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I’m pretty sure that mother nature has forgotten what season it is. It’s April, and here we are, the day after a whirling snowstorm. Sigh. At least it’s a perfect excuse to make my low carb taco soup recipe with ranch dressing. This keto taco soup is my go-to when I want comfort food warm-bowl-of-soup form.
Say what? Easy taco soup with ranch dressing? Yep, that’s right. I’ve combined my favorite taco seasoning recipe and my go-to ranch dressing recipe to create the ultimate keto taco soup!
After sharing the taco seasoning last weekend, I couldn’t wait to share this easy taco soup with you, too. You’re going to love it…
Basic Low Carb Taco Soup Ingredients
I’m sure there are plenty of variations for simple taco soup. My version needs only five ingredients, so yay for that!
Here is all you need for this easy keto taco soup recipe:
- Ground beef
- Taco seasoning
- Beef bone broth (or any broth you want!)
- Diced tomatoes
- Ranch dressing
Now, don’t go yelling at me about the fact that two of the ingredients are taco seasoning and ranch dressing. Yes, I realize that each of these has multiple ingredients in itself.
But, both of these are staples that you can make in advance and use for multiple purposes. It’s not like you have to go make them each time you want low carb taco soup. Worst case, each of them takes about 5 minutes to throw together (mix and you’re done!).
And once you try them in this paleo taco soup, I hope you’ll see why I love them so much!
Options for Paleo Keto Taco Soup
There are plenty of options to customize your low carb taco soup.
Types of Broth
Let’s start with bone broth. I use beef bone broth to match the ground beef in the soup and get the benefits of collagen in there.
But, feel free to use regular beef broth if you want to. Even chicken broth would be fine if that’s what you have.
Tomatoes for the Best Keto Taco Soup
Next up, diced tomatoes! I used the regular kind, but I’ll bet fire roasted tomatoes would be delicious, too.
There are a couple of options if you like an extra kick in your paleo taco soup. Try diced tomatoes with green chiles are another option. Or if you have a jar of salsa, that’s another great idea!
Tomatoes are slightly higher in carbs than some other veggies, but still fit reasonably into a keto taco soup.
Easy Taco Soup Toppings
What toppings to put on taco soup? I like shredded cheddar cheese (omit for paleo taco soup) and cilantro. Avocado is delicious, too. Feel free to add anything you’d put on tacos!
Taco Seasoning & Ranch Dressing
As mentioned before I use my favorite homemade taco seasoning and ranch dressing for this recipe. But, you don’t have to! If you’d rather use store bought varieties, feel free. Any kind will do.
You can even add them to taste if you’d like to adjust the heat or creaminess. Plenty of flexibility here.
Dairy-free, Paleo or Whole30 Taco Soup
What if you want a dairy-free, whole30 or paleo taco soup? That’s easy to do. Simply use a ranch dressing that will work for these dietary restrictions. I like this one.
Of course, you’d skip the cheese topping in this case, too. You can still add other yummy toppings like avocado and cilantro.
How To Make Taco Soup On The Stove
Like with any low carb soup recipe, I was on the fence about choosing the cooking method. Keto taco soup on the stove, in a slow cooker, or a pressure cooker?
Ultimately, I picked the stove for simplicity. I did the same for my easy broccoli cheese soup, and that is a huge reader favorite, so I figured you can’t go wrong there.
So, how do you make taco soup on the stove? All you need is one pot and 20 minutes.
Here’s how to make keto taco soup:
- Brown the ground beef in the bottom of a large pot over medium-high heat. It will take about 7-10 minutes. You can drain it afterward if you want to, but it’s not required.
- Add 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning and some broth, and simmer until most of it absorbs into the meat. This is essentially transforming the meat into taco meat.
- Add more broth, diced tomatoes, and more taco seasoning. Simmer it for another ten minutes or so, maybe even a bit less. Remove from heat and wait a couple minutes.
- Add the ranch dressing. The reason we wait a couple of minutes first is to avoid curdling the dressing.
How To Make Taco Soup In A Crock Pot Or Instant Pot
If you want to make Crock Pot low carb taco soup, or if you prefer the Instant Pot, you can.
- For the Crock Pot: Just brown the meat the same way as the stove method, and finish in the slow cooker.
- For the Instant Pot: You can do the entire process in the pressure cooker. Either way, make sure you add the ranch dressing at the end, without any heat.
There you go. Now grab your favorite taco toppings and enjoy!
If you’re having the winter blues like me (in April!), I hope this easy taco soup recipe with ranch dressing will help you make it through these next couple weeks. I’m sure spring will finally get here eventually…
Tools To Make Taco Soup
Tap the links below to see the items used to make this recipe.
