Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Taco Soup Recipe
When you plunge into this Slow Cooker Taco Soup recipe, you’ll immediately appreciate how easy it’s to whip up a delicious meal with minimal effort.
I love how I can toss everything into the slow cooker and forget about it for hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The vibrant colors and hearty ingredients make it a feast for the eyes, too.
Plus, it’s incredibly versatile; I can customize it based on what I’ve on hand or what I’m craving. Family and friends rave about the rich, savory taste, and it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients of Slow Cooker Taco Soup
When it comes to making a delicious Slow Cooker Taco Soup, the ingredients play an essential role in bringing all those amazing flavors together. This recipe isn’t only simple but also packed with hearty, wholesome components that guarantee a satisfying meal.
You might find yourself surprised at how little prep work is involved—just a bit of chopping and browning, and you’re set! So let’s explore the list of ingredients you’ll need to create this comforting dish.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb 85% lean ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 (16 ounce) can chili beans, with liquid
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, with liquid
- 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, with liquid
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups water
- 2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chili peppers
- 1 (1 1/4 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
Now, while gathering these ingredients, keep in mind that you can easily swap in or out some of your favorites. For instance, if you’re not a fan of kidney beans, black beans could work just as well.
Feel free to experiment with different types of taco seasoning too; some brands are spicier than others, so choose one that matches your heat tolerance. Also, if you want to sneak in some extra veggies, consider tossing in some chopped bell peppers or zucchini.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility—you can truly make it your own without sacrificing the comforting essence of a good taco soup. So, what’re you waiting for? Gather those ingredients and get ready to enjoy a meal that warms both the belly and the soul.
How to Make Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Making Slow Cooker Taco Soup is as easy as pie, or should I say taco? First, you’ll want to grab 1 lb of 85% lean ground beef and brown it in a medium skillet over medium heat. Now, this part can be a little tricky if you’re not careful—nobody wants to end up wearing raw beef juice, so keep an eye on it!
As that sizzles away, chop up 1 onion and get it ready to join the party. Once that ground beef is beautifully browned, drain off any excess grease (because who wants a greasy soup?) and set it aside while you get your slow cooker ready.
Now, here comes the fun part. In your slow cooker, toss in the browned beef, along with the chopped onion, a 16-ounce can of chili beans (with all that glorious liquid), a 15-ounce can of kidney beans (also with liquid, no rinsing allowed), a 15-ounce can of whole kernel corn (you guessed it, with liquid too), an 8-ounce can of tomato sauce, and 2 cups of water.
But wait, there’s more! Add in two 14.5-ounce cans of diced tomatoes, a 4-ounce can of diced green chili peppers, and don’t forget the pièce de résistance—a 1 1/4-ounce package of taco seasoning mix. Mix everything together, and trust me, it’s a colorful medley that could make anyone smile.
Once everything is mixed well, set your slow cooker to the Low setting and let it work its magic for about 8 hours. Seriously, that’s all you have to do. Just let it simmer and fill your kitchen with the most mouth-watering aromas.
You might want to check in every now and then, not just to make sure it’s cooking properly, but to remind yourself that dinner is going to be a delicious taco fiesta tonight.
And when the time is up, grab a bowl, maybe some tortilla chips for dipping, and dig into this warm, hearty soup that’s sure to become a family favorite. Who said cooking had to be complicated?
Slow Cooker Taco Soup Substitutions & Variations
After letting that slow cooker work its magic, you might find yourself wanting to switch things up a bit.
If you’re not a beef fan, ground turkey or chicken can provide a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor.
For a vegetarian twist, I love using black beans and lentils instead of meat. You can also experiment with different beans—pinto or navy beans work great!
If you prefer a bit more heat, toss in some jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
To boost the flavor, consider swapping diced tomatoes for fire-roasted ones.
And don’t forget about toppings; avocado, sour cream, or shredded cheese can elevate your soup to new heights.
Enjoy customizing your taco soup!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Taco Soup
What can elevate your Slow Cooker Taco Soup to a whole new level? I love serving it with a variety of toppings that add flavor and texture.
Crumbled tortilla chips provide a nice crunch, while shredded cheese, like cheddar or Monterey Jack, melts beautifully on top. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds creaminess, balancing the spices.
Fresh cilantro or green onions sprinkled on top brings a burst of freshness. If you’re feeling adventurous, diced avocado or jalapeños can add an extra kick.
For sides, I recommend cornbread or warm tortillas to soak up every last drop of that delicious soup. Trust me, these additions will transform your meal into something truly special!
Additional Tips & Notes
While preparing your Slow Cooker Taco Soup, keep in mind a few additional tips to enhance the flavor and texture. First, don’t skip browning the ground beef; it adds depth to the dish.
You can also experiment with different beans or add black beans for variety. If you like a bit of heat, consider tossing in some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
To make it creamier, stir in some cream cheese or diced avocado right before serving. Fresh cilantro and lime juice can brighten up the flavors, too.
Finally, let the soup sit for a few minutes after cooking; it thickens up nicely. Enjoy customizing your taco soup to suit your taste!