crockpot taco soup

There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of crockpot taco soup. Its rich aroma fills the kitchen, promising a hearty, flavorful meal. This recipe, my friends, is a weeknight winner. It delivers big on taste without demanding hours of your precious time.

I often make a big pot of this slow cooker taco soup on Sundays. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when dinner needs to be quick. Plus, the leftovers are just as delicious, making lunch prep a breeze.

I adore this comforting crockpot taco soup for so many reasons. It’s genuinely one of the easiest meals to pull together. You just toss everything in the slow cooker, and magic happens! This easy taco soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for those chaotic weeknights. Plus, the hearty flavors are pure comfort in a bowl.

crockpot taco soup Ingredients

The beauty of this slow cooker taco soup lies in its wonderfully simple ingredient list. It comes together with pantry staples and fresh produce for a Tex-Mex explosion of flavor. Each component plays a vital role in creating this hearty ground beef soup.

Ground Beef: This is the savory foundation of our soup, providing a rich and satisfying base. I like to use 85/15 for a good balance of flavor and lean meat.

Onion: A chopped large onion adds a sweet and aromatic depth, softening beautifully as it cooks.

Taco Seasoning: This little packet is your secret weapon for authentic taco flavor. It’s a blend of savory spices that transforms simple ingredients into a flavor fiesta.

Black Beans & Kidney Beans: Rinsed and drained, these beans add fiber and hearty texture. They really bulk up the soup, making it a complete meal.

Corn: Whole kernel corn brings a touch of sweetness and a pleasant bite. It complements the other ingredients perfectly.

Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles: These undrained tomatoes add liquid and a hint of zesty heat. They are essential for that signature Tex-Mex flair.

Tomato Sauce: This creates a smooth, rich base for the broth, adding a lovely tang.

Beef Broth: The liquid gold! This brings all the flavors together and ensures a perfectly soupy consistency. You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist.

Substitutions and Tips

Feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add an extra can of beans or some cubed sweet potato. If you don’t have diced tomatoes with green chiles, regular diced tomatoes and a pinch of cayenne pepper will work wonderfully. Want to boost the flavor even more? Add a tablespoon of chili powder or a dash of hot sauce. Remember, all exact measurements are in the printable recipe card below!

How to Make crockpot taco soup

Making this amazing crockpot taco soup is truly a breeze. You’ll be so pleased with how simple it is. This easy taco soup comes together with minimal fuss. Follow these steps for a delicious meal.

Browning the Beef and Onions

First, grab a big skillet. Put it over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and the chopped onion. Cook them together. Brown the beef well. Make sure the onion gets nice and soft. This part builds a lot of early flavor. After it’s cooked, carefully drain off any extra grease. This step ensures your soup isn’t too oily. It’s a small step with a big impact on texture.

Assembling the Crockpot Taco Soup

Now, for the real magic. Take your browned beef and onion mixture. Put it into your 6-quart slow cooker. Next, add all the other wonderful ingredients. This includes the taco seasoning packet. Don’t forget the rinsed black and kidney beans. Tumble in the corn. Add the undrained diced tomatoes with green chiles. Spoon in the tomato sauce. Pour in the beef broth. Give everything a good, thorough stir. Make sure it’s all mixed together nicely. This slow cooker taco soup is almost ready!

Slow Cooking to Perfection

Cover your slow cooker. Now, let it work its magic. You can cook it on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. Alternatively, cook on high for 3 to 4 hours. Your own slow cooker might run a little warm or cool. Adjust the time as needed. This period lets all the flavors meld together. It creates that deep, comforting taste. It’s the best part of making this ground beef soup.

Serving Your Delicious crockpot taco soup

Once the cooking time is up, give the soup a final stir. This ensures everything is evenly distributed. Ladle this hearty taco soup into bowls. Serve it piping hot. It’s wonderful with your favorite toppings. Think about shredded cheddar cheese. Sour cream adds a nice coolness. Diced avocado is also delicious. Crispy tortilla chips are a must for some! Enjoy this fantastic Tex-Mex soup.

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How to Store crockpot taco soup

Got leftovers of this incredible crockpot taco soup? Lucky you! Properly storing this hearty ground beef soup keeps it tasting delicious. First, let the soup cool down a bit. Don’t put piping hot soup directly into the fridge. Use airtight containers for storage. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. This makes it perfect for lunches during the week. For longer keeping, this easy taco soup freezes beautifully. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers or bags. It should last for a good 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Sometimes, you might need to add a splash more broth when reheating.

Tips for Success

• Rinse and drain canned beans well.
• Drain excess grease after browning meat.
• Adjust seasoning to your preference.
• Add a pinch of cumin for extra flavor.
• Don’t overfill your slow cooker.
• Cook soup until heated through.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet for browning meat.
• 6-quart slow cooker.
• Cutting board and chef’s knife.
• Can opener and colander.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Sturdy spoon for stirring.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with tortilla chips for dipping.
• Top with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream.
• Offer a side of cornbread or a simple green salad.
• A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens the flavors.
• Enjoy with your favorite Mexican-inspired beverages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make crockpot taco soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This easy taco soup is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it up to a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Sometimes adding a splash of broth helps revive it.

What are some good vegetarian or vegan substitutions for this crockpot taco soup?

To make this a vegetarian bean soup, simply skip the ground beef. Add an extra can of beans or some diced sweet potatoes. For a vegan version, ensure your taco seasoning is vegan and use vegetable broth. Top with vegan cheese and sour cream alternatives.

How can I make this crockpot taco soup spicier?

Amp up the heat in this savory slow cooker taco soup with a few tweaks! Use diced tomatoes with jalapeños instead of milder green chiles. Add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper. A pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce also works wonders. Adjust to your desired spice level!

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef in this crockpot taco soup?

Yes, you certainly can! Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully in this crockpot taco soup. Brown it just like you would the ground beef. It makes for a slightly lighter, yet still incredibly flavorful, Tex-Mex soup. The taco seasoning still shines through perfectly.