Creamy Keto Taco Soup with Ground Beef recipe
Warm, hearty, and delightfully rich, this Creamy Keto Taco Soup is the ultimate comfort food with a low-carb twist. Each spoonful bursts with savory ground beef, cream cheese, and just the right blend of spices, creating a cozy meal without compromising your keto goals.
Perfect for those chilly nights or when you crave a quick, satisfying dinner, this soup is ready in under 30 minutes. The combination of garlic, onion, cumin, and chili powder delivers a tantalizing depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy base.
Whether you’re new to keto or a seasoned pro, this soup is a winner for anyone looking to enjoy a guilt-free, flavorful dish. While freezing isn’t recommended, leftovers stay delicious for days—just reheat and savor!
Creamy Keto Taco Soup with Ground Beef – Key Ingredients
Ground Beef: The heart of this keto soup, bringing a rich, savory flavor and hearty texture that pairs perfectly with creamy elements. It forms the base, adding depth and substance to each comforting bite.
Cream Cheese: This ingredient is the key to achieving that luscious, creamy texture. It blends seamlessly into the broth, creating a velvety smooth consistency that elevates the entire dish.
Beef Broth: Infuses the soup with a robust, umami-rich flavor, tying together the spices and tomatoes. It adds body and ensures a comforting, satisfying bowl of soup.
Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles: These add a tangy kick and a touch of heat, balancing the richness of the cream and beef with bright, bold flavors.
Heavy Cream: Enhances the creaminess, rounding out the soup with a silky finish. It complements the spices and provides that indulgent, rich mouthfeel essential to this low-carb delight.
Recipe Tips
1. Use Freshly Grated Cheese for the Best Texture
While pre-shredded cheese can save time, it often contains anti-caking agents that can make the soup less smooth. For a creamier texture, grate your own cheese before adding it to the soup. Freshly grated cheese melts better and helps maintain the luxurious consistency of this creamy keto taco soup. Plus, it enhances the overall flavor, making every bite more delicious.
2. Adjust the Spice Level to Your Preference
The blend of cumin and chili powder creates a warm and slightly spicy base, but you can adjust the heat to suit your taste. If you enjoy extra heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or sliced fresh jalapeños to the mix. For a milder version, reduce the chili powder or use mild diced tomatoes and green chiles. This allows you to customize the soup to your liking, making it suitable for all palates.
3. Don’t Skip Softening the Cream Cheese
Adding softened cream cheese is crucial for achieving that smooth, creamy texture. If the cream cheese is too cold, it can clump and create uneven pockets in the soup. To avoid this, let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before adding it to the pot. Alternatively, microwave it for 15-20 seconds. This small step ensures the cream cheese blends seamlessly with the beef and broth.
What to Serve with Creamy Keto Taco Soup
1. Fresh Avocado Slices
Serve this creamy keto taco soup with fresh avocado slices for a perfect balance of creamy and cool. The avocado adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, spicy soup while boosting the healthy fats, making it an ideal low-carb pairing.
2. Keto-Friendly Tortilla Chips
For a little crunch, pair the soup with keto-friendly tortilla chips. These crispy chips add a satisfying texture and are perfect for dipping into the rich broth. Look for store-bought options or make your own using low-carb tortillas toasted in the oven.
3. Crisp Green Salad
A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is an excellent way to complement the rich flavors of this soup. The freshness of mixed greens, cucumbers, and a lemon-based dressing helps cut through the richness, balancing the meal and adding a light, crisp touch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the soup a day ahead. Let it cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. When reheating, do so gently over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture.
2. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking to reduce calories or prefer a milder flavor. The texture remains similar, and it will still blend well with the creamy ingredients.
3. What can I do if the soup is too thick?
If the soup turns out thicker than desired, add a bit more beef broth or water, a quarter cup at a time, until you reach your preferred consistency. Adjust the seasoning as needed to maintain the flavor.
4. Why is freezing not recommended for this soup?
Freezing isn’t recommended because the cream cheese and heavy cream can separate when thawed, leading to a grainy texture. For the best experience, enjoy this soup fresh or within a few days of refrigeration.
Creamy Keto Taco Soup with Ground Beef
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
- 2 14.5-ounce cans beef broth
- 2 10-ounce cans diced tomatoes and green chiles (such as RO*TEL)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons salt or adjust to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients.
- In a large soup pot, combine the ground beef, minced garlic, and chopped onion. Set over medium-high heat, cooking while stirring frequently until the beef is browned and broken into small pieces, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
- Remove and discard excess grease. Stir in the ground cumin and chili powder, allowing the spices to cook for an additional 2 minutes to release their full aroma.
- Gradually add softened cream cheese to the pot, mashing it into the beef mixture with a large spoon. Continue until the cream cheese is completely blended with no visible white spots, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes and green chiles, and heavy cream. Add salt according to taste. Stir well and cook until thoroughly heated, roughly 10 minutes more.
- Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, comforting bowl of keto taco soup.
