If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful soup that won’t derail your healthy eating goals, look no further than Weight Watchers Taco Soup. This delicious dish features vibrant colors and a symphony of flavors, making it a perfect addition to your meal rotation. Packed with lean protein, veggies, and plenty of spices, it’s a guilt-free option that everyone in the family will love. So grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into this satisfying recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Why We Love This Weight Watchers Taco Soup Recipe
What makes this Weight Watchers Taco Soup so appealing? First off, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to your taste preferences or dietary needs. The combination of ingredients creates a depth of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds while keeping you full and satisfied. This soup is also easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra vegetables, ensuring you get a nutritious meal without compromising on taste.
Ingredients about Weight Watchers Taco Soup
To whip up this delightful soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Olive oil – 1 tsp
- Uncooked onion – 1 medium, yellow, chopped
- Uncooked bell pepper – 1 medium, green, chopped
- Garlic clove – 4 clove(s), finely chopped
- Jalapeño pepper – 1 medium, seeded and finely chopped
- Chili powder – 1 Tbsp
- Ground cumin – 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika – 1 tsp
- Ground oregano – 1 tsp
- Canned diced tomatoes – 29 oz, fire-roasted
- Canned black beans – 15 oz, rinsed and drained
- Uncooked 93% lean ground turkey – 12 oz
- Frozen corn kernels – 1 cup
- Canned chicken broth – 3 cups
How to Make Weight Watchers Taco Soup Directions
Making this taco soup is a simple process that combines fresh ingredients and delicious flavors. Start by heating a teaspoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and green pepper. Cook them, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and soft, which will take about five minutes.
Next, introduce your finely chopped garlic and jalapeño to the pot. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, for about two more minutes. This step helps to mellow out the spiciness of the jalapeño and releases the intoxicating aroma of the garlic.
Now it’s time to add the star of the show: your lean ground turkey. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Keep stirring until there are no pink spots left. This process should take around three to four minutes.
Once the turkey is fully cooked, you can sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Stir consistently for about a minute to allow the spices to become fragrant and ensure they coat the meat and vegetables evenly.
Next, add the canned broth and fire-roasted diced tomatoes to the pot. Bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer. Allow the flavors to really marry together for about 30 minutes.
After your soup has simmered, you might notice some fat on the surface. Use a shallow ladle or wide spoon to skim this off. Don’t worry; skimming the fat helps your soup maintain a lighter texture.
In the last step, add rinsed black beans and frozen corn to the pot, stirring until everything is evenly warmed through. This should take another five minutes. Once everything is heated, remove your pot from the heat source. Ladle the exquisite soup into bowls and top with your favorite taco toppings, such as diced avocado, shredded cheese, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
How to Serve Weight Watchers Taco Soup
Serving up your Weight Watchers Taco Soup is as easy as ladling it into bowls. This soup shines when garnished with toppings, so don’t hesitate to get creative! You can add diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, cilantro, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy touch without the extra calories.
Consider pairing it with a side of whole grain tortilla chips or crunchy veggie sticks for a complete meal. If you’re entertaining guests, serve the taco soup in larger bowls for a cozy, family-style dinner. Each bowl is not just a meal — it’s a warm hug that brings everyone to the table.
This soup is also a great option for meal prep. You can make a large batch and store it in portioned containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Warm it up, add your desired toppings, and you’ve got a nutritious meal ready to go in minutes.
Expert Tips: Weight Watchers Taco Soup
To elevate your Weight Watchers Taco Soup even more, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Customize Your Spice Level: If you love heat, consider adding more jalapeño or even a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. For a milder flavor, reduce the jalapeño or leave it out entirely.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley add a pop of flavor. You could also add lime juice just before serving for a refreshing twist.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to sneak in additional vegetables like zucchini or spinach. This not only boosts nutrition but also enhances the soup’s texture.
- Don’t Skip the Skim: Taking the time to skim off any excess fat makes a noticeable difference in the final dish. It helps to keep your soup lighter without sacrificing flavor.
- Test Different Toppings: The sky’s the limit when it comes to toppings. Try crushed tortilla chips, diced avocado, low-fat sour cream, or shredded lettuce to make each bowl unique.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your Weight Watchers Taco Soup is not only delicious but also tailored to your personal tastes.
How to Store Weight Watchers Taco Soup
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is likely, as this soup is so tasty), storing your Weight Watchers Taco Soup is straightforward. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. This prevents condensation from forming, which can dilute the flavors.
Your soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you’ve made a big batch and want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Place the cooled soup in freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your soup again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Stir it well to ensure it’s evenly heated, and feel free to add a splash of broth or water if it’s thicker than you like.
Variation of Weight Watchers Taco Soup
To keep things interesting, consider exploring different variations of this Weight Watchers Taco Soup. Each twist can add new flavors and excitement to your meals. Here are a few ideas:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the ground turkey for lentils or tempeh. This keeps the protein content high while making the dish completely plant-based.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced green chiles or a few dashes of hot sauce to amp up the spiciness. Adjust according to your heat preference!
- Creamy Taco Soup: Stir in some low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt just before serving. This adds richness and a creamy texture that’s so satisfying.
- Taco Soup Chili: For a chili-like twist, add kidney beans and diced bell peppers. Allow it to simmer longer for deeper flavors.
- Southwest Style: Incorporate some taco seasoning or chipotle powder for a smoky southwestern flavor.
These variations will ensure you can enjoy your Weight Watchers Taco Soup in many delicious ways without it ever feeling repetitive.
FAQs
What is Weight Watchers Taco Soup?
Weight Watchers Taco Soup is a delicious, healthy recipe that combines lean ground turkey, beans, vegetables, and spices, all simmered in a flavorful broth. It’s a low-calorie meal option perfect for anyone watching their weight.
How many Weight Watchers points is Taco Soup?
The exact points can vary based on the specific ingredients you use but generally, this soup is low in points, making it an excellent choice for those following the Weight Watchers system.
Can I use other types of meat in the soup?
Yes! While this recipe uses lean ground turkey, you can easily substitute it with ground chicken or even finely chopped beef or sausage for different flavor profiles.
Is this Taco Soup gluten-free?
Yes, this Weight Watchers Taco Soup is gluten-free as none of the ingredients contain gluten. However, always check labels to ensure your canned ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make it in a slow cooker, simply add all your ingredients to the pot, give it a stir, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Now you’re all set to enjoy a delicious, nutritious bowl of Weight Watchers Taco Soup. Happy cooking!
Weight Watchers Taco Soup
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tsp Olive oil
- 1 medium Onion, yellow, chopped
- 1 medium Bell pepper, green, chopped
- 4 clove(s) Garlic, finely chopped
- 1 medium Jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
Spices
- 1 Tbsp Chili powder
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Ground oregano
Main Ingredients
- 29 oz Canned diced tomatoes, fire-roasted
- 15 oz Canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 12 oz Uncooked 93% lean ground turkey
- 1 cup Frozen corn kernels
- 3 cups Canned chicken broth
Instructions
Preparation & Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and green pepper. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add finely chopped garlic and jalapeño. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the lean ground turkey, breaking it up as it cooks, until no pink spots remain, about 3-4 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Stir for about 1 minute.
- Add the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes.
- Skim off any excess fat from the surface.
- Add rinsed black beans and frozen corn. Stir until everything is warmed through, about 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, topping with your favorite taco toppings.
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