Keto Friendly Taco Soup

Warm, cozy, easy winter soup that is rich with delicious Mexican flavors. 

This soup is the perfect way to enjoy tacos without the added carbs! 

I’m all about quick and easy one-bowl meals this time of year and this taco soup is at the top of the list. It’s made with my favorite taco ingredients and loaded with mildly spicy & zesty flavors that will keep you coming back for more.

It comes together quickly, with simple ingredients, and minimal effort. You will have a delicious dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes. Oh and this meal is totally affordable… you can get everything for under $20. 

Looking for a wine pairing?

Scout & Cellar 2019 ETNICO CHARDONNAY will pair beautifully with this spicy and zest soup. ETNICO Chardonnay is bright and refreshing with lemon zest, underripe pear, and a touch of pineapple balanced by white flowers and a hint of herbs with a zesty texture.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef 
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (I used red but green works good too)
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes 
• 8 oz cream cheese (I used low fat and cut into fours, it helps it melt faster)
• 1 Taco seasoning packet
• Zest and juice of one medium sized lime
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups beef broth

Optional toppings:

sliced avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, freshly minced cilantro, jalapeno, and a drizzle of lime

Instructions

Add olive oil to a large pot, brown beef, remove meat from pot and discard liquid. 

In the same pot, saute onion, and garlic over medium-high heat for 7-8 minutes.

Add the bell pepper, diced tomatoes and saute until pepper and tomatoes are soft and tender.

Add the lime zest taco seasoning packet and stir to combine. 

Add lime juice and cream cheese, until cream cheese is melted and mixed through.

Add beef back to the pot and stir to combine. 

Pour in beef broth and reduce heat to low-medium. 

Simmer for 15-20 minutes.

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Chicken Enchiladas

These easy chicken enchiladas are stuffed with shredded chicken and cheese, topped with homemade enchilada sauce, and CHEESE! They’re baked until the cheese is deliciously melted, the sauce bubbly and the tortillas are slightly crispy. 

I love transforming leftover rotisserie chicken into new recipes especially these enchiladas!  You can totally use chicken breast, but grabbing a rotisserie chicken from the supermarket will save you a lot of time. Ultimately, you won’t be able to tell the difference, thanks to the flavor and moisture you’ll add when you toss together the filling.

Seriously the homemade enchilada sauce really makes it outstanding, so don’t skip that step! 

You can assemble the enchiladas a day in advance or freeze for future baking — just be sure to bring it to room temperature before baking. You’ll know it’s done when the sauce is bubbling, the cheese is melted, and the ends of the tortillas are nice and crisp.

As for serving, sprinkle with sliced black olives, chopped  fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream are just about all this easy casserole needs.

INGREDIENTS 

Sauce 

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons chili powder 
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 cups chicken stock

Enchiladas

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 rotisserie chicken or 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into small 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 small white onion, diced
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
• Salt and freshly-cracked black pepper
• 8 large corn or flour tortillas
• 3 cups Mexican-blend shredded cheese
• Optional Toppings: Black Olives, Chopped Cilantro and Sour cream

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350°F.  

Prepare your enchilada sauce.

Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.

Add flour and whisk together over the heat for one minute. 

Stir in the remaining seasonings (chili powder through oregano). 

Then gradually add in the stock, whisking constantly to remove lumps. 

Reduce heat and simmer 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened.

Remove pan from heat and set aside.

Prepare the chicken.

In a large sauté pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. 

Add onion and sauté for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.  

Add diced chicken and green chiles, and season with a generous pinch of salt and pepper.  Sauté the mixture for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the chicken is cooked through.

If using already cooked rotisserie chicken, cook until heated through and covered in spices. 

Remove pan from heat and set aside.

To assemble the enchiladas

Set up an assembly line including: tortillas, enchilada sauce, chicken mixture, and cheese. 

Lay out a tortilla, and spread two tablespoons of sauce over the surface of the tortilla.  

Add a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture in a line down the center of the tortilla, then sprinkle with 1/3 cup cheese. 

Roll up the tortilla and place in a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish.

Assemble the remaining enchiladas.  

Then spread any remaining sauce evenly over the top of the enchiladas, followed by any extra cheese.

Bake the enchiladas

Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until the enchiladas are cooked through and the tortillas are slightly crispy on the outside.  

Remove the pan from the oven and serve the enchiladas.