Ingredients:

  • Tbsp Olive Oil or Avocado Oil
  • lbs Lean Ground Turkey or Chicken
  • medium Yellow Onion, diced
  • large Bell Pepper (any colour), diced
  • cloves Garlic, minced
  • Tbsp Taco Seasoning (low sodium)
  • tsp Cumin, ground
  • /2 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • /2 tsp Dried Oregano
  • cups Chicken or Turkey Broth (low sodium)
  • (14.5 oz) can Diced Tomatoes (undrained)
  • (15 oz) can Black Beans, rinsed and drained
  • (15 oz) can Great Northern Beans or Cannellini Beans, rinsed and drained
  • oz Cream Cheese, softened
  • Fresh Cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar (for garnish)
  • large Avocado, diced (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed stockpot over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey/chicken. Break up the meat and cook until fully browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté gently for 5–7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the taco seasoning, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, allowing the spices to toast lightly.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  5. Stir in the rinsed black beans and the Great Northern/Cannellini beans. Bring back to a low simmer, cover partially, and cook for 15 minutes, allowing flavours to meld.
  6. Reduce heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese, a couple of tablespoons at a time, whisking constantly until each addition is fully melted and incorporated into the soup until smooth and creamy. Do not boil after adding the cheese.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle hot soup into bowls and top generously with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, and avocado chunks.