Crockpot Taco Soup brings the vibrant flavors of Taco Night to your kitchen with minimal effort. This dish is perfect for busy evenings or cozy weekends when you want a warm, hearty meal without the fuss. Combining ground beef, beans, corn, and zesty seasonings, this soup is a true crowd-pleaser that fits seamlessly into your comfort food rotation.
Why We Love This Crockpot Taco Soup Recipe
This Crockpot Taco Soup is not just delicious; it’s incredibly practical. You can prepare it in advance, pop all the ingredients into your slow cooker, and let it do the work while you go about your day. The flavors meld beautifully over time, resulting in a rich, delicious soup that is loaded with protein and nutrients. Plus, it’s versatile—feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level to perfectly match your preferences. Whether served on a chilly night or as a festive dish at a gathering, this soup is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients about Crockpot Taco Soup
To whip up this incredible soup, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Crockpot Taco Soup Directions
Making this delightful Crockpot Taco Soup is as simple as it gets, making it perfect for cooks of any skill level.
- Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. It’s essential to break it into small pieces as it cooks, ensuring even browning. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain off any excess fat to keep your soup from becoming greasy.
- As the beef cooks, take the time to dice your onion and bell pepper. These will add great flavor and texture to your soup, giving it that fresh crunch.
- After the beef is browned and the vegetables are chopped, transfer the meat into your crockpot.
- Next, add the diced onion and bell pepper to the slow cooker, layering them over the beef. This allows the flavors to infuse beautifully.
- Now it’s time to prepare the beans. Open the cans of black beans and kidney beans, draining and rinsing them to remove excess sodium and any canning liquid. Add both types of beans along with the corn to the crockpot.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, incorporating their juices for a balance of flavor and moisture. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over this mixture for that unmistakable taco taste.
- For additional liquid, pour in the beef broth, making sure all ingredients are well-combined. Stir gently to integrate the flavors across the mixture.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set your heat. For a quicker meal, cook on high for 2-3 hours. If you prefer a more laid-back approach, set it to low and let it simmer for 4-5 hours.
- When it’s time to serve, take a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as required. This step is crucial as it helps to enhance all the flavors in your soup.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Crockpot Taco Soup
Serving your Crockpot Taco Soup is where the fun really begins! This dish shines when complemented with a variety of delicious toppings. Consider a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, or sliced avocados for an extra creamy texture. You can also add crispy tortilla chips for crunch, or even jalapeño slices for added heat if you enjoy a kick. This versatility not only enhances the flavor but also transforms a simple bowl of soup into a delightful dining experience that your friends and family will love.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Taco Soup
To ensure your Crockpot Taco Soup turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips:
- Meat Choices: If you prefer, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option that still packs a protein punch.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian twist, swap the meat for an additional can of beans or a mix of lentils. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or carrots for a satisfying and nutritious alternative.
- Spice It Up: If you like your soup spicy, consider adding chopped fresh jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix. For a smokier flavor, a bit of smoked paprika can work wonders too.
- Cooking Time: Be mindful of your crockpot’s settings as they can vary in temperature and cooking speeds. Always check for doneness before serving.
- Layering Flavors: For a deeper flavor profile, sauté your onion and bell pepper with the beef before adding them to the crockpot. This step caramelizes the onions and enhances the overall taste.
How to Store Crockpot Taco Soup
Storing your Crockpot Taco Soup is straightforward and will allow you to enjoy it for days to come. Once the soup has cooled, transfer it to airtight containers to keep it fresh. You can refrigerate the soup for up to 3-4 days without losing flavor or quality. If you’d like to keep it longer, consider freezing it in portions. Just make sure to leave some space in the container as the soup will expand when frozen. When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.
Variation of Crockpot Taco Soup
There are endless possibilities when it comes to customizing your Crockpot Taco Soup. Here are some fun variations you might enjoy trying:
- Add Extra Veggies: Toss in some corn, diced carrots, or even spinach for a nutrition boost in every bowl. This can make your soup more colorful and healthier!
- Switch Up the Beans: Experiment with different beans for varied flavors. Great northern beans or pinto beans can offer unique tastes while maintaining the hearty feel of the soup.
- Creamy Style: For a creamier soup, consider stirring in cream cheese or heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This addition will create a rich, silky texture that many people love.
- Add Rice or Quinoa: If you want a heartier meal, throw in some cooked rice or quinoa into the crockpot during the last hour of cooking to absorb the flavors and add volume.
- Taco-Inspired Extras: Consider incorporating taco-flavored chips or crumbled tortilla pieces for an exciting crunch, or garnish with lime wedges for a refreshing zing.
FAQ about Crockpot Taco Soup
Can I make Crockpot Taco Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep all the ingredients and toss them together in the crockpot. You can either cook it right away or store the mixture in the fridge and cook it on a later date.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of beans and veggies to create a vegetarian version.
How can I thicken my Crockpot Taco Soup?
To thicken your soup, you can add some uncooked rice or use a cornstarch slurry (mixing cornstarch with a bit of cold water and adding it to the pot).
Is it possible to freeze Crockpot Taco Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup! Store it in airtight containers after cooling. It keeps well for about 3 months in the freezer.
What are some good toppings for Crockpot Taco Soup?
Top with ingredients like shredded cheese, avocado slices, sour cream, tortilla strips, cilantro, or lime wedges for the best flavor combinations.
With its rich taste and simple preparation, Crockpot Taco Soup is a fantastic addition to your meal planning. Enjoy the process of making it, and the satisfaction of feeding your loved ones with a dish crafted from the heart.
Crockpot Taco Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef Can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken.
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
- Drain off any excess fat.
- Dice onion and bell pepper and set aside.
- Transfer the browned beef into the crockpot.
- Layer the diced onion and bell pepper over the beef in the crockpot.
- Add the drained and rinsed black beans and kidney beans, followed by the corn.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and sprinkle the taco seasoning over everything.
- Pour in the beef broth and stir gently to combine all ingredients.
Cooking
- Cover the crockpot and set to high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.
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