Keto Taco Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• Ground Beef:
  • 1 lb (450 g), preferably 80/20 for a bit of fat
• Olive Oil:
  • 1 tablespoon (optional, for cooking the beef)
• Onion:
  • 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic:
  • 3 cloves, minced
• Green Bell Pepper:
  • 1, chopped
• Diced Tomatoes:
  • 1 can (14.5 oz/410 g), undrained (check for added sugars)
• Beef Broth:
  • 2 cups (480 ml), preferably low-sodium
• Cream Cheese:
  • 4 oz (115 g), softened
• Taco Seasoning:
  • 2 tablespoons (use a low-carb or homemade seasoning blend)
• Chili Powder:
  • 1 tablespoon
• Ground Cumin:
  • 1 teaspoon
• Paprika:
  • 1 teaspoon
• Salt:
  • 1 teaspoon
• Black Pepper:
  • 1/2 teaspoon
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese:
  • 1/2 cup (50 g)
• Sour Cream:
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml), for serving (optional)
• Chopped Fresh Cilantro:
  • For garnish (optional)
• Lime Wedges:
  • For serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Beef:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Add Vegetables:
   • Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and green bell pepper to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Seasonings:
   • Stir in taco seasoning, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom.
4. Add Liquids:
   • Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
5. Simmer:
   • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
6. Add Cream Cheese:
   • Cut the cream cheese into chunks and add it to the pot. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the soup, making it creamy.
7. Add Cheese:
   • Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
8. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with a dollop of sour cream if desired, and garnish with fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime.

Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 6 servings):

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 28g
• Protein: 23g
• Total Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Net Carbohydrates: 6g

Notes:

• Taco Seasoning: Check for low-carb options or make your own using chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of salt.
• Cream Cheese: Adds a creamy texture and richness to the soup.
• Shredded Cheese: Can be adjusted based on preference or omitted if you’re watching cheese intake.