- Stock Pot – This stock pot is a great size for large family meals, seafood boils, or a whole chicken for making homemade chicken broth. It also happens to be perfect for this low carb taco soup.
- Crock Pot – A ‘set it and forget it’ method of cooking that delivers rich and developed flavors that only happen with long cook times.
- Instant Pot – This appliance pulls double duty as both a slow cooker and pressure cooker. You can use either function with this keto taco soup recipe and it will turn out fantastic.
- Meat Chopper – Useful for breaking up whole tomatoes and ground beef, this meat chopper is an ideal tool for this easy taco soup.
Easy Low Carb Keto Taco Soup Recipe:
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Easy Keto Low Carb Taco Soup Recipe
See how to make taco soup on the stove - it takes only 20 minutes + 5 ingredients! The whole family will love this easy low carb taco soup recipe with ranch dressing. It's so rich and flavorful, no one will guess it's keto taco soup.
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Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.
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In the bottom of a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef for about 7-10 minutes, until no longer pink. Drain if desired.
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Add 2 tablespoons (28 g) taco seasoning (2/3 of the total amount) and 3/4 cup (177 mL) of broth. Simmer for a couple of minutes, until the liquid is mostly gone.
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Add the remaining broth, diced tomatoes (with liquid), and remaining tablespoon of taco seasoning. Stir together. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for about 8-10 minutes.
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Remove from heat. Wait 2 minutes, then stir in the ranch dressing. If desired, garnish with shredded cheddar cheese and cilantro.
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Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 cup
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77 Comments
Megan Bowes
I’ve made this soup a number of times. It is really good. I made it again today for my mother and she loved it! This is definitely one of my faves.
Chelsie
Love this meal!!!! We did a 1.5x batch and added a couple diced bell peppers! Served with an air fried low carb tortilla, cut up into chips!
Susan
Delicious! My husband loved this soup. I had to keep him from eating the whole thing. Will definitely be making this again. I used the homemade taco seasoning and the homemade ranch dressing. Best ranch dressing I have ever tasted! I did add a little leftover salsa.
Shree
This was great. I kicked up the heat and used hot ground pork Will be making it again.
sue y.
my mom use to make taco soup, she added a can of corn and when you went to serve it, she would use ranch dorito’s she just didn’t make enough lol
Lindsay Reid
Really great for keto, very filling!
Lex
I made this for the first time last week. OMG. So tasty! Reheats and microwaves beautifully. This is definitely in my regular rotation. I love soup to begin with, and I love tacos. When I saw the recipe I said I just gotta try it. Great combo and keto too! Win all around!
Dime
Not bad!! I wanted to love this recipe but the ranch was way overpowering. I also added an onion and more spices/broth once I realized it tasted like ranch. It reheated well.
Beth Jackson
OMG!! Best soup ever said my non-keto husband! I agree. This is a delicious and flavorful soup. I used taco seasoning and ranch dressing I had on hand and it was still fantastic. Next time, I will make Maya’s taco seasoning and ranch dressing, I am sure that will kick up the yum on thus already yummy soup. Don’t wait, make it tonight!! I topped with half a low carb tortilla that I cut into strips and cilantro and cheese. Leftovers, I topped with cheese, cilantro, and avocado.
Bettye
I add diced onion & celery and any other vegetable I have around and it makes a nice hearty soup that fills you up.
Caroline
Tasted good but far too broth-y for my liking. I sautĂ©d a small yellow onion before adding the ground beef to add a little more texture. Also garnished with green onions, a squeeze of lime juice, cheddar cheese and 1/4 small avocado. Turned out yummy but next time I’ll cut the broth amount in half, and maybe try veg broth vs beef broth.
Madaline Hernandez
I make your taco casserole at least a once or twice a month, so I always have your taco seasoning on hand. It’s a huge hit. It was on tap for tonight with ground chicken because that’s what I had on hand, but I just didn’t feel like cooking. A taco soup felt easier while still accomplishing the flavor I was looking for & was overjoyed to see your website pop up on the search. All of the recipes I’ve tried from you are winners.
I doubled this with ground chicken & chicken broth because it was in hand & used tessamae’s ranch. Cooked in the instant pot & it was a winner even with my picky children. Thank god I doubled the batch too, I’m sure just 1 portion wouldn’t have been enough it’s already have gone between 3 kids & 3 adults.
Thanks again.
Kay Jepsen
Thank you for such great ideas and your flexibility in providing your recipes
Lacie
This taco soup was delicious! I get a little nervous trying new things because my husband is sort of picky and is not on keto so I try to make things we can both eat and enjoy! He loved the soup, so it was a win!
