours.
- Add the room-temperature cream cheese and heavy cream shortly before serving.
- Stir until the cream cheese melts and the soup becomes smooth and creamy.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
According to the source recipe:
- Calories: 279 kcal
- Fat: 15.8 g
- Cholesterol: 93.9 mg
- Sodium: 466 mg
- Potassium: Not listed
- Total Carbohydrates: 6.9 g
- Fiber: 1.6 g
- Net Carbs: 5.3 g
- Sugars: 4.5 g
- Protein: 49.8 g
- Calcium: Not listed
Nutrition values are approximate and depend on the type of ground meat, taco seasoning, broth, cream cheese, and other brands used. The figures above are those reported by the source recipe.
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for 3–4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooled portions for approximately 2–3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently.
- Allergy note: The recipe contains dairy and may contain soy or gluten depending on the taco seasoning and other packaged ingredients.
- Flavor boost: Add fresh lime juice or chopped cilantro just before serving.
- More heat: Add extra jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne.
- Topping idea: Shredded cheese, avocado, and sour cream complement the creamy taco base.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef for a different flavor and potentially leaner version.
2. Why should the cream cheese be at room temperature?
Room-temperature cream cheese melts more easily into the hot broth and helps create a smoother soup.
3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, after browning the meat, the soup can cook on LOW for approximately 6–8 hours before the cream cheese and cream are added.
4. Is this soup bean-free?
Yes, the source recipe does not include beans, keeping the carbohydrate content relatively low.
5. Can I freeze Cheesy Keto Taco Soup?
Yes, although the dairy may change texture slightly after freezing; thaw and reheat gently while stirring.
6. What toppings go well with taco soup?
Shredded cheese, avocado, sour cream, cilantro, and fresh jalapeño all pair well with the creamy taco flavors.