This Easy Lightened Up Taco Soup is the perfect stovetop recipe for the season! This soup is loaded with ground beef, fresh vegetables, and homemade taco seasoning. You can substitute chicken or add ranch if you wish!
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This post was originally published in 2019. It has since been updated.
The great thing about this soup is the light toppings are endless! You can make this a ranch taco soup recipe by using my Homemade Ranch Seasoning. Ditch the ranch seasoning packet and make your own.
Table of Contents
Homemade Taco Seasoning
I love to use my Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe which includes smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper if you like a spicy kick.
You can also use a store-bought package if you like. I love to make my own because it’s cheaper and the store packs usually have added sugar and preservatives.
What Type of Meat to Use
Ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken will work well. You can also use skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
Can You Add Beans?
Sure! Black beans or any beans you like can be added to the soup.
How to Make Lightened Up Taco Soup
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
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- If you are looking to save time on washing dishes, definitely use a Dutch oven. That way you can ground the beef and cook the soup all using one pan.
- Cook the ground beef (medium-high heat) in the Dutch oven along with onions, green peppers, and some olive oil.
- Break down the ground beef using a meat chopper and add the taco seasoning.
- When browned, add the garlic, tomato sauce, Rotel, and beef broth.
- Lower the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Open the pot and add the optional cream.
- Stir.
How Many Calories and Carbs
This soup has 278 calories and 6 net carbs per serving.
Topping Ideas
- Shredded Cheese
- Sliced Avocado
- Jalapenos
- Sour Cream or Plain Greek Yogurt
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Crumbled Bacon
How to Use a Slow Cooker Crock Pot
If you are looking to make a similar dish using a slow cooker, this Slow Cooker Taco Chili would be a great method to use. You can omit the beans for a lower carb version.
Freezer Tips
If you use the heavy cream in this recipe, keep in mind that dairy will separate upon freezing. The soup will last for 4-6 months in the freezer.
How Long Will the Soup Last in the Fridge?
The soup will last in the fridge for 3-4 days in a covered container.
More Soup Recipes
Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
Panera Autumn Squash Soup
Chicken Lasagna Soup
Crockpot Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup
Sweet Potato Soup
Ham and Vegetable Soup
Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup
Buffalo Chicken Soup
Pork Belly Ramen
Lightened Up Taco Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onions
- ½ cup chopped green peppers
- 1 pound ground beef I use organic, grass fed
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 14.5oz can diced chilis and tomatoes
- 4 oz tomato sauce
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream optional for flavor
Taco Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon red pepper optional for spicy
Instructions
- I like to use a Dutch Oven so that I can cook the whole recipe using one pot. Heat a Dutch Oven on medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, onions, green peppers.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and taco seasoning. Break down the ground beef using a meat chopper.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the ground beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add the broth, diced tomatoes and chilis, and tomato sauce to the pot and stir.
- Lower the heat to Low. Cover the pot and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Open the pot and pour in the heavy cream and stir. I like to taste repeatedly here and add salt and pepper as necessary.
- Serve with toppings.
Topping Ideas
- Avocado, Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt, Jalapenos, Shredded Cheese, Crumbled Bacon, or Crunchy Parmesan Cheese Whisps
Video
Notes
- If adding heavy cream be sure the heat on the pot is set to low setting. Add the cream when the heat is low to avoid it separating from the soup. If fat isn't drained from the ground beef, this may result in separation as well.
- I like the broth base of this soup and found that it didn't need thickening for me. If you want to thicken the soup you can add cream cheese or use ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum. Add the xanthan gum to a small bowl with 2 tablespoons of the cooked soup broth. Stir until it thickens and add the mixture back to the pot. Stir until thick.
- You can substitute chicken or ground turkey in this recipe if you wish. For chicken you can use cooked rotisserie chicken or you can cook skinless chicken breasts in an Instant Pot or Slow Cooker.
Kurt Holzmuller says
Brandi.......that soup was absolutely delicious! We topped with green onions and Cilantro and Sour cream. It is a keeper and will be having it again this winter for sure. Thanks for sharing your recipe. Now I'm perusing all your other recipes for inspiration!
staysnatched says
You’re welcome! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Linda L Christensen says
How many servings are in this recipe? Listed is the information for ONE serving, but not for the entire recipe. Thanks.
staysnatched says
It's above the ingredients for every recipe on the site.
Anne says
Another excellent and easy to make recipe! It was so quick to make that I wasn't expecting it to be as flavorful as it was - the taco seasoning added great flavor. Per the notes in the recipe, I added about 2oz of cream cheese at the end to thicken it up a bit. I served it with the keto cornbread on the side - which are so easy and amazing as well! This will be on heavy rotation!
staysnatched says
I have to try this with my cornbread! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Gretchen DeLuca says
Made a huge batch for lunch meal prep this week. Added Kale for a extra veggie.
Love how easy it was to throw together!
staysnatched says
That sounds so good!
Emily says
So easy and delicious! Thank you.
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
K. Phillips says
This was a hit with my family! I used the mild Rotel for the littles, but otherwise followed the recipe as written. The taco flavors are spot on. Perfect for wintery taco Tuesdays!
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Nek C says
I dislike cooking, but Brandi's recipes make me feel all accomplished...I feel like a chef in the kitchen. lol This recipe did not take long, nor did it have a lot of ingredients and it still delivered much flavor. So many people think you need a lot to create a tasty meal, but Brandi has proven that you don't. Will for sure make this again. I am about to search the site for another Taco Tuesday recipe for next week.
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm glad you enjoyed this soup!
Lezlie says
I am making your Taco Soup right now😋I added cumin and hatch chili in:) Sooooooo good!!!! I topped my bowl full with sliced avocado, cheese, sliced olives, some cilantro♥️ I will be keeping this recipe♥️
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm glad you enjoy it.
Sandy says
Loooove the flavors in this soup. Quick and easy to make too. I appreciate recipes like this that you can make anytime because you most likely already have the ingredients at home. Topped it with some shredded cheese. I will definitely be making this again. Another great recipe, thanks Brandi!
staysnatched says
I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Lulu says
Brandi does it again, another quick and easy recipe full of deliciousness! This recipe takes only minutes to make, topped with cheese avocado and sour cream, yuuuummmm! Thank you Brandi for all your great recipes!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
PG says
loved this!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Tanya Druivenga says
How much sodium is in this soup? Looking for recipes with lower amounts of sodium.
PAcheryl says
This soup was totally yummy... Wanted to make right away & didn't have any green pepper or red onion in the house... So had to use canned diced green peppers & yellow onions... Plus my family loves loves garlic so had to add a couple of grated garlic cloves... I'm never buying Taco seasoning again, yours is fantastic... The husband added canned kidney beans to his bowl... LoL, there's always one in a crowd... Thank You...
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm glad to hear it.
Kymberly Miller says
Made this super easy soup using ground turkey & it was delicious! My coworkers love it as well!
staysnatched says
So glad to hear it!
Sarah Lee says
Your recipes are always awesome! Blessings
staysnatched says
Thank you! Same to you!