If you are on the lookout for a hearty, comforting dish that fits perfectly into your low-carb lifestyle, this Keto Taco Soup Recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorites. This soup is a delightful blend of savory ground beef, zesty taco seasonings, and creamy cheese, slow-cooked to perfection, offering a rich and satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or craving something cozy on a chilly day, this Keto Taco Soup Recipe delivers bold flavors and nourishing ingredients in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the key to making this soup both flavorful and comforting. Each ingredient plays its own vital role—from the seasoned beef providing a robust base to the creamy cheeses that add richness and depth.
- 2 lb ground beef: The hearty protein base that carries all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 (1-oz) package ranch dressing mix: Adds a tangy, herby punch that elevates the savory profile.
- 2 (10-oz) cans Ro*tel diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained): Brings vibrant color and a mild kick of heat with its tomatoes and green chilies.
- 3 Tbsp southwestern seasoning or taco seasoning (Mrs. Dash Southwest Chipotle): Infuses the soup with authentic southwestern spices, rounding out the taste.
- 4 cups unsalted beef broth: Provides a rich, flavorful liquid foundation without adding extra salt.
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese: Adds luscious creaminess that makes the soup velvety and decadent.
- 1 (8-oz) package shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the soup for a sharp, tangy finish that complements the spices.
How to Make Keto Taco Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and cooking the ground beef until it’s fully browned and no longer pink, which usually takes just a few minutes. Once cooked, drain off any excess grease to keep the soup from getting too oily and then transfer the beef to your slow cooker, setting a solid foundation for your soup.
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Liquids
Next, toss in the taco seasoning, ranch dressing mix, undrained Ro*tel diced tomatoes with green chilies, and beef broth directly into the slow cooker. Give everything a gentle stir to combine so that all those bold flavors can mingle during the long cook. Set the slow cooker to LOW and let it work its magic for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the tastes to deepen and develop beautifully.
Step 3: Stir in the Cheeses
About 30 minutes before serving, add in the cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir steadily until the cheeses melt completely, creating a creamy, luscious texture that makes this soup stand out from your typical taco night. If you want a touch of freshness, garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
How to Serve Keto Taco Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Top your bowl of Keto Taco Soup Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for an extra burst of flavor and bright contrast to the creamy soup. A few slices of avocado or jalapeños can also add a lovely fresh or spicy kick to suit your taste.
Side Dishes
This soup is satisfying on its own but pairs wonderfully with crunchy, low-carb sides like a simple green salad with lime vinaigrette or crispy cheese crisps made in the oven. These add texture and freshness, keeping the meal balanced while sticking to your keto goals.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the soup in mini tortilla bowls made from baked low-carb tortillas for a fun and edible presentation. Alternatively, layering it with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cheese on top to create a taco salad-inspired bowl makes it playful and inviting for gatherings or family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Keto Taco Soup Recipe to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week without sacrificing any flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this soup! Place cooled soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags, leaving some space for expansion. It will keep deliciously for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or separation. You might want to add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. Avoid high heat to keep the creamy texture silky and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use other ground meats in this Keto Taco Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be used as alternatives to ground beef, and each will add a slightly different flavor, but all will work wonderfully in this recipe.
Is this soup spicy?
The soup has a gentle heat from the Rotel tomatoes with green chilies and the southwestern seasoning. If you prefer it milder, reduce or omit the taco seasoning, or choose a mild seasoning blend instead.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can brown the meat and then simmer everything in a large pot on low heat for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally until the flavors meld, then add the cheeses at the end.
What if I don’t have ranch dressing mix?
If you don’t have ranch dressing mix, you can substitute with a combination of dried herbs and spices like dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley to approximate the flavor.
Is this soup suitable for meal prepping?
This soup is perfect for meal prep! Its flavors actually develop even more after sitting overnight, and it reheats beautifully, making your busy week so much easier and tastier.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this incredible Keto Taco Soup Recipe in your culinary toolkit, you’re just moments away from savoring a bowl of cozy, creamy goodness that’s low in carbs but high on satisfaction. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. So grab your ingredients, fire up that slow cooker, and treat yourself to something deliciously comforting tonight!
Print
Keto Taco Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A comforting and flavorful Keto Taco Soup made with seasoned ground beef, tangy diced tomatoes with green chilies, creamy cheeses, and a perfect blend of southwestern spices. Slow-cooked to meld the flavors, this low-carb, hearty soup is ideal for a cozy meal that fits perfectly into a ketogenic lifestyle.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 2 lb ground beef
- 1 (1-oz) package ranch dressing mix
- 3 Tbsp southwestern seasoning or taco seasoning (such as Mrs. Dash Southwest Chipotle)
Liquids and Vegetables
- 2 (10-oz) cans Ro*tel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 4 cups unsalted beef broth
Cheese
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese
- 1 (8-oz) package shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease to keep the soup lean. Transfer the cooked meat to a 6-quart slow cooker to prepare for slow cooking.
- Add seasonings and liquids: To the slow cooker, add the taco seasoning, ranch dressing mix, undrained Ro*tel diced tomatoes with green chilies, and the unsalted beef broth. Stir lightly to combine all ingredients.
- Slow cook the soup: Cover the slow cooker with a lid and cook on LOW heat for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the beef to become tender.
- Melt in the cheeses: Once the cooking time is complete, add the cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese to the pot. Stir thoroughly until the cheeses are fully melted and incorporated into the soup, creating a creamy texture.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot for a satisfying keto-friendly meal.
Notes
- For a spicier soup, use a spicy taco seasoning or add additional diced jalapeños.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor in keeping with keto principles.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef as a leaner option if preferred.
- The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- To make the soup dairy-free, omit the cream cheese and cheddar or use keto-friendly dairy-free cheese alternatives.
