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Keto Creamy Taco Soup – Comforting, Low-Carb, and Packed With Flavor

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (85–90% lean is ideal)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional but adds sweetness and color)
  • 1 (10 oz/285 g) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
  • 4 cups (950 ml) low-sodium beef broth
  • 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4–1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, to taste)
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Sour cream
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Avocado, diced
  • Lime wedges

Method
 

  1. Warm the pot: Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the oil.
  2. Brown the beef: Add ground beef. Cook, breaking it up, until no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Bloom the spices: Sprinkle in the taco seasoning. Stir for 30–60 seconds to toast the spices and deepen flavor.
  5. Add liquids and tomatoes: Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and beef broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  6. Simmer: Let it simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes to meld flavors.
  7. Melt the cream cheese: Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese cubes, whisking or stirring until completely smooth with no lumps.
  8. Finish with cream: Stir in heavy cream. Warm gently for 2–3 minutes. Do not boil after adding cream to prevent curdling.
  9. Taste and adjust: Season with more salt, pepper, or cayenne as needed. If you like it thicker, simmer a few more minutes; for thinner, add a splash of broth.
  10. Serve: Ladle into bowls and add your favorite toppings. A squeeze of lime brightens everything.