Judy C.
I have some homemade chipotle ranch dressing I need to use up…..guess where it’s going?!? Nice to see a Taco Soup recipe that doesn’t use cream cheese or is cream based. While I love the richness of those recipes, they are too rich for some of my non-Keto family, so I can’t wait to try your lighter version. I might even try a chicken version with shredded chicken after I try the original recipe. I love your recipes, they are always delicious and easy.! Thanks for all you do, Maya!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Thank you so much, Judy! Please come back and leave a review once you make it. đŸ™‚
Deb Sullivan
So, so yummy!!
Paula
Can you please help…..I am very sensitive to salt, and as you know, salt is in EVERYTHING! I do make my own taco seasoning but would like to know if you include the sodium count in your recipes.
Wholesome Yum A
Hi Paula, you can find other nutritional information below the recipe card, but this doesn’t include sodium. I’d recommend checking the USDA Food Database or use your favorite macro calculator.
Jennifer
Since I am on the ketogenic plan I added a block of full fat cream cheese which added a creamy texture and a great flavor. Thanks for the recipe!
Angi
I made way too much Taco meat and was looking for something to do with it–this looks perfect! And so simple! And definitely something hubby will love–he finally decided to keto with me!
Carmon
I am planning on making this, but can we add dry ranch seasoning, to avoid the curdling?
Wholesome Yum
Hi Carmon, it might taste spicier without the creaminess of the dressing, but you could do that!
Kathleen Decker-Stewart
Made this taco soup and it was delicious! I’m low sodium so I only used one can of diced tomatoes and added green chilis. It was spicy without being painful and very flavorful. My husband loved it too!
Jana
Is there a way to replace the diced tomatoes with tomato sauce/paste? Not a fan of chunky tomatoes. Thanks!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Jana, I haven’t tried that but I’m sure you could.
Justine Berta
What if I have leftovers? Can I reheat with the ranch dressing or will it curdle?
Wholesome Yum
Hi Justine, it should be fine if you reheat it gently.
Brit
Quick easy and delicious, made with your taco seasoning and ranch dressing recipes. Thank you so much, I’ll be trying lots of your recipes!
Sonya Lucas-Roberts
I plan on making this again soon. Sounds yummy!
Karen Kelly
This is so full of flavor and has all the goodies my family loves. It is super easy to make on a weeknight too. Maybe I’ll make a double batch next time and stash some in the fridge!
Kelly Anthony
This low carb taco soup will be perfect for busy weeknights when I don’t have time to do much prep work. Thanks for sharing this easy recipe!
Tara
I love how easily this soup comes together! It looks so warm and comforting for this time of year.
Lucy Parissi
This is perfect for busy weeknights – just the kind of soup my family looks forward to. Thanks for this recipe.
Rae
This soup is delicious and perfect for cold, wet weather. Ingredients I almost always have on hand, too.
Kim
I love your recipes and am especially thankful for the ability to change the serving size. This makes cooking for a small OR large group super simple.
Dan
I had a desire for a low carb taco flavored dish and went to my go-to website: Wholesomeyum! And Maya did not disappoint! With our chilly weather this Taco Soup recipe sounded good but was GREAT! Thanks again!
Patricia Swenson
I usually chop up and add some zucchini and yellow squash to my soup!
Fabel
Wonderful recipe. Added some onions and peppers. đŸ™‚
Kay
Where are your nutrient facts??? A MUST for keto….
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Kay, The nutrition info is on the recipe card above.
Marcella Rice
PS: My granddaughter and I did not see the taco soup recipe was for 8-eight people until we had started making it. Considering A LOT of people follow this WOE by themselves, it would be more appropriate to make recipes for Less than 8 people. I know we can change the amount of the ingredients–but who would think a recipe was for eight people!!!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Thank you for the feedback, Marcella. I’ll keep that in mind. You can easily store leftovers of this soup, though, or adjust the servings on the recipe card, like you mentioned.
Kelley
That may be true for some regarding servings, however I have a husband and 4 teenage boys to feed. I always look for recipes that feed at least 6, then I double it. My boys always go back for seconds. I even doubled your recipe it was delicious just as is! Thanks for sharing
Jamie
I thank you for already having a serving size so large. It suits me just fine and I don’t half to try to double it like most recipes
Marcella Rice
If I add the ranch to the cooled soup how do I reheat it w/o curdling the ranch?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Marcella, It should be fine as long as you reheat over low heat. Otherwise if you want to be on the safe side, you can store without the ranch and add that only before serving.
