There’s nothing quite like the warmth of a hearty soup on a chilly day, and my crock pot taco soup is my go-to comfort dish! It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl, filled with robust flavors and packed with goodness. I remember my mom making something similar every Sunday after church; the smell would drift through the house and draw everyone in. Now, I’ve taken that tradition and put my own spin on it. With just a little prep, I can toss everything into the crock pot and let it do its magic while I kick back and relax. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Ingredients for Crock Pot Taco Soup
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this delicious crock pot taco soup. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef: This adds a rich flavor and hearty texture. I like to use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- 1 can black beans: Make sure to drain them well; they contribute protein and fiber.
- 1 can kidney beans: These beans add a lovely color and additional heartiness.
- 1 can corn: Sweet corn balances the spices beautifully—drain it before adding!
- 1 can diced tomatoes: Use the fire-roasted kind for an extra kick of flavor.
- 1 packet taco seasoning: This is where the magic happens! It’s the secret to that classic taco flavor.
- 3 cups beef broth: This is the base of our soup, so choose a good-quality broth for the best taste.
- 1 cup chopped onions: I love the sweetness they bring; diced is perfect!
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers: Any color works, but I usually go for red or green for that pop of color.
How to Prepare Crock Pot Taco Soup
Getting this crock pot taco soup ready is super straightforward, and the best part? It practically cooks itself! Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Start by browning the 1 lb ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. This step adds flavor and texture, so don’t skip it! Once it’s nicely browned, be sure to drain any excess fat. You want the soup to be hearty but not greasy.
- Transfer the browned beef to your crock pot. Now it’s time to add all the other ingredients!
- Add the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, beef broth, chopped onions, and chopped bell peppers to the crock pot.
- Give everything a good stir to combine all those flavors together. It’s like a fiesta in a pot!
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when your kitchen smells amazing and the ingredients are all melded together.
- Once it’s finished cooking, serve hot and top with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or avocado. Yum!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make: Just toss everything in the crock pot and let it do the work for you!
- Flavor explosion: The combination of spices and hearty ingredients creates a comforting, delicious flavor that warms you up from the inside out.
- Healthy ingredients: Packed with beans, veggies, and lean beef, it’s a nutritious choice for the whole family.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Family-friendly: Kids love it, and it’s great for sharing with friends at gatherings!
Tips for Success with Crock Pot Taco Soup
To make your crock pot taco soup truly shine, here are some handy tips! First, feel free to adjust the spice level by adding extra taco seasoning or even a splash of hot sauce if you like it spicy. If you want a vegetarian version, just swap the ground beef for some extra beans or lentils—still delicious! Also, remember that cooking times can vary based on your crock pot, so check it a bit earlier if you’re using a newer model. Lastly, don’t forget to let it cool before storing any leftovers; it freezes beautifully for future cozy meals!
Variations of Crock Pot Taco Soup
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun twists you can put on this crock pot taco soup! For a different protein, try swapping the ground beef for shredded chicken or turkey—both are equally delicious and light. Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Toss in some chopped zucchini or diced carrots for added nutrition and color. You can also play around with the beans; try black-eyed peas or pinto beans for a unique flavor. And don’t forget to experiment with spices! Adding a pinch of cumin or a dash of smoked paprika can elevate the taste even further. Enjoy creating your perfect bowl!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of my crock pot taco soup is super easy! Just let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days, so you can enjoy those delicious flavors again! If you want to save it for even longer, this soup freezes beautifully. Just portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little space for expansion, and pop it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until piping hot. Yum!
Nutritional Information for Crock Pot Taco Soup
When it comes to nutrition, keep in mind that values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. But typically, this hearty crock pot taco soup offers about 250 calories per 1 cup serving. You’ll get around 10g of fat, 15g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates, along with 8g of fiber—pretty great for a comforting meal! Just remember to adjust according to your own ingredient choices for the best accuracy.
FAQ about Crock Pot Taco Soup
Can I use frozen ground beef?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it before browning it in the skillet. It’s a great time-saver, and the soup will still turn out delicious.
How can I make this soup spicier?
If you want to kick up the heat, try adding diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce when you combine the ingredients. Adjust the taco seasoning to your spice preference, too!
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
For sure! Swap out the ground beef for a mix of extra beans, lentils, or even some cubed sweet potatoes. You’ll still get a hearty, flavorful soup that everyone will love.
What toppings do you recommend?
Oh, the toppings are the best part! I love adding shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh avocado slices. You can also sprinkle some chopped cilantro or crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch!
How long can I store leftovers?
You can keep leftovers in the fridge for about 4 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container, and it’ll be ready for you to enjoy again!
For more information on the health benefits of beans, check out this Healthline article. You can also learn about the nutritional value of beef in this NCBI study.
Print
Crock Pot Taco Soup: 5 Steps to a Cozy Meal Today!
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and flavorful crock pot taco soup.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Add the browned beef to the crock pot.
- Add all remaining ingredients to the crock pot.
- Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve hot with toppings of your choice.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning according to taste.
- Top with cheese, sour cream, or avocado if desired.
- This soup freezes well for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: crock pot taco soup
