There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of taco soup to wrap you in comfort, and my crock pot taco soup takes that cozy feeling to a whole new level! This hearty, flavor-packed soup is not only a delight to your taste buds but also a breeze to prepare. Just toss everything into the crock pot and let it do its magic while you go about your day. Trust me, the blend of spices, tender beans, and juicy tomatoes creates a symphony of flavors that will make your kitchen feel like a fiesta! Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—feel free to swap in your favorite ingredients or toppings. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re just craving something hearty, this soup is a winner that’s sure to please the whole family!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up my delicious crock pot taco soup! Grab these simple ingredients, and you’re ready to go:
- 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 juices)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (my favorite is the classic blend)
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor)
- 1 cup chopped onion (about 1 medium onion)
- 1 cup chopped bell pepper (any color you like!)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (fresh is best, but jarred works too!)
Feel free to adjust the beans or even add in some chopped jalapeños for an extra kick! It’s all about making it your own.
How to Prepare Crock Pot Taco Soup
Making my crock pot taco soup is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love the aroma wafting through your home as it cooks! Let’s break it down step by step so you can enjoy this deliciousness with minimal fuss.
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
First, you’ll want to heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned. This step is super important because browning the meat adds depth of flavor to the soup. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat—nobody wants a greasy taco soup! Once it’s browned, set it aside while you prep the rest.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot
Now, it’s time to bring everything together! In your trusty crock pot, add the browned beef along with black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, broth, onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Trust me, the colors alone will make you smile! Stir everything together well so the flavors can mingle beautifully.
Step 3: Cooking Time
Cover the crock pot and let it work its magic! If you’re cooking on low, aim for about 6-8 hours. For a quicker option, set it to high and let it cook for 3-4 hours. No peeking, okay? Just let those flavors develop into something magical!
Step 4: Serving Suggestions
When it’s finally time to serve, ladle the hot soup into bowls and get creative with toppings! I love adding a sprinkle of cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or some creamy avocado slices. You could even throw in some crushed tortilla chips for a delightful crunch. Enjoy every spoonful of this comforting goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Just toss everything in the crock pot and let it do the work while you kick back and relax!
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices, tender beans, and juicy tomatoes creates a mouthwatering taste that’s sure to impress.
- Healthy and Hearty: Packed with protein and fiber, this soup is a satisfying meal that won’t weigh you down.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix and match your favorite ingredients or adjust the spice levels to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week, or freeze for later—convenience at its finest!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck, this soup is always a hit with everyone!
Tips for Success
To make my crock pot taco soup truly perfect, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First off, don’t be shy about adjusting the seasoning. If you like a little more heat, add some extra taco seasoning or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. Taste as you go, and remember that flavors deepen as the soup cooks!
Now, let’s talk leftovers. This soup stores beautifully! Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, a quick zap in the microwave or a gentle simmer on the stove will do the trick. If you want to freeze it, make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. You can enjoy that cozy taco goodness anytime you like!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. For one bowl of my crock pot taco soup, you can expect roughly:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
It’s a satisfying and nutritious option that brings comfort with every spoonful!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my crock pot taco soup? No worries! Here are some common inquiries that might pop up, along with my answers to help you make the most of this tasty dish.
Can I freeze leftover taco soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until it’s piping hot. Easy peasy!
What toppings can I add to my taco soup?
There are so many delicious toppings you can add to elevate your taco soup! I love using shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or slices of creamy avocado. You could also sprinkle on some fresh cilantro, diced green onions, or even some crunchy tortilla chips for a delightful texture. Get creative!
Can I use other meats?
Definitely! While I love using ground beef, you can easily swap it out for ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded beef for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times if you’re using larger pieces of meat. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of my crock pot taco soup is super easy, and you’ll want to make sure you keep that deliciousness for later! Simply transfer any leftover soup into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 4 days, so you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
When you’re ready to reheat, just pour it into a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. If you’re short on time, a quick zap in the microwave works just fine too—just make sure to cover it to avoid splatters! If you decide to freeze it, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating, and you’ll have that warm, comforting soup ready to enjoy again!
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Crock Pot Taco Soup: 7 Reasons to Love This Comforting Dish
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and flavorful crock pot taco soup.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Add the beef and all other ingredients to the crock pot.
- Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Top with cheese, sour cream, or avocado if desired.
- This soup can be frozen for later use.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Crock Pot
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: crock pot taco soup, taco soup, easy soup recipe
