Low Carb Creamy Beef Tacos Soup

Taco soup is an excellent way of getting the tasty taco feeling in a simple soup form that does not contain so many carbohydrates. This version is perfect for those on keto diet or low carb diet; with lots of vegetables , served hot with fresh avocado and lime juice on top. The fat contents of the broth make the dish creamy plus the strong aromas and tastes make it very fulfilling for any occasion.

Main Ingredients for Creamy Taco Soup

Well, learning how to prepare a tasty taco soup is very easy and inexpensive since only eight basic ingredients are used; and there is a probability that some of the ingredients are available in your kitchen. I again go back to highlight that it is a one-pot meal and it is very easy and fast to prepare, so it would be perfect to prepare it during the busiest weeks.

Ground Beef

Beef in this recipe is taken in the form of ground beef, which gives this meal its thick and filling nature. To reduce calories you can use ground turkey or chicken, although regular ground beef results in a more moist dish. It’s okay not intense but really delicious as the choice of the meat can affect the taste slightly though.

Onion

Onion used in the preparation of the soup helps to build a level of sweetness and the tasty aspect of the meal. The best ingredient to use is fresh diced onions but if the need be, it can be replaced by onion flakes or onion powder. Use fresh onions to get the best flavor and crispness of the dish.

Garlic

Garlic truly improves the smell that the soup will have. Garlic should be fresh, minced type is the best one but in its absence garlic powder will also do. This is why the fresh variety gives a more intensified and real taste to whatever is being prepared.

Bell Pepper

The addition of bell peppers gives a soup a more sweeter taste and nutritional values added to the soup. As extras they are very useful but it is normal to use them to give color and taste to a meal. If desired large green bell peppers can be used but one can try using red, yellow or orange bell peppers for added taste.

Rotel Tomatoes

Rotel tomatoes which are simply tomatoes and green chilies that are diced give this dish an extra spice and bright color. In case, you wish not to have intense taste then raw chopped tomatoes would do nicely. Rotel is inviting, and since its addition not only makes the dish hot but also sour, the taste is agreeable.

Cream Cheese

The element which gives this soup complementary thickness and rich taste is cream cheese. It also works to make the fat proportion high; hence, it fits well for those on a keto diet. Substituting with low fat cream cheese or even heavy cream will also work, although the texture may not be quite the same.

Taco Seasoning

It is vital that you have taco seasoning since it has the typical taco taste the soup should have. For the best flavor, it is suggested that homemade taco seasoning be used but if none is available, those commercial packets can be used.

Beef Broth

The base liquid is beef broth which gives a deeper flavor and a more rich soup. When choosing the kind of beef broth to use in the preparation of Beef Stew, it is advisable to use low-sodium beef broth so that one can manage the level of salt in the dish. If you do not have any, you can use water although the taste will not be as rich.

Storing and Freezing Taco Soup

Taco soup can be kept well in an airtight container for a period of four days in the refrigerator. The blend of spices leaves a great taste in your mouth and takes even a better taste when taken the following day.

Freezing Tips

Yes, taco soup may be frozen; however, it should not be done with the cream cheese incorporated within the soup mixture. The fat in the cream cheese does not have very good characteristics in freezing and in the process of thawing it will separate. Store the soup in an air tight container and freeze for up to 6 months. When ready to serve, heat the soup more, given that it might cool down by this time and then add the cream cheese.

Cooking Methods for Creamy Taco Soup

Slow Cooker Method

In slow cooker version of this soup, you just put all the components for the soup but the cream cheese. Place the cooker on high for 3- 4 hours or on low for 6 hours. Finally, before serving, stir into the sauce pan the cream cheese until it has completely melted and well mixed.

Instant Pot Method

For something, even quicker try an Instant Pot. First, with the sauté function, cook the ground beef, onions, and garlic until you’ve achieved browning of the meat. Add the remaining ingredients to the pot except cream cheese. Adjust the pressure and bring it to high and cook the beans for 10 minutes. Let the pressure out naturally. The final ingredient is the cream cheese and it needs to be melted and incorporated into the soup for creaminess.

Nutritional Benefits and Keto-Friendliness

This is a keto-friendly taco soup as it does not contain any forbidden high carb ingredients like beans. It has a glycemic index of 0 indicating that it has very few carbohydrates, precisely 5 grams per serving making it ideal for consumption in diet low in carbohydrates. Combined with the fat from the beef and cream cheese then added with fresh avocado, it is the typical meal that you can actually eat without fear of getting fat.

Tips for Perfecting Your Taco Soup

Adjusting Spice Levels: If you like your soup hot then do not hesitate to add more of the Rotel tomatoes or add diced jalapenos. For a slightly less spicy version, it is recommended to finely chop tomatoes and it is recommended to lessen the tacos seasoning pack used.
Thickening the Soup: If your soup is too thin, then you should cook your soup for a longer duration to reduce the amount of liquid. Otherwise, you can increase the quantity of cream cheese or heavy cream added a little more.
Garnish Ideas: For a better look and taste, garnish your soup with few slices avocado, a spoon of sour cream, cheese and minced cilantro with few drops of lime juice.