Cozy High Protein Creamy Taco Soup That’s Family-Friendly
Looking for a hearty meal that’s packed with protein and tastes absolutely delicious? This High Protein Creamy Taco Soup is your answer! With lean turkey or chicken, beans, and creamy cheese, it delivers a delightful bowl full of comforting flavors, all while keeping you healthy and satisfied.
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High Protein Creamy Taco Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: High Protein
Description
A hearty and protein-packed creamy taco soup made with lean turkey or chicken, beans, and cheese, perfect for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground turkey or chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet 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 olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey or chicken and cook until browned.
- Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the meat.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, green chilies (if using), black beans, and chicken broth. Stir everything together.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the cubed cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts into the soup.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with sour cream, cilantro, and lime if desired.
Notes
Feel free to customize the protein or add more veggies like bell peppers or corn. This soup freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
All the Reasons to Try This Soup
This soup is a true champion in the kitchen — not only does it come together quickly, but it’s also a great way to sneak in some extra protein and veggies into your family’s diet. Each serving is rich in flavor and boasts around 25 grams of protein, making it a fulfilling option for lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s so creamy and comforting, you’ll find yourself going back for seconds in no time!
Preparing This Creamy Delight
Let’s dive into making this delightful soup. It’s super easy, and you will only need about 30 minutes from start to finish. Gather your ingredients, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together.
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
The Simple Steps to Make It Happen
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey or chicken and cook until browned.
- Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the meat.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, green chilies (if using), black beans, and chicken broth. Stir everything together.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the cubed cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the soup becomes wonderfully creamy.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts into the soup, making it rich and smooth.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime if you like!
Nutrition Details
This comforting soup is not only a pleasure to eat, but it’s also nutritionally balanced. Each serving contains approximately 400 calories, with a healthy dose of protein to keep you filled and satisfied.
Best Ways to Enjoy This Soup
Enjoy your High Protein Creamy Taco Soup with a side of crunchy tortilla chips or a simple green salad to add some freshness to your meal. It’s great for cozy family dinners or serving at gatherings, and everyone will be asking for your recipe!
How to Keep Leftovers Fresh
If you happen to have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. This soup actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together beautifully.
Tips for Making This Taco Soup
- Feel free to customize the protein! Ground turkey or chicken is great, but you could also use lean beef or keep it vegetarian by swapping in some extra beans.
- Add more veggies! Chopped bell peppers, corn, or zucchini can add even more color and nutrients to your soup.
- Spice it up! If you prefer a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce when cooking.
Possible Variations
Try this soup with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicier twist, or even cream cheese alternatives if you’re looking for a lower-calorie version. You can also make it more filling by serving it over rice or quinoa!
FAQs
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Absolutely! Simply brown the meat first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and let it cook on low for 4-6 hours.
How can I make it vegetarian?
You can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding an additional can of beans or some lentils for protein.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Just let it cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Dive into the warmth of this High Protein Creamy Taco Soup, and enjoy the smiles it brings to your family around the dinner table. Happy cooking!