Crockpot Taco Soup is a delightful and hearty dish that brings the vibrant flavors of taco night straight into your home with minimal effort. Packed with protein, fiber, and a medley of colorful vegetables, this soup is a one-pot wonder that warms you up on chilly evenings and makes great leftovers. The beauty of Crockpot Taco Soup lies in its simplicity and adaptability, making it a favorite for busy households and casual gatherings alike.
Why We Love This Crockpot Taco Soup Recipe
This recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare; you just add the ingredients to your slow cooker and let it do the work. The slow cooking process melds all the flavors together beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying dish that you’ll crave again and again. Plus, you can customize it to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a dish to serve at game day gatherings, or something to warm you up on a cold day, this Crockpot Taco Soup fits the bill perfectly!
Ingredients about Crockpot Taco Soup
To make this delicious Crockpot Taco Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 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 Crockpot Taco Soup is a breeze! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare this savory dish:
- Brown the Ground Beef: Begin by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. This initial step adds flavor and ensures your beef is thoroughly cooked. While the beef is cooking, you can also get started on your vegetables.
- Chop the Vegetables: Dice the onion and bell pepper. You can choose any color of bell pepper you like. Yellow, red, or green all work brilliantly in this soup.
- Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot: Once the ground beef is browned and any excess fat is drained, transfer it to your Crockpot. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the slow cooker, mixing them in with the beef.
- Add the Beans and Corn: Drain and rinse the black beans and kidney beans before adding them to the Crockpot. Also, drain the corn and toss that in as well. These ingredients not only contribute to the meal’s heartiness but also add a wonderful texture and flavor.
- Incorporate the Tomatoes and Seasoning: Next, open the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies and add all of that goodness to the pot. Then, sprinkle in the taco seasoning, which is key for giving your soup that classic taco flavor.
- Pour in the Beef Broth: Finally, add the beef broth. This will help bring all the ingredients together and create a delicious soup base.
- Set Your Crockpot: Stir everything together gently to combine all the ingredients evenly. Cover your Crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-5 hours.
- Check for doneness: After the cooking time is up, check to make sure everything is heated through and the flavors have melded beautifully.
- Season to Taste: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy it as is, or top it with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added flavor!
How to Serve Crockpot Taco Soup
Serving Crockpot Taco Soup is as enjoyable as making it! This soup is hearty enough to be a stand-alone meal but also goes splendidly with various accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions:
- With Tortilla Chips: Serve the soup alongside crispy tortilla chips for a delightful crunch. You can even crush the chips and sprinkle them over the top of the soup for added texture.
- Topped with Cheese: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, on top of each bowl. As the cheese melts from the heat of the soup, it adds a rich creaminess that compliments the dish perfectly.
- Add Fresh Ingredients: Incorporate a little freshness by garnishing the soup with diced avocado, chopped cilantro, or green onions. These toppings not only enhance the visual appeal but also elevate the flavors.
- With Bread or Rolls: For a more filling meal, serve the soup with warm cornbread or crusty rolls. You can use them to soak up the delicious broth!
- In a Bread Bowl: If you’re feeling creative, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for an impressive presentation at your next gathering.
No matter how you choose to serve it, your Crockpot Taco Soup is sure to be a hit!
Expert Tips: Crockpot Taco Soup
To make your Crockpot Taco Soup even better, consider these expert tips:
- Use Lean Meat: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce the grease in your soup. You can also substitute turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or even diced carrots for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Adjust Spiciness: If you prefer a spicier soup, consider using a hot taco seasoning or adding fresh jalapeños for an extra kick. Conversely, if you’re serving kids or those sensitive to spice, use a mild version.
- Cook on Low for Depth of Flavor: If you have the time, cooking on low for longer enhances the flavors as they have more time to meld together.
- Make Ahead: This soup is perfect for meal prepping. Prepare everything in advance and store ingredients separately until you’re ready to start cooking.
How to Store Crockpot Taco Soup
Storing your Crockpot Taco Soup is straightforward, ensuring you can enjoy your leftovers later. Follow these simple steps:
- Cool Completely: Allow the soup to cool at room temperature before transferring it to storage containers.
- Use Airtight Containers: Divide the soup into airtight containers. This helps lock in freshness and prevents any unwanted odors from infiltrating your dish.
- Refrigerate: Store the soup in the refrigerator if you plan to enjoy it within the next 3-4 days.
- Freeze for Later: For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variation of Crockpot Taco Soup
Feel free to get creative with your Crockpot Taco Soup! Here are several variations to keep things interesting:
- Vegetarian Taco Soup: Replace the ground beef with textured vegetable protein (TVP), mushrooms, or lentils. Make sure to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Spicy Chicken Taco Soup: Substitute the ground beef with shredded cooked chicken. Add a touch of chipotle sauce for a smoky, spicy flavor.
- Southwestern Flare: Incorporate corn tortillas cut into strips for added heartiness and texture. You can also add lime juice and fresh cilantro just before serving for a zesty touch.
- Cheesy Taco Soup: Stir in cream cheese or Velveeta during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a creamy twist on this classic.
- Add Quinoa: For a nutritious boost, add cooked quinoa into the soup. It not only enhances the flavor but also adds protein and fiber.
With these variations, you can enjoy close to endless possibilities with your Crockpot Taco Soup!
FAQs
What is Crockpot Taco Soup?
Crockpot Taco Soup is a slow-cooked meal made with ground beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, and taco seasoning, all bringing a rich and hearty flavor.
How do I make Crockpot Taco Soup?
To make Crockpot Taco Soup, brown the ground beef, add diced vegetables and taco seasoning, and mix in beans and broth. Then, let it slow cook until everything is heated through.
Can I use other meats in Crockpot Taco Soup?
Yes! You can substitute ground beef with lean turkey, chicken, or even go vegetarian with lentils or textured vegetable protein.
How long does Crockpot Taco Soup last in the fridge?
When stored in an airtight container, Crockpot Taco Soup lasts for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, making it great for leftovers!
Can I freeze Crockpot Taco Soup?
Absolutely! You can freeze Crockpot Taco Soup in freezer-safe containers for up to three months for a quick meal option later on.
Crockpot Taco Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef Use lean ground beef to reduce grease.
- 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 Adjust spiciness to preference.
- 2 cups beef broth Can substitute with vegetable broth for vegetarian version.
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced Any color works.
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Dice the onion and bell pepper.
- Transfer the browned beef to your Crockpot, and add the diced onion and bell pepper.
- Drain and rinse the black beans and kidney beans; add them to the Crockpot along with the drained corn.
- Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies and sprinkle in the taco seasoning.
- Pour in the beef broth and stir everything together gently.
Cooking
- Cover the Crockpot and set it to cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-5 hours.
- Check to ensure everything is heated through and flavors are well melded.
Serving
- Taste soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.
- Serve in bowls and enjoy with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!