Why Make This Recipe
High Protein Creamy Taco Soup is a delicious and satisfying dish. It combines the bold flavors of taco seasoning with creamy cheese, making it perfect for a cozy meal. This recipe is not only tasty but also packed with protein from the turkey and beans. It’s great for anyone looking for a hearty soup that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with some crusty bread.
How to Make High Protein Creamy Taco Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground turkey or chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (10 oz) can green chilies (optional)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground turkey or chicken. Cook until browned.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the meat.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, green chilies (if using), black beans, and chicken broth. Stir to combine everything.
- Bring to a simmer. Then, add the cubed cream cheese. Stir until it melts and makes the soup creamy.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts and is smooth.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, and you can garnish it with sour cream, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime if desired.
How to Serve High Protein Creamy Taco Soup
Serve the soup hot in bowls. You can top it with a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor. This soup goes great with tortilla chips or crusty bread on the side.
How to Store High Protein Creamy Taco Soup
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the soup for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make High Protein Creamy Taco Soup
- Use low-fat cream cheese to reduce calories while keeping it creamy.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less taco seasoning or using spicy diced tomatoes.
- Add more vegetables like corn or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Variation
You can make this soup vegetarian by using a plant-based meat substitute or just adding more beans and veggies. Also, you can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
FAQs
1. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meat first, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
2. Can I use different types of meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground beef, pork, or even shredded chicken depending on your preference.
3. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free taco seasoning. The other ingredients should already be gluten-free. Just check the labels to be sure!
High Protein Creamy Taco Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: High Protein
Description
A delicious and satisfying soup packed with protein from turkey and beans, featuring creamy cheese and bold taco flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground turkey or chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (10 oz) can green chilies (optional)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground turkey or chicken. Cook until browned.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the meat.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, green chilies (if using), black beans, and chicken broth. Stir to combine everything.
- Bring to a simmer. Then, add the cubed cream cheese. Stir until it melts and makes the soup creamy.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts and is smooth.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with sour cream, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime if desired.
Notes
For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less taco seasoning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg