Looking for a hearty, low-carb, and keto-friendly meal that's perfect for meal prep? This Turkey Taco Soup is packed with flavor, easy to make, and it reheats beautifully for a delicious meal all week long. Whether you’re following a keto diet or just trying to reduce your carb intake, this dish is a perfect option!

With me having endometriosis for the last 20 something years and having mild heart valve regurgitation for the last 5, I've realized that red meat inflames my stomach pain and large doses of red meat makes my heart have palpitations. Therefore, I try to limit red meat in my diet, plus they dye the shit with red food dye to make it look enticing to buy in the grocery stores, I'm good on that! Anyway, I love using ground turkey as a substitute to hamburger, like my Turkey Meatballs for example! I've also made my Instant Pot Chili recipe with ground turkey and it's equally as delicious. In addition, I make "hamburger tacos" with ground turkey and the kids don't even know and love them just as equally!

Cooking with ground turkey instead of ground beef (hamburger) offers several health and culinary benefits, making it a great option for those looking to improve their nutrition or try something new. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Lower in Fat and Calories:

Ground turkey (especially lean turkey breast) is significantly lower in fat and calories than regular ground beef. This makes it a better choice for those who are trying to reduce their calorie intake or follow a lower-fat diet.

1. Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?

Yes! Ground chicken is a great alternative to ground turkey. It will give you a slightly lighter flavor, but the texture and consistency in the soup will be very similar.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! Turkey Taco Soup is perfect for meal prep. You can make it in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months—just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

3. How can I make this soup spicier?

If you prefer a spicier soup, consider adding fresh jalapeños, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, or hot sauce to the soup. You can also increase the amount of chili powder or cumin to suit your heat preferences.

4. Can I substitute the cream cheese for something else?

Yes! If you’re dairy-free, you can substitute the cream cheese with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream cheese. These alternatives will still provide a creamy texture without the dairy.

5. How can I make this soup thicker?

To thicken the soup, you can:

• Add cauliflower rice or shredded zucchini to give it more body.
• Puree a portion of the soup using an immersion blender (or regular blender) to make it creamy and thicker.
• You can also let it simmer longer to allow the liquid to reduce.

6. Can I add beans to this soup?

While beans are not typically keto-friendly, you can add a small amount of black beans or pinto beans if you’re not following a strict keto or low-carb diet. Just be mindful of the carb content if you’re tracking.

7. What toppings can I use for this soup?

Toppings are where you can get creative! Try adding:

• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or dairy-free cheese)
• Avocado or guacamole
• Cilantro for a fresh garnish
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess
• Lime wedges for a tangy kick
• Sliced olives for a briny touch

8. Can I use a slow cooker or Instant Pot for this recipe?

Yes, you can! If using a slow cooker, brown the turkey and onions in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown the turkey and onions, then add the other ingredients and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes with a natural release.

9. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, and reheat when ready to serve.

10. Can I make this soup without the taco sauce?

Yes, if you don’t have taco sauce, you can substitute it with extra taco seasoning or a bit of salsa for flavor. A squeeze of lime and a pinch of chili powder will also enhance the flavor if you’re looking for something tangy and zesty.

These answers should help you adjust the recipe based on what you have available and suit your personal tastes! Let me know if you have any other questions by leaving a comment below!

1. Meat Substitutes:

• Ground Chicken: If you prefer a lighter option, ground chicken can be swapped in place of ground turkey for a similar texture and flavor.
• Ground Beef: For a richer, beefy flavor, ground beef works wonderfully in this soup.
• Ground Pork: If you want a slightly different flavor profile, ground pork is a great alternative that adds a bit more sweetness.

2. Dairy-Free Option:

• Cream Cheese Substitute: If you’re dairy-free, try using coconut cream or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative (such as cashew-based cream cheese). Both will add creaminess without the dairy.
• Cheese Alternative: For the garnish, you can opt for dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese altogether for a lighter option.

3. Spice Up the Flavor:

• Add More Heat: If you like your soup spicier, consider adding jalapeños (fresh or pickled), hot sauce, or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for an extra kick.
• Change the Seasonings: Instead of the usual cumin, try adding chili powder, paprika, or oregano for a different flavor profile. You can also throw in a taco seasoning packet for added convenience.

4. Add Extra Veggies:

• Zucchini: You can add diced zucchini for extra texture and flavor. It's low in carbs and will blend in nicely with the other ingredients.
• Cauliflower Rice: If you’re craving a bit of "rice" in your soup, adding cauliflower rice can make the soup more hearty while keeping it low-carb.
• Bell Peppers: Diced bell peppers (any color) can add sweetness and crunch to your soup without adding many carbs.

5. Vegetarian or Vegan:

• Meat-Free Option: For a vegetarian or vegan twist, swap the ground turkey for crumbled tofu, tempeh, or textured vegetable protein (TVP). You can season these plant-based options with the same taco spices to keep the flavor profile intact.
• Beans: Though beans aren’t strictly keto, they are low-carb in moderation. If you’re not following a strict keto diet, adding a small amount of black beans or pinto beans can give you that traditional taco feel.

6. Broth Substitutes:

• Chicken Broth: If you’d prefer a different flavor, swap out the water (or broth, if you’re using it) with chicken broth for a richer, savory base.
• Beef Broth: For a heartier, deeper flavor, beef broth can also work great as a substitute.

7. Toppings & Garnishes:

• Avocado: Fresh slices or mashed avocado on top can add a creamy, refreshing touch.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: If you're not dairy-sensitive, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt makes for a tangy addition.
• Olives: Sliced black olives add an extra layer of flavor and a slight brininess.

Feel free to get creative and customize your turkey taco soup based on what you have on hand or your specific dietary preferences! It's a versatile dish that can easily adapt to a wide range of flavors and ingredients.

Why You'll Love This Recipe:

• Keto-Friendly & Low-Carb: This turkey taco soup is packed with protein and healthy fats, making it perfect for those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle.
• Meal Prep Friendly: It reheats beautifully, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it for several days.
• Deliciously Savory: The combination of creamy cream cheese, taco spices, and hearty ground turkey gives you all the flavor of a taco without the carbs.

This keto turkey taco soup is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation! Try it today and enjoy a comforting bowl of low-carb goodness.

Ingredients Needed For Turkey Taco Soup

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 whole onion, diced
• 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
• 8 oz Rotel diced tomatoes and chilies
• 1 tbsp garlic salt
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 2 tbsp taco sauce
• 2 tbsp cilantro (for garnish)
• 2 tbsp cheese (for garnish)

How to Make Turkey Taco Soup

Brown the Ground Turkey: In a large pot, cook the ground turkey until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Add the diced onion and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.

Add Cream Cheese: Cube the cream cheese and add it to the pot. Stir occasionally as it melts and combines with the turkey and onions.

Mix in the Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the Rotel diced tomatoes with chilies, garlic salt, ground cumin, and taco sauce. Stir until everything is well mixed, then let it heat through.

Garnish and Serve: Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls. Top with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of cheese for that perfect taco flavor.