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–+ servings
Amanda Patel

Easy Taco Soup (One‑Pot, 30 Minutes)

This one-pot Taco Soup is a creamy, flavorful meal packed with seasoned ground meat, veggies, and bold spices in a tomato-chile broth, finished with cream cheese and lime. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a weeknight winner for low-carb and gluten-free eaters.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Course: Main, Soup
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 410
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1–2 tsp minced jalapeño (optional)
  • 1½ tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp oregano
  • ¾–1 tsp kosher salt, to taste
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken or beef stock
  • 6 oz cream cheese, cubed
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • ¼ cup heavy cream (optional)
  • Toppings: shredded cheddar, avocado, sour cream, cilantro, scallions, jalapeño, lime wedges

Equipment

  • Dutch oven (4–5 qt)
  • silicone spatula Helps prevent scorching.
  • whisk Blends cream cheese smoothly.
  • knife and cutting board For prepping vegetables.
  • measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef or turkey in a Dutch oven until no pink remains. Drain if needed.
  2. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Cook until softened, then stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  3. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook briefly until fragrant.
  4. Stir in diced tomatoes, green chiles, and stock. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8–10 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese and stir until fully melted and smooth. Stir in optional cream.
  6. Stir in lime juice, adjust seasoning to taste, and serve hot with desired toppings.

Nutrition

Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 870mgPotassium: 620mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 960IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 140mgIron: 3.1mg

Notes

To lighten it up, skip the cream and use lean turkey. Want it spicier? Add chipotle or hot sauce. For a richer finish, stir in extra cream cheese or a splash of cream off heat. Store leftovers 3–4 days; freeze without dairy for up to 3 months.

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