Slow Cooker Fiesta Taco Soup

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a culinary hug? You know those days when you crave something hearty? My crockpot taco soup recipe is pure comfort in a bowl. Bursting with Tex-Mex flavors, it’s so simple.

Brief Overview

This recipe hails from good old Tex-Mex cuisine. It is easy. Prep takes 15 minutes, and slow cooking does the rest. It feeds 6-8 hungry souls, perfect for families or batch cooking.

Main Benefits

It's a fantastic source of protein and fiber. This comfort food soup is tailor made for a laid back weeknight dinner. What makes it special? You just dump it and go.

Getting Started with Fiesta Taco Soup

Okay, mate, let's get this fiesta started. Ready to ditch the dinner stress? My easy taco soup recipe is your new best friend.

It transforms simple ingredients into a flavour explosion, all thanks to your trusty slow cooker. Seriously, it's one of the best crockpot soup recipes I've ever tried, and I think you'll agree.

First, a confession: I used to be intimidated by slow cooker meals. I always thought they were bland and boring.

But honestly, once I nailed this slow cooker taco soup , I was hooked. The beauty of a dump and go taco soup is its simplicity.

Brown the beef, chuck everything in the pot, and let the magic happen.

This crockpot taco soup recipe is great. Don't skip browning the beef. It builds deeper flavours, trust me. You can adjust the heat level too.

Want it mild? Use mild taco seasoning. Craving a kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper. It is all about having fun.

What You'll Need

Before we dive into the ingredients, let's talk toppings. The options are endless! I love a generous dollop of sour cream, some shredded cheddar, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions.

Don't forget the tortilla chips for dipping! Think of it as a blank canvas. Now, the actual ingredients are:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans
• 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning
• 1 (1 ounce) packet ranch dressing mix
• 1 cup beef broth

Let's Talk Ingredients and Gear, Shall We?

So, you wanna make my slow cooker fiesta taco soup recipe ? Ace! It’s proper simple, you know? Let’s dive into the bits and bobs you'll need.

Honestly, most of this stuff you probably already have kicking about.

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Crockpot Taco Soup Recipe

Okay, first things first, the meaty bits. You'll need 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ) of olive oil to get started.

Grab 1 pound ( 450g ) of ground beef. Lean is best, something like 80/20 or 90/10. Quality here makes a difference.

Better beef equals better flavour, end of. Then chop 1 medium yellow onion (about 1 cup , or around 150g ).

And mince 2 cloves of garlic (approx. 6g ).

Now for the tins! You need 1 (15 ounce) can each of black beans ( 425g ) and kidney beans ( 425g ), rinsed and drained.

Then a 1 (15 ounce) can of drained corn ( 425g ). For tomatoes, it's 1 (10 ounce) can of diced tomatoes with green chilies ( 283g ), like Rotel undrained.

Also, 1 (14.5 ounce) can of plain diced tomatoes, undrained ( 411g ).

Seasoning is key! Get hold of 1 (1 ounce) packet of taco seasoning ( 28g ) and 1 (1 ounce) packet of ranch dressing mix ( 28g ).

Finally, 1 cup of beef broth ( 240 ml ). These aromatics are important in this easy taco soup recipe .

Spice Up Your Life: Seasoning Notes

Right, taco seasoning, everyone has their favourite. Ranch dressing mix adds a certain je ne sais quoi , you know? It's a Tex-Mex soup recipes staple! If you're feeling adventurous, you can knock up your own taco seasoning blend.

Chili powder, cumin, paprika the usual suspects. For extra oomph, a pinch of cayenne never hurt anyone.

Kit You'll Need: Equipment Needed

You don’t need a fancy setup for this dump and go taco soup . A large skillet to brown the beef is essential.

Then a 6-quart or larger slow cooker (Crock Pot, obvs!). A can opener, measuring cups and spoons, and a colander. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy! If you haven't got a colander, honestly, just use a sieve.

We're not judging here.

Oh, and toppings? Go wild! Shredded cheddar, sour cream, green onions the works. It's what makes the taco soup toppings so good!

And just like that, you’re sorted. Get your ingredients ready. I promise the best crockpot soup recipes are well worth the effort!

Slow Cooker Fiesta: Let's Cook This Crockpot Taco Soup Recipe!

Okay, mate, let's get this crockpot taco soup recipe sorted. Honestly, this easy taco soup recipe is a game changer. It is perfect for weeknights, like those when you just wanna shove everything in and forget about it.

It's proper comfort food.

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, get your mise en place sorted. This is basically a fancy way of saying "get everything ready".

Chop your onion. Mince your garlic, and drain those cans of beans. This time saving tip will get you cooking like a boss!

step-by-step: Easy As Pie (Or Should We Say Soup?)

