A rich, flavorful taco-inspired soup that’s cheesy, comforting, and completely guilt-free! At under 6 net carbs per serving, this low-carb soup is perfect for anyone craving bold Mexican flavors while staying on track with their goals.
🥣 Recipe Card
Servings: 6 bowls
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Dietary: Low-Carb • Keto • Gluten-Free
✅ Ingredients
- Ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought, sugar-free)
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel style)
- Beef broth or chicken broth
- Cream cheese
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Heavy cream
- Olive oil (or butter for cooking)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado slices, jalapeños, cilantro
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook the meat: Heat oil in a large pot. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add aromatics: Stir in diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Season: Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat and mix well.
- Add base: Pour in diced tomatoes with chilies and broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Make it creamy: Add cream cheese in cubes, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Cheesy finish: Stir in cheddar cheese and heavy cream until the soup is rich and creamy.
- Taste & serve: Season with salt and pepper, then ladle into bowls. Garnish with your favorite toppings.
💡 Notes & Tips
- Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture.
- For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- This soup reheats beautifully — perfect for meal prep.
🌟 Introduction
This Cheesy Taco Soup is a comfort-food dream that doesn’t compromise your carb goals. Packed with flavor, protein, and creamy cheesy goodness, it’s a keto-friendly take on taco night — in a bowl! Whether you’re new to low-carb eating or just want something cozy and filling, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.
🥘 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Cook the ground beef until fully browned. Tip: break it into small crumbles for even cooking.
Step 2: Add Onion & Garlic
Sauté until onions are translucent. They add depth and sweetness to balance the spices.
Step 3: Season with Taco Spices
This is where the Mexican flavor shines. If using store-bought, choose one without added sugar.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes & Broth
These create the soup base. Simmer gently to blend flavors.
Step 5: Stir in Cream Cheese
Add cubed cream cheese slowly so it melts smoothly.
Step 6: Add Cheese & Cream
This step transforms the soup into creamy, cheesy perfection.
Step 7: Serve & Garnish
Top with avocado, sour cream, or cilantro for freshness.
🥑 Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Ground Meat: Beef is classic, but turkey or chicken works for a leaner version.
- Cheese: Cheddar is standard, but pepper jack adds a spicy kick.
- Cream Cheese: Don’t skip this! It makes the soup velvety. Substitute with mascarpone if needed.
- Broth: Use beef broth for richness or chicken broth for a lighter flavor.
- Low-Carb Swap: No beans here! If you want more texture, add chopped zucchini or riced cauliflower.
🌮 Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Spicy Kick: Add chipotle peppers in adobo or extra chili flakes.
- Tex-Mex Style: Top with crushed pork rinds for crunch instead of tortilla chips.
- Vegetarian: Use meatless crumbles and veggie broth.
- Serving Idea: Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in single portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.
📊 Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
Calories: 380 | Fat: 29g | Protein: 23g | Net Carbs: 5.8g
Allergens: Contains dairy. Naturally gluten-free.
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Cook the beef and onions first, then add everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours. Stir in cheese and cream at the end.
Q: Can I add beans?
A: If you’re not strict keto, yes. Black beans or pinto beans work well, but they’ll add carbs.
Q: Can I meal-prep this?
A: Absolutely! Divide into meal-prep containers for quick weekday lunches.
❤️ Personal Note
I started making this soup as part of my low-carb journey, and it quickly became my secret weapon. In fact, enjoying it regularly helped me lose 8 pounds in just 10 days — without feeling deprived. It’s creamy, satisfying, and every bite tastes like taco night comfort.
👉 If you try this Cheesy Taco Soup, let me know in the comments! Share your tweaks, toppings, or weight-loss wins — I love seeing how this recipe fits into your journey.
