Crockpot Taco Soup is a cozy, hearty dish that combines the flavors of traditional tacos in a comforting soup form. Perfect for busy weeknights or a lazy weekend, this simple recipe delivers a satisfying meal that warms the soul. With minimal prep work and a slow cooker taking care of the rest, you’ll find yourself enjoying a flavor-packed soup that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why We Love This Crockpot Taco Soup Recipe
This Crockpot Taco Soup stands out for its incredible ease and versatility. You can toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker in mere minutes, which is a dream for any home cook with a packed schedule. The flavors meld beautifully over hours of cooking, delivering a robust taste that feels as though you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also nutritious, packed with beans and veggies, making it a well-rounded meal. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite toppings, making it a hit for the whole family!
Ingredients about Crockpot Taco Soup
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Crockpot Taco Soup Directions
- Begin by browning the ground beef. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the beef until it turns from pink to brown. Once it’s fully cooked, drain any excess grease to keep your soup from being too oily. This step is essential for enhancing the final flavor of your dish.
- Once the beef is ready, transfer it to your slow cooker. This is where all the magic happens. Add in the black beans, kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Each ingredient contributes to the hearty and nutritious profile of the soup, and combining them now will help them soak in the flavors as they cook.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the ingredients in the slow cooker. This seasoning is what gives the soup its distinctive, zesty flavor. Don’t forget to pour in the beef broth next. It adds moisture and further enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Finally, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. These vegetables not only add flavor but also provide a nice texture to the soup. Stir everything well to ensure the seasoning and broth are evenly distributed.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. During this time, the flavors will deepen and blend beautifully, creating a comforting evening meal.
- As the cooking time comes to an end, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. This final touch ensures that the flavors are just right for your palate.
- Once you’ve achieved the desired taste, it’s time to serve! Ladle the soup into bowls and set up a toppings bar for your family and friends. Encourage everyone to customize their soup how they like!
How to Serve Crockpot Taco Soup
Serving Crockpot Taco Soup is as fun as it is easy. Start by portioning the soup into bowls, making sure to get a good mix of beans, meat, and vegetables in each serving. To elevate the experience, consider setting out a variety of delicious toppings. Options like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and crunchy tortilla chips not only add flavor but also texture to your bowl of soup.
For a complete meal, you can serve the soup alongside cornbread or warm flour tortillas. This combo makes for a satisfying dinner that is sure to please everyone at the table. If you have leftovers, you can pack individual portions for lunches, ensuring you have a tasty meal ready to go throughout the week.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Taco Soup
- Browning the Meat: Browning the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker helps to develop flavors and reduces excess grease in your soup.
- Experiment with Beans: You can mix and match different types of beans to suit your taste or utilize what you have on hand. Options like pinto or navy beans can serve as great substitutes.
- Fresh or Canned Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables can enhance the flavor even more. However, canned tomatoes and beans are still a great shortcut that yields excellent results.
- Spice Level: If you love heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce during the cooking process. This will elevate the flavor and introduce an exciting kick.
- Serve Hot: This soup is best enjoyed hot. If you have any leftovers, reheat them thoroughly before serving to unlock all the delicious flavors once again.
How to Store Crockpot Taco Soup
Storing your Crockpot Taco Soup is straightforward and ensures you have delightful meals ready for the days ahead. Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator, where it will remain good for about 3-4 days.
If you want to keep the soup for longer, consider freezing it. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space for expansion. It’s best to use within 3 months for optimal flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until it’s hot throughout.
Variation of Crockpot Taco Soup
There are numerous ways to put your spin on Crockpot Taco Soup. Here are some delicious variations to keep your meals exciting:
- Vegetarian Taco Soup: Swap out the ground beef for lentils or quinoa for a plant-based version of this comforting soup. Use vegetable broth to enhance the flavor.
- Chicken Taco Soup: Use diced chicken breast instead of beef. It works beautifully in this recipe. Just ensure it’s thoroughly cooked and tender after cooking.
- Southwestern Twist: Add diced sweet potatoes and zucchini for a colorful, healthy dish. You can also incorporate spices like cumin and chili powder for an extra layer of flavor.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a bit of cream cheese or sour cream just before serving for a rich and creamy texture that everyone will love.
- Spicy Kick: If you like things spicy, you could add diced green chilies, additional jalapeños, or a mix of your favorite hot sauces to elevate the heat of the soup.
FAQ
What can I serve with Crockpot Taco Soup?
Crockpot Taco Soup pairs wonderfully with cornbread, tortilla chips, or warmed tortillas. You can also add a side salad for a fresh, crunchy element.
How long does Crockpot Taco Soup take to cook?
If you set your slow cooker on low, expect it to take about 6-8 hours. If you’re short on time, using the high setting will take around 3-4 hours.
Can I make Crockpot Taco Soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the soup in advance. It stores well in the refrigerator or freezer, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Is this soup healthy?
Crockpot Taco Soup is a nutritious option, filled with protein from the beans and beef. You can make it even healthier by incorporating more vegetables or using leaner meat.
Can I freeze leftovers of Crockpot Taco Soup?
Absolutely! Be sure to cool it down first, then store it in airtight containers or freezer bags. It’s best to enjoy it within 3 months for optimal taste.
Crockpot Taco Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 packet taco seasoning Customize the spice level as desired.
- 1 cup beef broth Can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped Use yellow or white onion for best flavor.
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust seasoning before serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain excess grease.
- Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
- Add black beans, kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes to the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the ingredients, then add beef broth.
- Add chopped onion and bell pepper, then stir well to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Serving
- Once cooking time is complete, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and set up a toppings bar with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, and tortilla chips.
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