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Bowl of high protein taco soup topped with cheddar, avocado, sour cream, cilantro, and lime

High Protein Taco Soup

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A hearty one-pot taco soup with 93% lean ground turkey, black beans, pinto beans, corn, tomatoes, peppers, lime, and taco-style spices. Each of six servings provides an estimated 41 grams of protein.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 pounds (907 g) 93% lean ground turkey
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt, plus more only if needed
  • 1 can (28 ounces) no-salt-added crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) no-salt-added diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 ounces) low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) low-sodium pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen or drained canned corn
  • 3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth labeled gluten-free
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Optional toppings: diced avocado, shredded cheddar, plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, sliced jalapeño, green onion, lime wedges, or crushed corn tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy soup pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the ground turkey and spread it across the pot. Let it cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes, then break it into small crumbles. Continue cooking for 5 to 7 minutes, until cooked through and lightly browned.
  3. Add the onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeño. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the pepper begins to soften.
  4. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Cook for another 30 seconds while stirring constantly.
  5. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, black beans, pinto beans, corn, and 3 cups chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot and stir until evenly combined.
  6. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 18 to 22 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Add up to 1/2 cup extra broth if you prefer a thinner soup.
  7. Remove from the heat and stir in the lime juice and cilantro. Taste and adjust salt only if needed.
  8. Divide into 6 bowls. Add optional toppings only after portioning and serve hot.

Notes

  • Nutrition is estimated for one-sixth of the base soup and does not include optional toppings.
  • The estimate assumes 93% lean ground turkey, low-sodium or no-salt-added beans and tomatoes, and reduced-sodium chicken broth.
  • For a gluten-free result, use broth, spices, canned ingredients, and toppings labeled gluten-free when necessary.
  • For meal prep, cool the soup in shallow containers and refrigerate promptly.
  • Refrigerated soups and stews are best used within 3 to 4 days; freeze for longer storage and reheat leftovers to 165°F.
  • The soup thickens during storage. Add a splash of broth or water while reheating if needed.
  • Author: Adam Moretti
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
  • Diet: Gluten Free