Hearty Crock Pot Taco Soup Recipe: Zesty Comfort in Every Spoonful

Savory crock pot taco soup brings comfort to chilly evenings with minimal effort.

Hearty ingredients mingle beautifully throughout slow cooking hours.

Mexican-inspired flavors dance across your palate, promising warmth and satisfaction.

Spices blend seamlessly, creating a rich tapestry of southwestern cuisine.

Protein-packed and nutritious, this dish satisfies hungry crowds effortlessly.

Simple preparation means you can walk away while deliciousness develops.

Minimal chopping and maximum flavor make this recipe a weeknight champion.

Grab a ladle and prepare for a soul-warming culinary adventure that will become your new favorite meal.

What You Need for Crock Pot Taco Soup

• Ground Beef: Hearty base for the soup.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic flavor enhancers.
• Black Beans, Corn, Diced Tomatoes, Green Chilies: Adds texture and nutrition.

• Taco Seasoning, Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Provides robust and zesty Mexican-inspired flavor.

• Broth: Creates the soup base and adds moisture.

• Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Chopped Cilantro, Tortilla Chips, Avocado: Adds extra flavor and texture for serving.

Easy Steps to Prepare Crock Pot Taco Soup

Step 1: Brown The Meat

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook ground beef until it’s completely brown and no pink remains.

Carefully drain away any excess fat from the pan.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

In the same skillet, toss chopped onions and minced garlic.

Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and release a fragrant aroma.

Step 3: Combine In Slow Cooker

Transfer the browned beef and sautéed onion-garlic mixture into the slow cooker.

Step 4: Add Flavor Boosters

• Black beans
• Corn kernels
• Diced tomatoes
• Green chilies
• Taco seasoning
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 5: Pour And Mix Liquid

Pour beef broth into the slow cooker.

Stir all ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices and vegetables.

Step 6: Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW setting for 6-7 hours or HIGH setting for 3-4 hours.

This allows flavors to meld and develop rich depth.

Step 7: Final Flavor Check

Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed.

Add more salt or spices to suit your preference.

Step 8: Serve With Delicious Toppings

Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls.

Tips for Flavorful Crock Pot Taco Soup

• Brown ground beef thoroughly to develop deep, rich taste and drain excess fat for a lighter, less greasy soup.
• Layer spices like taco seasoning, cumin, and chili powder generously to ensure robust, authentic Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Control soup thickness by adjusting broth quantity – less broth creates heartier consistency, more broth makes it soupier.
• Double the recipe and freeze portions for quick, delicious future meals that taste even better after flavors meld overnight.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for healthier protein options without compromising taste profile.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Taco Soup

• Transfer cooled soup to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring proper sealing to maintain freshness.
• Pack soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months without losing flavor quality.
• Pour desired portion into a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each cycle until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour soup into a saucepan, heat over medium-low temperature, stir occasionally to prevent burning, and add a splash of broth if the soup seems too thick.

Toppings and Pairings for Taco Soup

• Savor Complementary Corn Chips: Crisp tortilla chips provide the perfect crunch and texture to complement the hearty soup, adding a satisfying munchable element that enhances each spoonful.
• Pair with Zesty Mexican Lager: A light, refreshing Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo Especial cuts through the soup's richness, balancing the spicy and savory flavors with its crisp finish.
• Match with Fresh Citrus Margarita: A tangy margarita with fresh lime juice brings a bright, acidic counterpoint to the robust soup, cleansing the palate and amplifying the dish's vibrant Mexican-inspired profile.
• Elevate with Crisp Salad Side: A simple green salad with cilantro, lime vinaigrette, and diced tomatoes offers a fresh, light contrast to the soup's dense and spicy character, creating a well-rounded meal experience.

Flavorful Twists on Crock Pot Taco Soup

• Vegetarian Taco Soup: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like black beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu. Use vegetable broth for added flavor and keep all other ingredients the same.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure taco seasoning is certified gluten-free. Verify all canned ingredients are gluten-free and replace tortilla chips with gluten-free corn chips or skip the topping.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use no-salt-added canned beans and tomatoes. Reduce or eliminate added salt. Create homemade taco seasoning to control sodium content and use low-sodium broth.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Swap corn with cauliflower or zucchini. Increase fatty toppings like cheese and sour cream. Eliminate beans to reduce carbohydrates. Add extra ground beef or shredded chicken for protein boost.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Simply follow the same browning and cooking instructions.

• Do I need to pre-cook the beans?

No, canned black beans can be added directly to the Crock Pot without pre-cooking. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the soup.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The soup has a mild to moderate spice level from the taco seasoning and green chilies. You can control the heat by choosing mild taco seasoning or adding less chili powder.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, ensure you use a gluten-free taco seasoning and serve with gluten-free tortilla chips to make the entire dish gluten-free friendly.

Why Crock Pot Taco Soup Belongs in Your Meal Rotation

• Minimal chopping and one-pot cooking make this taco soup a breeze for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without complicated steps.
• Packed with hearty ground beef, beans, and bold spices, this soup delivers robust flavors that appeal to both kids and adults at family gatherings.
• Flexible toppings like cheese, sour cream, and avocado let everyone personalize their soup, making mealtime fun and interactive for everyone at the table.
• Slow cooker method means you can toss ingredients together, walk away, and return to a rich, satisfying meal with zero stress and maximum flavor.

Crock Pot Taco Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Crock Pot Taco Soup delivers southwestern comfort with rich, zesty flavors packed into one remarkable meal. Simmering ground beef, beans, and spices create a soul-warming bowl perfect for family dinners you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (or ground turkey)

Vegetables and Beans:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) corn kernels, drained
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (4 ounces/113 grams) diced green chilies

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, thoroughly brown the ground beef, ensuring no pink remains. Carefully drain away excess fat to reduce greasiness.
2. Use the same skillet to gently sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and release their aromatic essence, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Transfer the seasoned meat, softened onions, and fragrant garlic into the slow cooker’s ceramic insert.
4. Introduce a symphony of flavors by adding black beans, sweet corn kernels, diced tomatoes, zesty green chilies, and a blend of robust spices including taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and ground black pepper.
5. Pour chicken or beef broth into the mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute seasonings and ingredients evenly throughout the soup.
6. Secure the lid and allow the slow cooker to work its magic – on LOW setting for 6-7 hours or HIGH setting for 3-4 hours, melding flavors and tenderizing ingredients.
7. Perform a final taste test, adjusting seasoning as needed to balance and enhance the overall flavor profile.
8. Serve piping hot, garnishing with optional toppings like shredded cheese, dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, crispy tortilla chips, or creamy avocado slices.

Notes

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease in the soup, ensuring a cleaner, lighter texture.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder and choosing mild or spicy green chilies based on personal preference.
• Make this recipe vegetarian by replacing ground beef with plant-based crumbles or additional beans like kidney or pinto beans.
• Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months, perfect for quick future meals that taste even better after flavors meld.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg