This Keto Taco Soup is a warm bowl of happiness, filled with tasty ground beef, colorful veggies, and zesty spices. It’s low in carbs but high in flavor!
Making this soup is a breeze—just toss everything in a pot and let it simmer. Perfect for chilly nights or whenever you’re craving taco vibes without the carbs!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the show! You can use ground turkey or chicken if you want a leaner option. Both still pack great flavor and work well in this soup.
Onion & Garlic: Onions add sweetness, while garlic brings depth. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder and onion powder can replace fresh. Use about 1/2 tsp of each for this recipe.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes provide acidity and texture. If fresh tomatoes are available, feel free to chop them up (2-3 medium tomatoes should work) and add some tomato sauce for consistency.
Heavy Cream: This adds a rich, creamy texture. If you want to cut calories, you can use half-and-half or even coconut cream for a different flavor. Just watch the carb content if you use coconut!
Spices: Chili powder and cumin really enhance flavor. If you’re out of chili powder, taco seasoning can be a great substitute. Adjust seasoning to your taste!
How Do I Get the Perfect Flavor Boost with Spices?
Add spices at the right moment to maximize their effect. Once the beef is browned, mix in the spices and tomato paste and let them cook for a few minutes. This step releases the spices’ oils, intensifying the flavors.
- Sauté onions until soft, then add garlic until fragrant.
- Immediately stir in tomato paste and dry spices. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add liquids to deglaze the pot and capture all those lovely bits stuck to the bottom!
This technique helps create a rich, flavorful base for your soup that will have everyone asking for seconds!
How to Make Keto Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
For Garnishes:
- Sliced avocado
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- Lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Keto Taco Soup takes about 15 minutes for prep and 30-35 minutes for cooking—making a total of about 50 minutes. You’ll spend some time sautéing and simmering, but it’s an easy-going process! Just let the flavors meld together for a delightful meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Base:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, which takes about 3-4 minutes. This step builds the flavor base of your soup!
2. Adding Garlic and Beef:
Once the onion is softened, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. Then, add the ground beef to the pot. Cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. If there’s extra fat when cooking, feel free to drain it off.
3. Mixing in the Spices:
Now it’s time to kick up the flavor! Stir in the tomato paste along with the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for about 1-2 minutes. This helps release wonderful scents and flavor from the spices!
4. Building the Soup:
Add the diced tomatoes (with their juicy goodness) and the beef broth. Stir everything well, then bring it to a cozy simmer. It’s starting to look like taco magic!
5. Letting It Simmer:
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes. This gives all those delicious flavors a chance to meld together beautifully.
6. Finishing Touches:
After simmering, stir in the heavy cream and allow it to heat through for another 5 minutes. Make sure it doesn’t boil after adding the cream to keep it smooth and creamy!
7. Taste and Serve:
Before serving, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Now, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, fresh herbs, and lime wedges on the side.
Enjoy your creamy, zesty Keto Taco Soup—a comforting, low-carb, flavorful meal perfect for any taco night or cozy dinner!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef and will work perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly, and consider adding a bit of extra seasoning since turkey has a milder flavor.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep this soup a day or two in advance! Just let it cool completely after cooking, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving. You might want to add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to refresh the consistency.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can also freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add low-carb veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to enhance the soup’s nutrition and flavor. Just chop them up and sauté them along with the onions at the beginning for the best results.