Erin
Hi. I followed the directions exactly and my soup looks like it curdled right after poring my dressing in. What should be done differently?
Wholesome Yum M
Hi Erin, Did you turn off the heat and let the soup cool slightly before adding the dressing? It sounds like it was too hot when the dressing was added.
Patricia
I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW YOU ARE A BLESSING TO THE KETO WORLD! I enjoy your recipes so much, thank you keep them coming! Patricia
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Thank you so much, Patricia! It means a lot to hear that!
MaudeM
What’s the nutritional breakdown?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
The nutrition info is on the recipe card above!
Chef William
Now you have touched my heart, I have always enjoyed taco soup but when your recipe only calls for 5 ingredients it is a winner in my book. Living in Mexico I do keep taco seasoning in the house at all times. I will need to make the ranch dressing but salads make up a large part of my keto based meals so that is no problem. Thanks for sharing another great recipe.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
I am so happy you liked the soup, William! Have a great day!
Felicia
HI! I would like to try this in the Crock Pot for ease. Can you substitute liquid ranch dressing for package ranch dressing and add all ingredients at once after you sauté the meat?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Felicia, You could try that, but I found the flavor of the meat to be better when sauteing it with the seasoning first. Also, package ranch dressing mix has maltodextrin (sugar) and starch (in addition to MSG), so if you’re low carb I don’t recommend it. It would work from just a recipe standpoint, though.
Vicki
My first of your recipes. OMG! Yum. Thx
Maya | Wholesome Yum
I am so happy to hear that, Vicki! Thanks for stopping by!
Sandra Lee
made this today ..it was great I combined it with the chia bread that I made Friday because it reminded me of corn bread they complemented each other well. thanks for such great recipes
Maya | Wholesome Yum
That’s a great idea, Sandra Lee! Thanks for stopping by!
Debi
Hi Maya,
Just curious if you can make the taco soup without the ranch dressing, I can’t eat Mayonnaise. I really want to try this recipe because I love soup in the winter.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Debi, You can, but it would be very spicy without the creamy ranch mellowing it out, and a it less flavorful without the ranch spices. You can try making this ranch recipe with sour cream only (swap the mayo for more sour cream), which would be ok if you’re putting it in this soup.
karen griffin
I make my own ranch with buttermilk, mayo and sour cream, with a little oregano, little parsley, more (equal amount)of garlic and onion powder. Just leave out the mayo and add to the sour cream and you could even add a teaspoon of vinegar to the sour cream instead of the using buttermilk.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Thanks for sharing with us, Karen!
Angèle
This soup is just SO good!!! I have done it many times now and all the family members absolutely LOVE it!!! Thanks for the recipe!!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Yay! I am so happy you liked it, Angele!
Natalie
I love eating soup when I’m sick and now, it’s the time.
Have some spots in my mouth until that I cannot bite or eat normally because it’s so painful.
This soup looks really warm and delicious!!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Thank you, Natalie. Hope you feel better soon and can try the soup!
Nancy
The soup turned out really good. I do think I broke up my hambuger meat too small, but my husband (who is not on the diet) and I both enjoyed it.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Thank you, Nancy! I’m glad you and your husband liked it.
Robin
Does this Taco Soup freeze well?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Robin, You should be able to freeze it. To be on the safe side I’d probably wait to add the ranch dressing until after thawing and reheating.
Eliza F
Hello from Hopkins, Minne-SNOW-ta!! You’re right, a winter soup is perfect for April right now. I’m wondering about slow cooking or pressure cooking: Do you need to adjust the liquid for either of these, and how long do you cook it? I recently bought a new pressure cooker with slow cooking and all kinds of other functions, so I’m having fun playing with it! Thanks for all your great recipes; I keep thinking I’m tired of looking at new recipes, then I get another email from Wholesome Yum, and I’m intrigued again! I love your website đŸ™‚
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Eliza, Great to meet someone nearby! You don’t need to adjust the liquid for the slow cooker or pressure cooker. Just don’t add the ranch until after cooking. I really appreciate your kind words and that you are loving the recipes. Please let me know how it goes if you make this!
Anthony Leon
I’d like to know, if the keto good for you, then why is it so high fat, like 24g fat? I don’t get it, but it has a lot of protein. Just confused. Thank you.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Hi Anthony, Numerous studies have shown that any past recommendations for lowering fat are a myth, and a low carb way of eating has so many benefits. So, I’m not concerned about fat content at all. I’m not sure what you are asking about the protein. I’ll be posting a keto guide on the site soon and hope that will help answer some of your questions. Please let me know if you try the soup!