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This Easy Crock Pot Taco Soup is a warm and filling dish, packed with beans, corn, and zesty taco seasoning. It’s like a fiesta in a bowl!
Who doesn’t love a meal that cooks itself? Just toss everything in, set it, and let the magic happen. I like to top mine with cheese and tortilla chips for the win!
The best part? You can enjoy it any night of the week! Plus, it’s perfect for leftovers, so happy taste buds all week long—what’s not to love?
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This recipe uses ground beef for a hearty flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey works well too. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.
Canned Beans: Black and kidney beans add protein and texture. If you don’t have those, you can use pinto beans or chickpeas. Just make sure to rinse them to remove excess sodium!
Diced Tomatoes: The recipe calls for a can of regular diced tomatoes and another with green chilies. You can use fresh tomatoes if you have them, or sub in crushed tomatoes for a thicker base. Opt for mild diced tomatoes if you prefer less heat.
Broth: Beef broth adds depth, but vegetable broth is a great substitute, especially if you want a vegetarian soup. Homemade broth could also elevate the flavor if time allows.
Vegetables: Onion and bell pepper bring sweetness and flavor. Feel free to mix in other veggies like zucchini or corn for a colorful twist!
How Do I Get My Taco Soup to Have the Best Flavor?
Cooking taco soup in a Crock Pot allows for deep flavors to develop over time. The key is browning your ground beef first to enhance its flavor and remove extra fat. This adds a delicious base to your soup.
- Remember to drain the excess fat after browning your beef to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
- Mix all ingredients well in the Crock Pot so the flavors meld together nicely. A good stir makes a big difference!
- Taste before serving and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Little adjustments can make your dish perfect!
- Don’t forget to serve with those optional toppings! They add a delightful crunch and richness.
Easy Crock Pot Taco Soup Recipe
What You’ll Need:
- For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef (or you can use ground turkey)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
- ½ cup onion, diced
- ½ cup bell pepper, diced (feel free to choose any color you like!)
- 2 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Avocado
- Tortilla chips
- Chopped cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy soup is super easy to make! You’ll spend about 15 minutes prepping the ingredients, and then you can let your Crock Pot take over for either 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Perfect for a busy day when you still want a delicious home-cooked meal!
Instructions:
First things first, grab a skillet and heat it up over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook it until it’s fully browned and delicious. Make sure to drain off any excess fat, so your soup isn’t too greasy.
Now, it’s time to move everything to your trusty Crock Pot. Transfer that tasty ground beef to the pot, and then add in the black beans, kidney beans, corn, and both cans of diced tomatoes (juices and all—don’t waste that flavor!). Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, and toss in the diced onion and bell pepper too.
Next, pour in the beef broth (or vegetable broth) and give everything a good stir so it’s all well combined. It’s kind of like a party for all those flavors!
Put the lid on your Crock Pot and set it to cook. If you’re short on time, use the high setting for 3-4 hours. Prefer it to simmer slowly? Go for low and let it cook for 6-8 hours. That’s the beauty of the Crock Pot—it does all the hard work for you!
When you’re ready to serve, give that soup a taste and add salt and pepper as desired. Then, ladle up some soup into bowls and let everyone top their servings with whatever they love—shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, creamy avocado slices, crunchy tortilla chips, or fresh cilantro. Enjoy your delicious taco soup!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef if you prefer a leaner option. You can also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if you use a meat that cooks differently.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! To make this soup vegetarian, simply substitute the ground beef with an extra can of beans (like pinto or more black beans) or use a plant-based meat alternative. Also, swap the beef broth for vegetable broth to keep it meat-free!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze the soup, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It should keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating on the stove or microwave!
What Are Some Topping Suggestions for Taco Soup?
There are plenty of delicious toppings you can add! Shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, and tortilla chips are favorites. You can also garnish with chopped cilantro or lime wedges for an additional burst of flavor.
