Easy Lightened Up Taco Soup Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Lightened Up Taco Soup is a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for a cozy dinner. Combining tender ground beef, aromatic spices, and a creamy finish, it offers all the comforts of a taco in a hearty soup. It’s simple to make in one pot and easily customizable with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 1/2 cup chopped green peppers
• 1 pound ground beef (organic, grass-fed recommended)
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced chilis and tomatoes
• 4 oz tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (optional for flavor)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spicy)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, chopped onions, and green peppers.
2. Step 2: Cook for 2–3 minutes until onions are translucent and fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the ground beef along with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Break down the beef with a meat chopper or spoon.
4. Step 4: Cook for 3–4 minutes until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if needed.
5. Step 5: Stir in the beef broth, diced chilis and tomatoes, and tomato sauce.
6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
7. Step 7: Remove the lid and pour in the heavy whipping cream, stirring to combine. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as desired.
8. Step 8: Serve hot, topped with your favorite garnishes.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter option, omit the heavy cream or substitute with Greek yogurt just before serving.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner soup.
• Add black beans or corn for extra texture and fiber.
• Try topping with avocado, sour cream, jalapeños, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, or Parmesan Cheese Whisps for added flavor.

Storage

Store leftover taco soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. The soup may thicken upon standing; add a splash of broth or water when reheating to reach desired consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup tastes great when made ahead. The flavors deepen after sitting overnight in the fridge. Just refrigerate and reheat before serving.

Can I freeze the taco soup?

This soup freezes well without the heavy cream. If using cream, add it fresh after thawing. To freeze, cool the soup completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Easy Lightened Up Taco Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 80 reviews

This Easy Lightened Up Taco Soup is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal, perfect for a quick and comforting dinner. Made with lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a blend of aromatic spices, this soup is lightened up with optional heavy cream for added richness and creaminess. It’s versatile, warming, and served with your favorite taco toppings for a customizable flavor experience.

• Author: Logan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican-American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 1/2 cup chopped green peppers
• 1 pound ground beef (organic, grass fed recommended)
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced chilis and tomatoes
• 4 oz tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (optional for flavor)

Seasonings

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spicy)

Toppings (Optional)

• Avocado slices
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Jalapenos
• Shredded cheese
• Crumbled bacon
• Crunchy Parmesan cheese crisps

Instructions

1. Prepare the base: Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Sauté the chopped onions and green peppers for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
2. Cook the beef: Add the ground beef along with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Break the meat apart using a meat chopper or wooden spoon. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if needed.
3. Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes and chilis (with their juices), and tomato sauce. Stir everything together thoroughly.
4. Simmer the soup: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup cook gently for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Finish with cream: Uncover and stir in the heavy whipping cream if using. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and add your choice of toppings such as avocado, sour cream or Greek yogurt, jalapenos, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, or crunchy Parmesan crisps for added texture and flavor.

Notes

• Using lean, organic grass-fed beef can improve the healthfulness and flavor of the soup.
• The heavy cream is optional and can be omitted to reduce calories and fat, or substituted with a lower-fat dairy or non-dairy alternative.
• Add toppings to customize the soup to your taste preferences.
• For a spicier soup, increase the red pepper flakes or add fresh jalapenos.
• This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Keywords: taco soup, lightened up, easy soup recipe, ground beef soup, Mexican soup, healthy taco soup