🛒 Ingredients
This Weight Watchers-friendly version of taco soup swaps heavy cream and full-fat cheese for lighter, low-fat alternatives — keeping that rich, creamy texture while slashing the SmartPoints.
🌮 For the Soup Base:
- 1 lb (450 g) extra-lean ground turkey or lean ground beef (96% lean)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small bell pepper, diced (optional but adds great color)
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) diced tomatoes (no added salt preferred)
- 1 can (8 oz / 227 g) tomato sauce, low-sodium
- 1½ cups (360 ml) low-sodium chicken or beef broth
🌶️ Taco Seasoning Mix (Homemade & WW-Friendly)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
🧀 Creamy Additions:
- ½ cup (120 g) low-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel or light version)
- ¾ cup (90 g) reduced-fat shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- ½ cup (120 g) plain nonfat Greek yogurt or light sour cream
🌿 Optional Garnishes:
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 small avocado, diced (optional; adds healthy fats but increases points slightly)
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
- A squeeze of fresh lime juice
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by prepping all your ingredients — chop the onion and bell pepper, mince the garlic, and drain the beans. Having everything ready makes cooking smoother and faster.
2️⃣ Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat a light mist of olive oil spray over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper, cooking for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and sauté another 30 seconds — this step builds your flavor foundation.
3️⃣ Step 3: Brown the Meat
Add the lean ground turkey or beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until no pink remains. Season lightly with salt and pepper. If there’s excess fat, drain it to keep the soup light and WW-friendly.
4️⃣ Step 4: Add Taco Spices
Sprinkle in your homemade taco seasoning mix. Stir well to coat the meat evenly, allowing the spices to bloom and release their aroma. This gives the soup that signature taco kick without added sodium or sugars.
5️⃣ Step 5: Incorporate Tomato & Broth
Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir thoroughly to combine all the flavors. At this stage, your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing — smoky, savory, and just a bit spicy.
6️⃣ Step 6: Add the Beans
Toss in the black beans, which add fiber, protein, and heartiness without increasing the fat content. They also make the soup extra filling — perfect for a balanced WW meal.
7️⃣ Step 7: Simmer for Flavor
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. This helps the flavors marry together beautifully, turning simple ingredients into something deeply comforting.
8️⃣ Step 8: Add the Creamy Element
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the light cream cheese until fully melted. The soup will immediately turn creamy and velvety — a luscious texture without heavy cream.
9️⃣ Step 9: Melt in the Cheese
Add the reduced-fat shredded cheese, stirring until smooth. It thickens the soup and adds that signature cheesy richness while keeping SmartPoints low.
🔟 Step 10: Add the Greek Yogurt
Once removed from direct heat, stir in the Greek yogurt or light sour cream. This gives the soup a cool, tangy finish, enhancing the creaminess even more.
🍲 Step 11: Taste and Adjust
Before serving, taste your soup. Add more salt, pepper, or a splash of lime juice if needed. The acidity from lime really brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the cheese.
12️⃣ Step 12: Serve & Garnish
Ladle your Weight Watchers Cheesy Taco Soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, and a sprinkle of extra cheese if you have points to spare.
🌿 Pro Tips for Perfect Cheesy Taco Soup
- Use lean meat — Ground turkey or 96% lean beef keeps the SmartPoints low.
- Greek yogurt trick: Adds creaminess and protein while replacing sour cream or heavy cream.
- Avoid overboiling after dairy is added — it can cause curdling.
- Spice control: Add cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce for a kick, or omit for mild.
- Batch cook it! This soup reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
🥣 Make It Your Own
- Vegetarian option: Swap meat for lentils or more beans.
- Add veggies: Diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach add nutrients without extra points.
- Spicy version: Stir in chipotle chili or jalapeños for an extra smoky bite.
- Cheese choices: Try light mozzarella, pepper jack, or a mix for flavor variety.
🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to prevent separation.
⚖️ Health Benefits
This soup is not just delicious — it’s nutritionally balanced and WW-approved.
It offers:
- High protein for muscle support and satiety.
- Low carbs for blood sugar control.
- Fiber-rich beans to keep you full longer.
- Healthy fats in moderation from cheese and yogurt.
It’s proof that eating light doesn’t mean eating bland!
🍽️ Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~280 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Total Carbs | 12 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Net Carbs | 8 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
| WW SmartPoints | 4 (average using 96% lean meat and reduced-fat dairy) |
🧠 Helpful Weight Watchers Notes
- Low SmartPoints Swaps:
- Use nonfat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Opt for extra-lean meat to save 2–3 points per serving.
- Use reduced-fat cheese instead of full-fat.
- Avoid canned corn or full-fat dairy add-ins.
- ZeroPoint Add-Ons:
- Add more veggies like spinach or peppers to boost volume.
- Use salsa or diced tomatoes to add flavor without extra points.
🌮 Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a small salad.
- Top with a few crushed baked tortilla chips (count points).
- Add a few drops of hot sauce or salsa verde for zest.
- Enjoy with cauliflower rice for a hearty but low-point meal.
💬 Final Thoughts
This Weight Watchers Cheesy Taco Soup is a recipe that brings indulgence and balance together. It’s creamy, flavorful, and filling — yet light enough to enjoy any day of the week without guilt.
Each spoonful is a comforting mix of lean protein, tangy cheese, and spicy warmth. Whether you’re following the WW plan or just aiming for healthier meals, this recipe fits beautifully into your lifestyle.
With simple ingredients, one-pot ease, and a flavor that makes everyone ask for seconds, it’s no surprise this soup is a weeknight favorite for WW members and food lovers alike.
Serve it, savor it, and celebrate that healthy eating can be this delicious. 🧀🌶️💛