Crockpot Taco Soup is a delightful dish that brings together the bold flavors of taco seasonings with the comforting warmth of a hearty soup. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this recipe allows you to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With its simple preparation and the ease of using a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it. By the time it’s ready, the rich aromas will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait for the first bowl.
Why We Love This Crockpot Taco Soup Recipe
This Crockpot Taco Soup is not just easy to make; it’s a hit with everyone who tries it. There are several reasons to love this recipe. First, it is packed with protein from the beef and beans, providing a filling meal that satisfies even the biggest appetites. Secondly, the blend of spices in the taco seasoning gives it a robust flavor that is truly comforting. The colorful ingredients, like beans, corn, and bell peppers, also make it visually appealing. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in one pot. Whether hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, this taco soup is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients about Crockpot Taco Soup
To create this delicious Crockpot Taco Soup, you will need the following ingredients:
- 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
Preparing your Crockpot Taco Soup is straightforward, even if you’re not an experienced cook. Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. This step is crucial as it helps develop a rich flavor. Make sure to cook the meat until it’s no longer pink, then drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
Next, transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker. This is where the magic happens! Add the drained black beans, kidney beans, and corn. Each bean brings its own texture and taste to the soup, making it hearty and flavorful. Then, pour in the can of diced tomatoes and sprinkle in the taco seasoning. The seasoning is what will tie all the flavors together, bringing that beloved taco taste to your soup.
Now, add the beef broth to the slow cooker, which will give your soup a great base and help it cook down nicely. Follow this by adding the chopped onion and bell pepper. These vegetables not only add flavor but also a vibrant color to your dish. Give everything a good stir, ensuring that all the ingredients are well combined.
Once everything is mixed, cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, don’t forget to taste and add salt and pepper according to your preference. Your Crockpot Taco Soup is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Crockpot Taco Soup
Serving your Crockpot Taco Soup can be just as fun as making it. There are countless ways to enjoy this dish that can appeal to different tastes. Start by ladling a generous portion into bowls. You can keep it simple or dress it up with toppings. Consider offering shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, or avocado on the side. Each of these toppings adds a unique twist and can elevate the flavor.
For a complete meal, pair the soup with some crusty bread or warm tortillas. If you want to turn it into a festive occasion, serve it alongside a fresh salad and some salsa. You can even create a taco bar, allowing everyone to customize their bowls with toppings of their choice. This way, it becomes an interactive dining experience that everyone will enjoy.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Taco Soup
To ensure your Crockpot Taco Soup turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips to keep in mind. First, make sure to drain and rinse your canned beans to reduce sodium levels and improve texture. Rinsing beans can really enhance the overall taste of your soup.
If you’re looking for added flavor, consider using homemade taco seasoning instead of the packet. This way, you can adjust the spices to fit your taste preferences. Fresh herbs, such as cilantro, can be added at the end for a bright touch.
Another great tip is to allow your soup to cool completely before storing any leftovers. This helps prevent unwanted bacterial growth. If you have time, it’s best to let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to settle, enhancing your next-day experience.
How to Store Crockpot Taco Soup
Storing your Crockpot Taco Soup is simple and will ensure you have leftovers to enjoy later. Once your soup has cooled, transfer it to airtight containers. Make sure to divide it into poritional servings for easy reheating. This way, you’ll be ready for lunch or dinner whenever a craving strikes.
Your soup can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Pour the cool soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Your soup can be frozen for about 2 to 3 months without losing flavor or texture. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
Variation of Crockpot Taco Soup
One of the best aspects of Crockpot Taco Soup is its versatility. If you’re looking to mix things up, there are various ways to customize this recipe. For a vegetarian version, consider substituting the ground beef with lentils or additional beans. This will still give you a hearty meal while accommodating plant-based diets.
You can also experiment with different types of beans. Try adding pinto beans or chickpeas for a new texture and taste. For those who love heat, consider incorporating jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra kick. Adding diced bell peppers in various colors, such as yellow or orange, can make the dish more visually appealing while enhancing the flavor.
If you’re a fan of creamy soup, feel free to stir in a cup of cream cheese or a can of diced green chiles in the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will give it a richer, creamier texture while enhancing the Mexican flavors.
FAQ
What can I serve with Crockpot Taco Soup? You can serve your Crockpot Taco Soup with various toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, avocados, or tortilla chips. Serve it alongside crusty bread or warm tortillas for a complete meal.
Can I make Crockpot Taco Soup ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the soup ahead of time. Simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker, and set it to cook. You can also prep it the evening before, refrigerate the ingredients, and just start the slow cooker in the morning.
Is Crockpot Taco Soup gluten-free? Yes, as long as you use gluten-free taco seasoning and ensure your canned ingredients don’t contain additives with gluten, your Crockpot Taco Soup can be completely gluten-free.
Can I freeze Crockpot Taco Soup? Absolutely! Once cooled, divide the soup into airtight containers and freeze. It can last for about 2 to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
How can I make Crockpot Taco Soup spicier? To make your soup spicier, you can add jalapeños, chili powder, or your favorite hot sauce. You can also use spicy taco seasoning to enhance the heat level. Adjust the spices to fit your preference!
Crockpot Taco Soup
Ingredients
For the soup
- 1 lb ground beef Brown in skillet before adding to slow cooker.
- 1 can black beans Drained and rinsed.
- 1 can kidney beans Drained and rinsed.
- 1 can corn Drained.
- 1 can diced tomatoes No additional seasoning needed.
- 1 packet taco seasoning Store-bought or homemade.
- 1 cup beef broth Adds depth to the soup.
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped Adds flavor.
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.
Instructions
Preparation
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
- Add drained black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning to the slow cooker.
- Pour in beef broth and add chopped onion and bell pepper.
- Stir all ingredients together until well combined.
Cooking
- Cover slow cooker and set to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.
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