Creamy Keto Taco Soup

4.6K

This Keto Taco Soup is the ultimate low carb comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with bold taco flavor. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients, it’s ready in 30 minutes and has only 3g net carbs per serving, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Filled with juicy ground beef, colorful bell peppers, diced tomatoes, and Mexican spices, this soup proves you don’t need black beans or high-carb fillers to enjoy a hearty, satisfying taco-style meal. Trust me, you won’t even miss the beans once you taste this creamy, cheesy broth that brings everything together.

Wholesome, family-friendly, protein-packed, gluten-free, and grain-free, this one-pot keto soup strikes the perfect balance between healthy eating and mouthwatering flavor. Top it with avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, or jalapeños to make it your own.

Bonus: I’ve included Instant Pot instructions so you can make this creamy keto taco soup even faster—perfect for those nights when you need comfort food on the table with minimal effort.

Whether you’re following a ketogenic lifestyle or simply looking for a cozy low carb Mexican-inspired soup, this recipe will quickly become a new favorite.

Why This Is the Best Keto Taco Soup Recipe

• Quick & Easy – This easy keto taco soup comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without the wait.
• One-Pot Wonder – Everything cooks in a single pot, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Exactly what we all need on a weeknight!
• Incredibly Versatile – Customize it your way! Try swapping in ground turkey or chicken, or add cauliflower rice or zucchini for even more low-carb goodness.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – This low carb taco soup stores beautifully in the fridge and freezer, so it’s a fantastic make-ahead recipe for busy weeks or lunches on the go.
• Family-Friendly – Loaded with familiar Tex-Mex flavors, this creamy taco soup is a hit with kids and adults alike—even picky eaters love it.
• Keto, Gluten-Free & Low Carb – With just 3g net carbs per serving, this recipe fits seamlessly into a variety of dietary lifestyles without sacrificing taste or comfort.
• Creamy & Filling – Thanks to the cream cheese and cheddar, you get a soup that’s rich, cheesy, and super satisfying—perfect for those following a keto or low carb diet.
• Ultimate Comfort Food – This cozy, flavorful soup delivers everything you love about tacos, in warm, creamy bowl form—without the carbs.

What Is Taco Soup?

Taco soup is a hearty and flavorful dish inspired by all the classic ingredients found in traditional tacos—think seasoned ground beef, diced tomatoes, peppers, onions, and taco spices—but served in a warm, comforting soup form.

It’s essentially a Mexican-style soup that combines the bold, zesty flavors of tacos with the cozy comfort of a hot bowl of soup, making it a perfect meal for chilly evenings or busy weeknights. Many versions include beans and corn, but for a low-carb taco soup, those ingredients are swapped with cheese, cream, or extra vegetables to keep it keto-friendly and still incredibly satisfying.

Whether you’re following a low carb, gluten-free, or keto diet, taco soup is a versatile and delicious way to enjoy taco night in a bowl.

Ingredients for Keto Taco Soup

I’m pretty sure you already have most of these simple keto taco soup ingredients in your kitchen! Each one plays a big role in creating a rich, creamy, and satisfying soup that’s loaded with bold Mexican-inspired flavor.

• Ground Beef – I love making this soup with ground beef, but you can easily swap it out for ground chicken or ground turkey. For best results, use 90% lean beef to avoid excess grease—or drain the fat after browning.
• Oil – Both oils work great to sauté the aromatics and add healthy fats.
• Onion & Garlic – Fresh is best for flavor! However, if you’re short on time, garlic powder and onion powder are convenient substitutes.
• Bell Pepper – Add a pop of color and crunch with red, green, or yellow bell peppers. All types work perfectly in this creamy taco soup.
• Canned Tomatoes –  I love using diced tomatoes with green chiles for that Tex-Mex kick. If using plain canned tomatoes, you can mix in canned green chiles or jalapeños for extra flavor. Always check labels to avoid added sugars.
• Cream Cheese – The secret to a thick, rich, and creamy keto taco soup! Make sure it’s softened to room temperature so it blends in smoothly.
• Taco Seasoning – Homemade keto taco seasoning is highly recommended. Most store-bought versions contain hidden sugars or cornstarch—so read the label carefully or make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano.
• Beef Broth – Adds depth and richness. For even more nutrients, try bone broth or homemade stock.
• Salt & Pepper – Season to taste. Always adjust at the end of cooking so the flavors balance perfectly.

How To Make The Best Keto Taco Soup

Making this creamy keto taco soup couldn’t be easier, and it’s one of those comforting meals that will quickly make its way into your weekly dinner rotation. Packed with flavor and hearty ingredients, this low-carb taco soup recipe is a family favorite—perfect for chilly nights or busy weeknights.

Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large non-stick soup pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it starts to brown. Use a spatula to break up the meat as it cooks.

Sauté the Aromatics

Once the beef is halfway cooked, stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3–4 more minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant.

Add Flavor and Creaminess

Toss in the chopped bell pepper, canned diced tomatoes (with green chiles, if using), softened cream cheese, and your taco seasoning blend. Stir everything together, allowing the cream cheese to slowly melt into the mixture—this step gives your soup that rich, creamy base.

Pour in the Broth

Once the cream cheese is fully melted, slowly pour in the beef broth (or stock). Stir well to combine all the ingredients into a smooth and flavorful soup.

Simmer to Perfection

Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to deepen and the soup to thicken to the perfect consistency.

Can I Make Taco Soup in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! The Instant Pot keto taco soup version is not only quick but also practically hands-off. Here’s how to do it:

1. Brown the meat & aromatics – Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Cook the ground beef until browned, then add the onion and garlic and cook until fragrant. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Add remaining ingredients – Stir in the bell peppers, canned tomatoes, taco seasoning, broth, salt, and pepper. Leave out the cream cheese and heavy cream for now.
3. Pressure cook – Seal the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes. Allow the Instant Pot to do a natural release for the best flavor and texture.
4. Make it creamy – Once the pressure has released, open the lid and stir in the softened cream cheese and heavy cream until melted and blended into a rich, creamy broth.
5. Serve & enjoy – Ladle into bowls and top with avocado, shredded cheese, jalapeños, or sour cream.

This low carb taco soup pressure cooker recipe is a lifesaver for weeknights—you’ll get a rich, creamy, flavorful soup in a fraction of the stovetop time.

Best Toppings for Keto Taco Soup

One of the best parts about keto taco soup is that you can load it up with all your favorite low-carb taco toppings—just like a traditional taco, but in a bowl! These toppings not only add incredible flavor and texture but also boost the fat content to keep you fuller for longer.

• Parmesan Chips – Crispy, salty, and crunchy, they add a cheesy crunch to every bite. Think of them as the perfect keto-friendly alternative to tortilla chips.
• Keto Cornbread – Serve a slice on the side or crumble some into your bowl for a hearty, comforting feel without the carbs.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – A classic! Melt it on top for that extra cheesy goodness.
• Chopped Fresh Cilantro – Bright and herbaceous, cilantro adds a refreshing touch that pairs beautifully with the bold taco spices.
• Full-Fat Sour Cream – Creamy and cooling, it balances the spice while adding healthy fats.
• Sliced Avocado – Buttery, smooth, and packed with healthy fats, it’s a must-have for texture and flavor.
• Jalapeño Slices – Add some heat with fresh or pickled jalapeños if you like your soup spicy.
• Lime Wedges – Not on your original list, but a squeeze of lime juice adds a zesty finish that brightens the whole bowl.

Tasty Variations for This Keto Taco Soup

One of the best things about this low-carb taco soup recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily adapt it to fit different preferences, dietary needs, or simply what you have on hand. Here are some delicious keto taco soup variations to try:

• Vegetarian Keto Taco Soup – Skip the meat and replace it with chopped mushrooms or cauliflower florets. Both add a satisfying texture while keeping the soup hearty and filling. You can also use tofu or a meat-free ground alternative for added protein.
• Spicy Taco Soup – Want to kick up the heat? Add chopped jalapeños, diced green chiles, or a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking. You can also stir in some chipotle powder or hot sauce to bring in a smoky, spicy depth.
• Creamier Version – Double the cream cheese or stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut cream to make an ultra-creamy, rich version of this keto taco soup.
• Veggie boost – Boost the nutrition by adding diced zucchini, spinach, or kale toward the end of the cooking time. These low-carb vegetables blend seamlessly into the soup and add volume and nutrients.
• Dairy-Free Option – Use dairy-free cream cheese or coconut cream instead of traditional dairy for a lactose-free version. Make sure your toppings are also dairy-free.
• Protein Swaps – Swap ground beef for ground chicken, ground turkey, or even shredded rotisserie chicken to give the soup a new twist.
• Cheesier Taco Soup – Stir in extra shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack cheese for a gooey, cheesy flavor boost.

More Keto Recipes for You to Try

• Keto Broccoli Cheddar Soup – Creamy & Delicious
• Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
• Easy Keto Meatballs Recipe
• Low Carb Keto Crack Slaw – Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl