If you’re looking for a quick, hearty, and keto-friendly meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor, this Tasty Queso Keto Taco Soup is just what you need. Packed with rich beef, creamy cheese, and bold taco flavors, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or cozy evenings at home. Plus, it’s low-carb and gluten-free, making it a go-to comfort food for anyone on a ketogenic diet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup is for anyone who craves the comfort of a warm bowl of goodness without the extra carbs. It offers all the flavors of tacos in a creamy, cheesy soup form that feels indulgent yet fits right into a keto lifestyle. The best part? It comes together in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when you want something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Tasty Queso Keto Taco Soup, you likely already have many of the ingredients in your kitchen. Here’s what you need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 6 ounces softened cream cheese
- Two cans (10 ounces each) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 1/2 cups beef stock
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Kitchen Equipment Needed:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions
Place a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks. Let it brown for about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too oily.
Step 2: Incorporate the Cream Cheese
Add the softened cream cheese to the pot. Stir well until the cream cheese melts and blends smoothly with the beef and onion mixture. This creates a rich, creamy base that elevates the dish.
Step 3: Add Broth, Tomatoes, and Seasonings
Next, add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, beef broth, heavy cream, garlic powder, and taco seasoning. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 5: Final Seasoning
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning by adding salt and pepper to your liking. This final step ensures every spoonful is perfectly balanced.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, guacamole, or fresh cilantro.
Tips and Variations
- Protein Swap: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Spice Level: If you love heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or sliced jalapeños.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrients and texture.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream in place of heavy cream and skip the cream cheese, or use a dairy-free alternative.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers? No problem. Store any remaining soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also freeze the soup for up to three months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Food and Drink Pairings
Pair this keto taco soup with a light, crisp green salad and a dollop of guacamole for a complete meal. As for drinks, try a refreshing lime spritzer or a glass of dry white wine.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this in a slow cooker? Absolutely! Brown the beef and onions first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
2. Is this soup spicy? The diced tomatoes with green chilies add a mild kick, but you can adjust the heat by adding more chili or using regular diced tomatoes.
3. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Yes, but you may want to add a bit of extra spice to replace the flavor from the canned chilies.
4. How can I thicken the soup? The cream cheese and heavy cream give this soup a rich texture, but if you want it thicker, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce or add a sprinkle of xanthan gum.
Try This Delicious Keto-Friendly Soup Today!
This Tasty Queso Keto Taco Soup is an easy, flavorful dish that will quickly become a staple in your household. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a cozy dinner idea, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
If you loved this recipe, share it with friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more keto-friendly meals. Happy cooking!
Tasty Queso Keto Taco Soup: A Flavorful Low-Carb Delight
Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cans (10 oz each) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 1/2 cups beef stock
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz / 28 g)
- salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
- shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, guacamole, fresh cilantro for serving
Instructions
- Brown the beef and onions: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking the beef into smaller pieces. Cook until browned, 8–10 minutes, then drain excess grease.
- Incorporate the cream cheese: Add the softened cream cheese and stir until fully melted and creamy.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, beef stock, heavy cream, garlic powder, and taco seasoning until well combined.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite keto-friendly garnishes.
