If you’ve been craving something hearty, flavorful, and comforting-but don’t want to derail your healthy eating goals-then you’re in for a treat. Enter: Weight Watchers Taco Soup. This isn’t your average soup. It’s a magical blend of chili meets taco, loaded with protein, fiber, and spice, yet light enough to keep you on track with your points.
Here’s the beauty of it:
- It’s ridiculously easy to make (we’re talking one pot, minimal cleanup).
- It’s customizable-spice it up, tone it down, bulk it up, or keep it light.
- It’s meal prep heaven because the flavors deepen overnight, so leftovers are even better.
This is the type of recipe you’ll want on repeat, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner, a freezer-friendly meal prep project, or a crowd-pleaser for game night.
Weight Watchers Taco Soup Recipe
Think of this as the lighter, healthier cousin of chili-bold flavors, rich textures, but without the heaviness. The recipe keeps all the classic taco-inspired seasonings while relying on lean protein and lots of vegetables. Best of all, you don’t need fancy ingredients. Most of this comes from pantry staples you probably already have.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll want to gather before we roll up our sleeves:
- Lean ground turkey or ground chicken (93% lean or better for lower points; ground beef also works if you prefer richer flavor)
- Onion (yellow or white, diced small)
- Garlic (fresh minced or pre-minced-no shame!)
- Taco seasoning (store-bought packet or homemade for more control)
- Ranch dressing mix (yep, the powder packet-it adds tangy depth)
- Canned black beans (rinsed and drained)
- Canned kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
- Canned pinto beans (rinsed and drained)
- Corn kernels (canned, frozen, or fresh)
- Canned diced tomatoes (with or without green chilies for extra kick)
- Tomato sauce (to give body and richness to the broth)
- Low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- Optional garnishes: chopped cilantro, fat-free Greek yogurt (as a sour cream swap), shredded reduced-fat cheese, lime wedges, jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips for crunch.
Cooking Instructions
Alright, apron on? Here’s how to make this step-by-step.
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Cook The Protein
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add your lean ground turkey (or chosen protein). Break it up with a wooden spoon, cooking until browned and no pink remains.
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Add Aromatics
- Toss in your chopped onion and garlic. Let them sauté for about 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
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Season It Up
- Stir in the taco seasoning and ranch dressing mix. Let the spices toast for about 30 seconds to release their oils and deepen flavor.
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Add The Beans And Veggies
- In go the black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine everything.
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Pour In The Broth
- Add the chicken or vegetable broth until the soup reaches your preferred consistency (some like it thicker, others more brothy).
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Simmer Magic
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for 20-30 minutes. This is when the flavors marry together beautifully.
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Taste And Adjust
- Before serving, taste the soup. Add salt, pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce if needed.
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Serve It Up
- Ladle into bowls, then add your favorite garnishes.
Ingredient Insights
Here’s the deeper look at why each ingredient works so well:
- Ground turkey/chicken: Lean but hearty, it absorbs spices beautifully.
- Ranch mix: Surprising, right? It adds a creamy, tangy, herby note that balances the chili spices.
- Beans: Not only are they fiber-packed and filling, but using three types gives different textures and colors.
- Corn: A touch of natural sweetness to balance the spice.
- Tomatoes + sauce: Create the base while keeping it light.
- Broth: Controls consistency-you can go thick like chili or thinner like soup.
Expert Tips
Want to make this soup not just good, but unforgettable? Try these:
- Brown the meat well: Don’t rush this step. A little caramelization adds depth.
- Bloom the spices: Heating the taco seasoning before adding liquids brings out a richer flavor.
- Go homemade for seasoning: Make your own taco mix with chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, and cayenne. Less sodium, more control.
- Batch cook and freeze: This soup freezes like a dream. Portion into freezer bags, lay flat, and stack.
- Thicken it up: For a chili-like texture, mash a cup of beans before adding them to the pot.
Recipe Variations
This soup is a canvas-here are some fun ways to change it up:
- Protein swaps: Use shredded rotisserie chicken, ground beef, or even plant-based crumbles.
- Spice it up: Add jalapeños, chipotle peppers in adobo, or extra cayenne.
- Low-carb twist: Swap beans for zucchini, peppers, or cauliflower rice.
- Vegetarian version: Skip the meat, double up on beans or lentils, and use veggie broth.
- Slow cooker method: Brown your meat first, then dump everything in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours (or high for 3-4).
- Instant Pot method: Sauté meat and onions, then pressure cook all ingredients for 10 minutes with a quick release.
Final Words
What I love most about this Weight Watchers Taco Soup is its versatility. You can dress it up for a party with fun toppings or keep it simple for weekday lunches. It’s hearty enough to satisfy a big appetite but light enough that you don’t feel weighed down. Plus, it’s proof that healthy eating never has to be boring.
FAQs
What Is The Weight Watchers Taco Soup Recipe?
The Weight Watchers taco soup recipe is a healthy and low-calorie version of a traditional taco soup, designed to fit within the Weight Watchers program. It typically includes lean proteins, such as ground turkey or chicken, beans, vegetables, and low-sodium taco seasoning, making it both flavorful and filling without exceeding the point values allowed in the Weight Watchers plan.
How Many Points Is Weight Watchers Taco Soup Per Serving?
The points for Weight Watchers taco soup can vary depending on the ingredients used, but a standard serving (about 1 cup) usually ranges between 3-5 points on the Weight Watchers Freestyle or PersonalPoints plan. To lower the points, consider using leaner meats, reducing oil, or using a low-sodium broth.
Can I Make Weight Watchers Taco Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Weight Watchers taco soup by replacing the ground meat with plant-based options, such as lentils, black beans, or textured vegetable protein (TVP). This will maintain the heartiness of the soup while keeping it within the Weight Watchers points system.
What Can I Add To The Taco Soup To Increase Its Flavor Without Adding Extra Points?
To boost flavor without adding extra points, consider using low-sodium seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Fresh herbs such as cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice can also enhance the taste without impacting the points value.
Can I Use A Slow Cooker For Weight Watchers Taco Soup?
Yes, a slow cooker is a great method for making Weight Watchers taco soup. Simply add all the ingredients into the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This will allow the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and hearty soup.
Can I Make The Weight Watchers Taco Soup Spicier?
Absolutely! To make the taco soup spicier, you can add extra chili powder, diced jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Just be mindful of your own tolerance for spice, as these additions can significantly increase the heat.
Can I Freeze Weight Watchers Taco Soup?
Yes, Weight Watchers taco soup can be frozen. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat it, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
What Toppings Can I Add To Weight Watchers Taco Soup?
You can add a variety of low-point toppings to Weight Watchers taco soup, such as a small amount of shredded reduced-fat cheese, fat-free sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, sliced avocado (in moderation), or diced onions. Just remember to track any added toppings to stay within your point limits.
Can I Use A Different Protein For The Taco Soup?
Yes, you can use a variety of proteins in your taco soup. Ground chicken, turkey, or lean beef are popular options. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken or even plant-based alternatives like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
How Long Does Weight Watchers Taco Soup Last In The Fridge?
Weight Watchers taco soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you’re unsure about keeping leftovers for longer, you can freeze the soup for extended storage.