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Hearty Low-Carb Taco Soup Recipe with Ground Beef

low-carb taco soup - featured image

A warm, filling, and slightly spicy low-carb taco soup made with ground beef, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a blend of spices, finished with cream cheese for a velvety texture. Perfect for cozy dinners and quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20), preferably grass-fed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced (red or green)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups (32 fl oz / 950 ml) beef broth, homemade or low-sodium store-bought
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 oz (60 g) cream cheese, softened
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish (optional)
  • Avocado slices for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C) until shimmering but not smoking, about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add diced onion and bell pepper to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Add ground beef, increase heat to medium-high (around 400°F / 200°C), and cook, stirring and breaking up the meat, until no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
  5. Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
  6. Pour in fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juices and beef broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
  7. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to prevent sticking.
  8. Lower heat to very low. Add softened cream cheese in chunks and blend with an immersion blender or whisk vigorously until smooth and creamy.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or chili powder as desired.
  10. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and avocado slices if using. Serve hot.

Notes

If the soup thickens too much during simmering, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it. A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving adds a bright contrast. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese with full-fat coconut cream or cashew cream. Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef. Adjust spice levels to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: low-carb, taco soup, ground beef, keto, easy dinner, healthy soup, comfort food, gluten-free