Mediterranean Cheesy Keto Taco Soup

This Mediterranean-style cheesy keto taco soup is a cozy, creamy bowl built for days when you want something warm, filling, and low in carbs without feeling limited. It brings together seasoned ground meat, garlic, onions, tomatoes, mild chilies, and a rich cheese base. The Mediterranean touch comes from the olive-oil sautéed aromatics, clean spices, and a softer herbal flavor profile compared to traditional Tex-Mex. It blends the comfort of a taco soup with the lighter, garden-inspired feel of Mediterranean cooking. The broth is silky, the cream cheese gives it body, and the cheddar melts into the soup for extra richness. It’s the kind of one-pot meal you can serve for dinner, meal prep for the week, or ladle into bowls during cold weather. Every spoonful is savory, creamy, and satisfying.

Time

30–35 minutes

Ingredients

Meat

1 lb ground beef or ground turkey

Produce

1 small onion, chopped

2–3 cloves garlic, minced

Optional: 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper or 4 oz mild green chilies

Canned Goods

1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies or 28 oz diced tomatoes

About 4 cups beef or chicken broth

Dairy

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened and cubed

1/2 to 1 cup heavy cream

1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend

Seasonings

2 tbsp taco seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings

Sour cream

Avocado slices

Fresh cilantro

Jalapeño rings

Instructions

Cook the Meat
Heat a pot over medium. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned. Break it up as it cooks.

Drain if Needed
If using a fattier meat, drain the excess grease before adding the aromatics.

Add Onion and Garlic
Stir in the onion and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant.

Add Peppers or Chilies
Add the chopped bell pepper or mild green chilies and cook for another minute.

Stir in Taco Seasoning
Mix the taco seasoning into the meat until everything is evenly coated.

Pour in Broth and Tomatoes
Add your broth and Rotel or diced tomatoes. Stir well and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.

Add Cream Cheese
Drop in the cream cheese cubes. Stir slowly until fully melted and incorporated.

Pour in Heavy Cream
Add the heavy cream and keep the heat low to avoid boiling.

Mix in Some Cheese
Add a handful of shredded cheddar to thicken and enrich the soup.

Taste and Serve
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and add your favorite toppings.

Tips

Softening the cream cheese ahead of time helps it melt smoothly.

Browning the meat well adds depth and makes the soup richer.

If using turkey, add an extra splash of broth to prevent dryness.

Add tomatoes before dairy so the flavor cooks properly.

Keep the heat low once cream is added to prevent curdling.

Stir in the cheese gradually for a smooth finish.

For a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.

For a thinner soup, add a little more broth or cream.

Taste the taco seasoning before adding salt since blends vary.

Add toppings only when serving to keep them fresh and crisp.

Variations

Chicken Version
Use ground chicken and substitute chicken broth for a lighter bowl.

Mediterranean Herb Twist
Add oregano, thyme, or parsley for a more herbal flavor.

Low-Spice Version
Use regular diced tomatoes instead of Rotel.

Extra-Spicy Version
Add crushed chili flakes or hot green chilies.

Cheese Lover’s Edition
Mix in extra cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend.

Green Veggie Boost
Add chopped spinach or zucchini at the end.

Creamier Texture
Add a spoon of mascarpone or extra cream cheese.

Tomato-Rich Style
Add more tomatoes and reduce broth slightly.

One-Pot Meal Prep Version
Double ingredients and refrigerate for easy grab-and-heat meals.

Smoky Flavor Option
Add smoked paprika or chipotle powder.

Q&A

Can I make this without tomatoes?
Yes, replace with extra broth and a little more cream.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.

Can I freeze the soup?
It freezes well, but stir after thawing since the dairy may separate a little.

Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
Absolutely, and it often gives better flavor.

Will ground turkey taste too mild?
Not once the spices, cream cheese, and toppings are added.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the meat first, then cook on low for 4–5 hours.

Can I make it thicker?
Simmer longer or add more cheese.

Can I make it thinner?
Simply add more broth.

What toppings add the most flavor?
Avocado, cilantro, and sour cream balance the soup well.

Can I add olives?
Yes, black or green olives add a Mediterranean touch.

Nutrition

(Approx per serving)

Calories: 420–520

Protein: 24–30 g

Carbs: 6–10 g

Fat: 32–40 g

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Cheesy Keto Taco Soup blends hearty meat, soft aromatics, creamy broth, and warm spices into a satisfying low-carb meal you can build around your taste. It’s flexible, fast, and easy enough for weeknights, but still rich enough for special meals or cold evenings. The dairy makes it smooth, the tomatoes add brightness, and the toppings bring freshness to the bowl. It’s a reliable one-pot recipe you’ll come back to whenever you want something comforting and keto-friendly. Enjoy it hot with your favorite garnishes.