This One-Pot Low-Carb Taco Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Packed with ground beef, cream cheese, and a blend of spices, this soup offers all the delicious flavors of a taco in a comforting, low-carb soup. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, instructions, and tips for making the perfect One-Pot Low-Carb Taco Soup. Additionally, we’ll provide variations and address frequently asked questions to ensure you achieve the best results.
Ingredients
For the One-Pot Low-Carb Taco Soup:
- 2 pounds 80/20 ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 (8-ounce) package softened cream cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (10-ounce) cans chopped tomatoes
- 2 (10-ounce) cans low-sodium beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1 jalapeño pepper, small diced (optional)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Ground Beef and Onions
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add Spices and Tomatoes
- Add Spices: Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, and white sugar. Cook for another 2 minutes to toast the spices.
- Add Tomatoes: Pour in the chopped tomatoes (with their juice) and the optional diced jalapeño pepper. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer
- Add Beef Broth: Pour in the low-sodium beef broth and stir to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Add Cream Cheese and Heavy Cream
- Add Cream Cheese: Stir in the softened cream cheese until it is fully melted and incorporated into the soup.
- Add Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the soup is creamy and well blended.
Step 5: Season and Serve
- Season: Taste the soup and season with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy!
Cooking Notes and Variations
Cooking Notes
- Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and fat. Drain excess fat if desired.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to ensure it melts smoothly into the soup.
Variations
- Chicken Taco Soup: Substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a different flavor.
- Vegetarian Taco Soup: Use a plant-based ground meat substitute and vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Spicy Taco Soup: Add an extra jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use other types of meat?
A: Yes, you can use ground chicken, turkey, or even pork for this recipe. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove before serving.
Q3: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, you can freeze this soup. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q4: What can I serve with this taco soup?
A: This soup pairs well with a side salad, keto-friendly tortilla chips, or a dollop of sour cream and shredded cheese on top.
Q5: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Yes, you can use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
One-Pot Low-Carb Taco Soup is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich, creamy texture and bold taco flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Follow these simple steps and tips to create a comforting and satisfying meal that your loved ones will enjoy. Serve this hearty soup with your favorite accompaniments for a complete and delightful dining experience!
