This Keto Taco Soup is a warm and hearty dish perfect for cozy nights. Packed with delicious flavors and loaded with veggies, it’s a tasty meal that won’t ruin your diet!
I love how quick it is to whip up. Just toss everything in one pot and let it simmer. Plus, it’s great for leftovers—if you have any left, that is! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I love using 80/20 ground beef for its rich flavor, but you can opt for leaner cuts or ground turkey for a healthier option. Make sure to cook it well to ensure all the flavors blend nicely.
Onion: A small onion adds great depth. If you’re short on time, you can substitute with onion powder (about 1 teaspoon) instead. It won’t have the same texture, but the flavor will still shine through.
Heavy Cream: This gives the soup its creamy goodness, but if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut cream works well. It adds a subtle sweetness that contrasts nicely with the spices.
Cheddar Cheese: I prefer sharp cheddar for its strong flavor. If you’re avoiding dairy, nutritional yeast can give a cheesy essence, though the texture will differ a bit.
What’s the Best Way to Build Flavor in My Soup?
Layering flavors is key in any soup! Start by sautéing your onions and garlic in olive oil; this helps release their natural oils and flavors. As you brown the meat, don’t skip toasting the spices. This brings out their aromas.
- Cook onions until translucent—don’t rush this step!
- Add garlic just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Too long, and it can burn.
- After browning the beef, sprinkle the spices and cook them briefly before adding liquids. This enhances their flavors.
- Let it simmer gently for at least 15 minutes to meld everything together beautifully.
How to Make Keto Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 avocado, sliced (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Keto Taco Soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook. That means you’ll have a delicious meal ready in about 40 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and begins to soften. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant—be careful not to let it burn!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s too much excess fat, feel free to drain some off. We want the beef, but we don’t need it swimming in grease!
3. Toast the Spices:
Once the beef is cooked, sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let the spices cook for 1-2 minutes. This step is key to enhancing their flavors!
4. Add the Liquids:
Next, stir in the can of diced tomatoes (not draining the juice) and the beef broth. Mix well to combine. Bring the soup to a simmer, then let it cook for 15-20 minutes on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
5. Stir in Cream and Cheese:
Once the soup has simmered, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the soup simmer another 5 minutes. Then, remove it from the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts into the soup, making it creamy and delicious.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with slices of avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, creamy goodness of your Keto Taco Soup!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just keep in mind that it may require a little extra seasoning since it tends to have a milder flavor than beef. You might consider adding a bit more chili powder or spices to enhance the taste!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. You may want to add a splash of broth or cream to refresh the creamy texture.
Is This Soup Freezable?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it gently on the stove.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Certainly! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based protein like lentils, mushrooms, or textured vegetable protein (TVP). Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and you will have a delicious vegan-friendly taco soup!
