When you think about a hearty yet healthy meal, Weight Watchers Taco Soup is an excellent choice that unites flavor and nutrition. This delightful dish embraces the spirit of taco night while keeping your health goals in mind. Packed with lean protein, vibrant vegetables, and a blend of spices, it satisfies your taste buds without derailing your diet. It’s the perfect family meal or a comforting bowl that warms you on a chilly day.
Why We Love This Weight Watchers Taco Soup Recipe
This Weight Watchers Taco Soup deserves a spot in your weekly meal rotation for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and just one pot! You can whip it up quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Second, the ingredients are budget-friendly and accessible, meaning you won’t have to hunt for rare spices or exotic items. Lastly, the flavor is simply amazing! With zesty spices and the richness of ground turkey, this soup is a comfort food that you won’t feel guilty indulging in. It’s a dish that brings everyone to the table, making it a wonderful option for family gatherings or meal prep for the week.
Ingredients about Weight Watchers Taco Soup
To create a delicious pot of Weight Watchers Taco Soup, you will need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 tsp Olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 medium jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground oregano
- 29 oz canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 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
How to Make Weight Watchers Taco Soup Directions
Making this delicious taco soup is straightforward and quick. Begin by gathering your ingredients and a large pot. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in the pot. Once it’s hot, toss in the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook these until they become tender, which should take about five minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and finely chopped jalapeño for an extra kick and let that cook for another two minutes.
Next, it’s time to add the ground turkey. Break it up as it cooks, ensuring that no pink remains, which typically takes around three to four minutes. Once the turkey is browned, stir in your spices, including chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Allow these spices to cook briefly until they release their wonderful aromas, taking about one minute.
After the spices have sizzled, it’s time to enhance your soup with fresh ingredients. Pour in the canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes along with the chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Let the soup cook for approximately 30 minutes, which allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
As the soup simmers, keep an eye out for any fat that may rise to the surface; skim this off to keep your dish lighter. Finally, stir in the rinsed black beans and frozen corn, allowing them to heat through for about five minutes. Your Weight Watchers Taco Soup is ready to serve! Make sure to dish it out immediately and add any desired toppings like avocado, cheese, or fresh cilantro for that extra burst of flavor.
How to Serve Weight Watchers Taco Soup
When it comes to serving Weight Watchers Taco Soup, you have a variety of options to elevate your dish. The soup itself is hearty and filling, making it perfect for a standalone meal. However, adding toppings can take it to another level. Consider serving it in spacious bowls, where everyone can dig in comfortably. You can set up a toppings bar with your favorite garnishes, allowing each person to customize their bowl. Fresh avocado adds creaminess, shredded cheese introduces savory goodness, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro contributes a burst of freshness.
For side dishes, cornbread or whole grain tortilla chips pair wonderfully with this soup, providing a delightful crunch to each spoonful. You can also serve it alongside a simple green salad, balancing the meal with lightness. Not only does this make the presentation inviting, but it also invites everyone to make the dish their own.
Expert Tips: Weight Watchers Taco Soup
To make the most out of your taco soup experience, here are some expert tips to consider. First, if you’re looking to enhance the flavor, try to use fresh, high-quality spices. Spices lose their potency over time, so using newer ones can make a difference in your soup’s taste.
Additionally, you can customize the heat level of your soup. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of jalapeño or even omit it entirely. Conversely, for those who enjoy a bit more heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or using spicier varieties of chili powder.
For meal prep, this taco soup is an excellent candidate for batch cooking. You can easily double the recipe and freeze leftovers, making future meals a breeze. When ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Lastly, play around with the toppings! Adding a dollop of Greek yogurt can serve as a healthier substitute for sour cream while still delivering that creamy texture. Lime wedges are also a fantastic addition for a fresh zing that cuts through the soup’s richness.
How to Store Weight Watchers Taco Soup
Storing any leftovers from your Weight Watchers Taco Soup is simple and ensures you can enjoy this delicious dish for days. Once the soup cools down, transfer it to airtight containers. The soup will last in the refrigerator for about three to five days. If you’d like to keep it for longer, consider freezing it. When properly stored in freezer-safe containers or bags, the soup can last for up to three months.
When you’re ready to eat your frozen taco soup, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it’s too thick after thawing, simply add a bit more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Variation of Weight Watchers Taco Soup
While the traditional recipe is delicious, there are countless variations you can try to keep things interesting. For a vegetarian take, substitute the ground turkey with lentils or quinoa, adding a rich plant-based protein source. You can also incorporate different beans like pinto or kidney beans for diverse textures and flavors.
If you enjoy more vegetables in your diet, adding a variety of chopped veggies such as zucchini, carrots, or even spinach can enhance both the nutrition and taste of your soup. These can be introduced at the same time as the onion and bell pepper to cook properly.
For a different flavor twist, jazz up your soup by incorporating different types of broth. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version or consider a spicy chicken broth if you’re looking for more heat. With these variations, you can craft a personalized version of Taco Soup that excites your palate.
FAQ
What is Weight Watchers Taco Soup?
Weight Watchers Taco Soup is a healthy and flavorful dish made with lean ground turkey, fresh vegetables, beans, and an assortment of spices, perfect for those watching their weight while enjoying a hearty meal.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe generally yields around six servings, making it great for meal prepping or feeding a family.
Can I use different meats in this recipe?
Yes! If you prefer beef or chicken, feel free to substitute the ground turkey with your meat of choice, though be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground turkey with lentils or quinoa, making it a rich vegetarian meal while still preserving the soup’s flavor and integrity.
How do I add more spice to my taco soup?
To amp up the heat, consider adding extra jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even some hot sauce to your soup during the cooking process. Adjust to your heat preference!
Can I make Weight Watchers Taco Soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can store it in the fridge for three to five days or freeze it for longer storage.
What can I serve on the side with Weight Watchers Taco Soup?
For a complete meal, pair your soup with cornbread, a fresh green salad, or whole-grain tortilla chips for some added crunch and texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store your taco soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze for up to three months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Weight Watchers Taco Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tsp Olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 medium jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped Adjust quantity for desired heat
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground oregano
- 29 oz canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 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
- Gather all ingredients and a large pot.
- Heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in the pot.
- Add chopped onion and bell pepper, cook until tender (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and finely chopped jalapeño, cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add ground turkey, breaking it up as it cooks until no pink remains (about 3-4 minutes).
Cooking
- Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano; cook for about 1 minute.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, bring to a boil.
- Lower heat and let the soup simmer for approximately 30 minutes.
- Skim off any fat that may rise to the surface.
- Stir in rinsed black beans and frozen corn, heating through for about 5 minutes.
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