Easy Lightened Up Taco Soup Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes and chilis (with their juices), and tomato sauce. Stir everything together thoroughly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
