Cheesy Taco Soup (Weight Watchers-Friendly)

Cheesy Taco Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds lean ground turkey or beef
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 (10-ounce) can tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 5 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
• 1 (7-ounce) can tomato paste
• 2 (4-ounce) cans diced green chilies
• 1 package reduced-sodium taco seasoning
• 4 ounces light cream cheese, softened and cut into small pieces
• 1/4 cup fat-free half-and-half or unsweetened almond milk

Instructions:

Stovetop Version:

1. Brown the lean ground meat over medium heat in a medium-size saucepot or Dutch oven. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped peppers, undrained tomatoes, reduced-sodium beef broth, tomato paste, green chilies, and taco seasoning. Stir well.
3. Allow the soup to simmer over medium-low heat uncovered for approximately 20 minutes until the tomato juice has reduced and thickened.
4. Stir in the softened light cream cheese and fat-free half-and-half just before serving.

Slow Cooker Version:

1. Brown the lean ground meat as directed, drain off any grease, and transfer it to a slow cooker.
2. Add the chopped peppers, undrained tomatoes, reduced-sodium beef broth, tomato paste, green chilies, and taco seasoning. Stir well.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
4. Just before serving, add the softened light cream cheese and fat-free half-and-half. Stir until dissolved.

Weight Watchers Note:

• Use lean ground meat to reduce SmartPoints.
• Opt for reduced-sodium beef broth and taco seasoning.
• Choose light cream cheese and fat-free half-and-half for lower fat content.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories: 279
• Total Fat: 15.8g
• Cholesterol: 93.9mg
• Sodium: 466mg
• Carbohydrates: 6.9g
• Net Carbohydrates: 5.3g
• Fiber: 1.6g
• Sugar: 4.5g
• Protein: 49.8g

Enjoy this Lightened-Up Cheesy Taco Soup while staying mindful of your Smart Points!