Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground turkey or chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables and Beans
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (10 oz) can green chilies (optional)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
Liquids
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Seasonings
- 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
- 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 apart with a spoon to ensure even cooking.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the meat with the spices for maximum flavor.
- Combine Soup Ingredients: Pour in the diced tomatoes, optional green chilies, black beans, and chicken broth. Stir everything together to create a rich base for the soup.
- Simmer and Melt Cream Cheese: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Add the cubed cream cheese, stirring continuously until it melts completely and the soup turns creamy and smooth.
- Add Cheddar Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the soup, adding richness and depth to the flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust with additional salt or pepper if needed to suit your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with optional toppings like sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a bright finish. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with lean ground beef or chicken if preferred.
- For a spicier soup, add jalapeños or hot sauce to taste.
- Consider using homemade taco seasoning for better control over sodium and spice levels.
- This soup freezes well; store leftovers in airtight containers and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican