Print

High Protein Creamy Taco Soup Recipe

4.6 from 76 reviews

This High Protein Creamy Taco Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish featuring lean ground turkey or chicken simmered with taco seasoning, beans, and tomatoes, then enriched with cream cheese and shredded cheddar for a creamy, satisfying texture. Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, this soup combines Mexican-inspired spices with a rich and creamy finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Meat

  • 1 lb (450g) lean ground turkey or chicken

Liquids and Canned Goods

  • 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

Dairy

  • 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the Meat: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey or chicken and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even cooking.
  2. Add Seasonings: Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to thoroughly coat the meat with the spices and enhance its flavor.
  3. Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the diced tomatoes, green chilies if using, black beans, and chicken broth. Stir everything together to combine all the flavors.
  4. Simmer and Add Cream Cheese: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Add the cubed cream cheese to the pot, stirring continuously until it melts completely, creating a creamy base for the soup.
  5. Melt Cheddar Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and mix until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the soup, resulting in a smooth and silky texture.
  6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper if needed, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
  7. Serve: Serve the soup hot, optionally garnished with sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of freshness.

Notes

  • You can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, but add it off the heat to prevent curdling.
  • If you prefer a spicier soup, increase the amount of green chilies or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freezes nicely for up to 2 months.
  • Serve with tortilla chips or warm corn bread for a complete meal.
  • For a vegetarian option, replace ground turkey with textured vegetable protein (TVP) or omit and add extra beans.

Keywords: high protein soup, creamy taco soup, ground turkey soup, easy dinner, Mexican soup, healthy taco soup, creamy chicken soup, low fat high protein