Crockpot Taco Soup is a delightful dish packed with flavor and nutrition. This hearty soup is your answer to a busy day when you want a warm, filling, and easy-to-make meal that can comfortably feed your family. It combines the comforting qualities of a traditional soup with the exciting zing of taco seasonings, making it a favorite for many during chilly days or casual get-togethers. Simply set it in your crockpot, let the magic happen, and enjoy every comforting bite!
Why We Love This Crockpot Taco Soup Recipe
This Crockpot Taco Soup is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. It’s loaded with protein from the ground beef and beans, and packed with nutrients from all the colorful veggies. The preparation is a breeze—just sauté your ingredients and throw them into the crockpot. Hours later, you’ll have a rich, hearty soup perfect for any occasion. And best of all, it’s perfect for meal prep, giving you delicious leftovers that you can reheat and enjoy throughout the week.
Ingredients about Crockpot Taco Soup
To whip up a delicious batch of Crockpot Taco Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients to ensure that every spoonful is bursting with flavor:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 lb ground beef: This is the protein base of your soup and adds a hearty flavor.
- 1 onion, chopped: Onions add depth and sweetness to the overall taste.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings a wonderful aroma and flavor profile.
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed: A great source of fiber and protein.
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Adds a vibrant color and more protein.
- 1 can corn, drained: Sweet corn contributes a nice crunch and sweetness.
- 1 can diced tomatoes: Adds liquid and tanginess to the soup.
- 2 cups beef broth: This serves as the soup’s base and enhances the flavor.
- 1 packet taco seasoning: Imparts that classic taco flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing the flavors of your ingredients.
- Shredded cheese, for topping: Cheesy goodness on top makes everything better.
- Sour cream, for serving: Adds creaminess and balances the flavors.
- Tortilla chips, for serving: Perfect for crunch and dipping!
How to Make Crockpot Taco Soup Directions
Making Crockpot Taco Soup is straightforward and fun. Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Brown the Beef: Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions become translucent. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain the excess fat to keep your soup light.
- Transfer to Crockpot: Once the beef mixture is ready, transfer it into your crockpot.
- Add the Beans and Veggies: Next, add the black beans, kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes to the crockpot. Each ingredient contributes to the nourishment and flavor of the soup.
- Pour in the Broth: Now, add the beef broth. This forms the soup base that will bring all the flavors together.
- Season It Up: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the mixture, then season with salt and pepper according to your taste preference. Stir everything well to combine all the flavors.
- Cook to Perfection: Put the lid on the crockpot and set it to cook. You have two options: cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer you cook, the more flavors will meld together.
- Serve Hot: When the cooking time is up, give the soup a good stir. It’s now ready to be served! Ladle it into bowls and ensure each serving gets topped with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a few tortilla chips for that perfect crunch.
How to Serve Crockpot Taco Soup
Serving your Crockpot Taco Soup is as easy as enjoying it. Here’s how to elevate your meal experience:
- Family Style: Serve the soup directly from the crockpot to the dining table. This creates a communal spirit and allows everyone to help themselves.
- Individual Bowls: Ladle the soup into attractive bowls for a more personalized touch. Topping each bowl with shredded cheese, sour cream, and crunchy tortilla chips adds color and enhances the presentation.
- Pairings: Consider pairing this soup with a simple side salad or some homemade cornbread for a complete meal. The freshness of a salad balances the richness of the soup perfectly.
- Toppings Bar: Setup a toppings bar where everyone can customize their bowls. Additional toppings like sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, or avocado can add to the flavor and appeal.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Taco Soup
- Use Lean Meat: For a lighter version, opt for lean ground beef or ground turkey. This still gives you solid protein but with less fat.
- Adding Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition. Just chop them finely and add them alongside the other ingredients.
- Spicy Kick: If you prefer a spicy flavor, consider adding diced green chilies or a splash of hot sauce. Adjust the spice level to fit your palate.
- Slow Cooking Time: If you’re short on time, cooking the soup on high works great, but cooking it on low allows the flavors to develop more fully.
- Taste Test: Before serving, always taste your soup. You may want to adjust the seasoning or add more taco seasoning for a stronger flavor.
How to Store Crockpot Taco Soup
Storing your Crockpot Taco Soup is incredibly easy. If you have any leftovers (which is often the case, given how filling it is), follow these steps:
- Cool Down: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing. This will prevent condensation from forming in the container.
- Airtight Container: Transfer the soup into an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents any unwanted odors from seeping in.
- Refrigeration: Store the container in the refrigerator. The soup can typically last for about 3-4 days in the fridge.
- Freezing: If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze the soup. Just make sure to leave some space in the container for the soup to expand as it freezes. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, simply reheat the desired amount in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until it’s hot throughout.
Variation of Crockpot Taco Soup
One of the best things about Crockpot Taco Soup is its versatility. Here are some variations that you can try to switch things up:
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef with a medley of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth in place of beef broth for a delightful vegetarian option.
- Cheesy Taco Soup: If you’re a cheese lover, why not incorporate cream cheese into the mix? Add 8 ounces of cream cheese into the crockpot for an ultra-creamy soup. Stir it in before serving for a rich texture.
- Bean-Free Option: For those avoiding beans, you can easily skip them and add extra meat or veggies instead, making it a meatier soup.
- Sweet and Spicy: Add diced mango or pineapple for a touch of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory flavors. This addition also gives a tropical twist to your Crockpot Taco Soup.
- Taco Soup with Quinoa: For extra nutrition, add quinoa to your soup. It not only thickens the soup but also adds a wonderful texture and protein boost.
FAQ
What is Crockpot Taco Soup?
Crockpot Taco Soup is a hearty soup made with ground beef, beans, corn, and tomatoes, seasoned with taco spices. It is cooked in a slow cooker for a deliciously rich flavor.
How long does it take to make Crockpot Taco Soup?
Cooking Crockpot Taco Soup takes about 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. This makes it perfect for a busy day where you want a hot, cooked meal waiting for you.
Can I make Crockpot Taco Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store any leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer after it cools down.
What can I serve with Crockpot Taco Soup?
You can serve Crockpot Taco Soup with shredded cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips. It also pairs well with a side salad or cornbread for a complete meal.
Can I customize the ingredients in Crockpot Taco Soup?
Yes! You can customize this soup by adding more vegetables, using different types of beans, or even making it vegetarian by omitting the meat. The recipe is very adaptable.
Crockpot Taco Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef This is the protein base of your soup and adds a hearty flavor.
- 1 medium onion, chopped Onions add depth and sweetness to the overall taste.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Garlic brings a wonderful aroma and flavor profile.
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed A great source of fiber and protein.
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed Adds a vibrant color and more protein.
- 1 can corn, drained Sweet corn contributes a nice crunch and sweetness.
- 1 can diced tomatoes Adds liquid and tanginess to the soup.
- 2 cups beef broth This serves as the soup’s base and enhances the flavor.
- 1 packet taco seasoning Imparts that classic taco flavor.
- to taste salt and pepper Essential for enhancing the flavors of your ingredients.
Toppings
- to taste shredded cheese Cheesy goodness on top makes everything better.
- to taste sour cream Adds creaminess and balances the flavors.
- to taste tortilla chips Perfect for crunch and dipping!
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions become translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain the excess fat.
- Transfer the beef mixture into your crockpot.
- Add black beans, kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes to the crockpot.
- Pour in the beef broth, which will be the soup base.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the mixture, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well.
Cooking
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooking time is up, stir the soup and ladle it into bowls.
- Top each serving with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and tortilla chips.
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