Cheesy Keto Taco Soup 🌮🧀🥑
A creamy, low-carb taco soup packed with seasoned beef, tender vegetables, and plenty of melted cheese. This cozy one-pot meal is perfect for keto dinners, meal prep, and chilly nights.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1½ pounds ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small bell pepper, diced
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained slightly
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Taco Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Optional Keto Toppings
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Avocado slices
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Green onions
- Crushed pork rinds (instead of tortilla chips)
- Lime wedges
Instructions
1. Cook the Beef
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and onion.
- Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking the beef apart until browned.
- Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add garlic and bell pepper; cook for 1–2 minutes.
2. Add Seasonings and Liquids
- Stir in the taco seasoning spices.
- Add diced tomatoes and beef broth.
- Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
3. Make It Creamy
- Reduce heat to low.
- Add softened cream cheese and stir until completely melted.
- Pour in heavy cream.
- Gradually stir in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack until smooth and creamy.
- Simmer for another 5 minutes (do not boil).
4. Serve
- Ladle into bowls.
- Add your favorite keto toppings.
- Serve hot with a squeeze of fresh lime.
Slow Cooker Method
- Brown the beef with onion and garlic first.
- Add beef, seasonings, broth, tomatoes, and peppers to the slow cooker.
- Cook:
- Low: 6–7 hours
- High: 3–4 hours
- Stir in cream cheese, heavy cream, and shredded cheese during the last 20–30 minutes.
Variations
Chicken Keto Taco Soup
- Replace beef with shredded chicken.
- Use chicken broth instead of beef broth.
Extra Spicy
- Add diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or hot sauce.
More Vegetables
- Add zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or cauliflower rice.
Bacon Cheeseburger Taco Soup
- Add cooked bacon pieces and extra cheddar for a smoky twist.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat slowly.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Avoid boiling to keep the cheese sauce smooth.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Net Carbs: 5 g
- Fat: 41 g
Tips for the Best Keto Taco Soup
✅ Use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream for the richest texture.
✅ Shred cheese fresh from the block for a smoother melt.
✅ Add cheese slowly over low heat to prevent separation.
✅ Let the soup sit for 5–10 minutes before serving—it thickens beautifully.
This Cheesy Keto Taco Soup delivers all the flavors of tacos in a creamy, comforting bowl while keeping it low-carb and satisfying. 🌮🥣🧀