Keto Taco Soup is a delicious and hearty bowl full of bold flavors and comforting textures. This soup combines ground beef, tomatoes, cheese, and spices to create that classic taco taste without the carbs from tortillas. It’s a warm and satisfying meal perfect for anyone following a low-carb lifestyle or just craving something tasty and filling.
I love making this soup on chilly evenings because it comes together quickly and fills the house with a wonderful smell of cumin, chili powder, and garlic. One of my favorite parts is topping it off with avocado slices and a dollop of sour cream—those creamy touches really bring everything together. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy taco night without the mess of assembling tacos.
When I serve this soup, I like to add a handful of shredded cheese and some fresh cilantro to brighten it up. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser that feels like a treat but still sticks to keto goals. This soup also makes great leftovers, so I often make a big pot and have lunches ready for the week. It’s a simple, tasty way to warm up and enjoy all the flavors of taco night in a bowl.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: This is the base of the soup, adding protein and richness. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter option.
Diced tomatoes: I use canned tomatoes with juices to keep the soup flavorful. No need to drain them, as the juice adds depth.
Green chilies: Optional but great for mild heat. If you like spicier, add jalapeños or a pinch of chipotle powder instead.
Beef broth: It forms the liquid base. You can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth to keep it keto-friendly but suit your taste.
Heavy cream: Adds creaminess and richness. For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk, but it will change the flavor slightly.
Cheese, avocado, sour cream: These toppings add texture and balance the spices. Use your favorite cheese or Greek yogurt if you want a lighter sour cream alternative.
How Do You Build Deep Flavor in Keto Taco Soup?
Layering spices and cooking them briefly with onions and garlic helps bring out their aroma and makes the soup taste rich.
- Brown the ground beef first — this adds a caramelized flavor.
- Sauté onions and garlic in the beef drippings to capture every bit of flavor.
- Add spices after onions soften to toast them lightly; this awakens their aroma.
- Simmer the soup uncovered so flavors concentrate.
- Finally, stir in heavy cream gently warming it, so it adds silkiness without breaking.
These simple steps lift this easy soup from basic to delicious. Take your time with browning and seasoning — it makes all the difference!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven – perfect for browning beef and simmering the soup all in one pan.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – helps you break up the ground beef and stir ingredients without scratching your pot.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping onions, garlic, and slicing avocado toppings.
- Measuring spoons – to get your spices just right and keep the flavor balanced.
- Ladle – makes serving the soup easy and mess-free.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use ground turkey or shredded chicken instead of beef for a lighter protein option that still soaks up the spices well.
- Add diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggies and color without adding many carbs.
- Try pepper jack cheese for a bit of spicy kick, or Monterey Jack for a mild, creamy flavor.
- Stir in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you like your soup with more heat.
How to Make Keto Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (optional for mild heat)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Spices:
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Keto Taco Soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to cook, for a total of roughly 35-40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy meal to make any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. Drain any excess fat if needed.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
3. Add Spices:
Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute to let the spices become fragrant.
4. Combine Tomatoes and Broth:
Add the canned diced tomatoes with their juice, the diced green chilies (if using), and the beef broth. Stir everything well to combine.
5. Simmer the Soup:
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes. This helps the flavors to blend and develop.
6. Add Cream:
Pour in the heavy cream and gently stir. Let the soup warm through for about 5 minutes but do not let it boil after adding the cream.
7. Taste and Adjust:
Give your soup a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices if needed.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with shredded cheese, slices of fresh avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
9. Add Lime:
Serve with lime wedges on the side so everyone can squeeze fresh lime juice over their soup for a bright, tangy finish.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Soup?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the ground beef in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This helps it brown evenly and prevents excess moisture in the soup.
Can I Make Keto Taco Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm on the stove or microwave until heated through, and add extra cream or broth if needed to loosen the soup.
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
You can substitute coconut milk for a dairy-free option, though it will add a slight coconut flavor. Another choice is full-fat canned evaporated milk if you want a milder creaminess.