Here is how to make the best crockpot soup recipes :

1. Brown 1 pound of ground beef in a skillet with some olive oil. Make sure you drain off that fat. No one likes greasy soup!
2. Chuck the beef into your slow cooker with your onion. Add two cloves minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about a minute.
3. Add 1 (15 ounce) can of black beans, kidney beans, 1 (15 ounce) can of corn, tomatoes, taco seasoning, ranch dressing mix, and beef broth to the slow cooker.
4. Give it a good stir to make sure everything's mixed.
5. Cook on low for 6- 8 hours or on high for 3- 4 hours . The longer the better, though.
6. (Optional) Shred the beef with two forks.
7. Serve hot with all your favourite taco soup toppings .

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Soup Game

Want to make your slow cooker taco soup even better? Here is some Tex-Mex magic. First off, don't skip browning the beef.

It's essential. It gives the soup way more flavour. Also, always taste as you go. You can always add more seasoning, but you can't take it away.

Toppings are key. Get that sour cream, cheddar cheese, and green onions ready. Boom! You have made a dump and go taco soup .

Recipe Notes for Your Champion Crockpot Taco Soup Recipe

Okay, so you're ready to whip up this crockpot taco soup recipe . Honestly, it’s proper lush! Let's talk about how to make it even better .

I’ve made this beauty more times than I can count. And I have learned a thing or two. Let's dive in!

Serving Suggestions: Make it a Fiesta!

Right then, you've got this amazing slow cooker taco soup ready. Now what?

For plating, think colourful! A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cheddar, and some chopped green onions do wonders.

Feeling fancy? Avocado slices are always a winner. And some crunchy tortilla chips? Bang on!

Need sides? Cornbread is a classic, mate. Or maybe a simple green salad. For drinks, a cold beer or even a Tex-Mex inspired margarita works a treat.

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

Leftover soup? No worries! It tastes even better the next day.

Pop it in an airtight container and it'll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Proper good for a quick lunch!

Freezing is also an option. Just let it cool completely first. It can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

Reheating? Simply microwave it or simmer on the stove until heated through. Easy peasy!

Variations: Make it Your Own

Fancy a change? You got it.

For a vegetarian taco soup , ditch the beef. Add another can of beans or some diced sweet potatoes. Still hearty, still delicious!

Or how about a chicken taco soup ? Use shredded cooked chicken instead of beef. Add it near the end to keep it tender.

Remember that, no two taste buds are the same. Feel free to swap out any seasonal ingredients you have on hand!

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bowl

This easy taco soup recipe is packed with goodness.

It's a good source of protein and fiber. Plus, you're getting plenty of vitamins from all those veggies.

Just be mindful of the sodium content. Using low-sodium broth can help. This comfort food soup is good for you.

So, there you have it! My top tips and tricks for nailing this best crockpot soup recipes . Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

Most importantly, have fun with it. Now get in the kitchen and create some magic! I think you will find this is one of your favorite weeknight dinner recipes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this crockpot taco soup recipe vegetarian? I'm trying to cut down on meat!

Absolutely! It's easy to adapt. Just skip the ground beef and add in another can of beans (like pinto or cannellini) or even some diced sweet potatoes for extra heartiness. It'll still be packed with flavor, even without the beef, so you won't be missing out on the good stuff!

My taco soup tastes a little bland. What can I do to spice things up, short of adding more hot sauce?

Don't you worry, there's a few things you can do besides setting your mouth on fire. Try adding a squeeze of lime juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavors. A pinch of smoked paprika or a little extra cumin can also add depth and warmth, similar to the chili you expect from a great taco flavor.

A dollop of sour cream and some crumbled tortilla chips on top will also add a nice touch.

How long can I store leftover crockpot taco soup, and is it freezer friendly?

Leftover taco soup will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days, stored in an airtight container plenty of time for a repeat performance! And yes, it's super freezer friendly. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer safe containers or bags.

It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months; just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef in this crockpot taco soup recipe?

Definitely! Ground turkey or chicken are great, leaner alternatives to ground beef. Just make sure to brown them well just like you would the beef, and drain off any excess fat. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be a delicious and satisfying taco soup a proper "Bob's your uncle" situation!

What are some good toppings for taco soup? I'm looking for something beyond just cheese and sour cream.

Cheese and sour cream are classics, but let's elevate your taco soup experience, shall we? Try adding a dollop of guacamole or some diced avocado for creaminess. Chopped cilantro, green onions, or a squeeze of lime add a fresh zing.

Crushed tortilla chips provide a satisfying crunch, and a swirl of chipotle ranch dressing can add a smoky kick. Think of it like building your own gourmet taco bar!

Is there anything I can add to this crockpot taco soup recipe to make it a bit healthier? I'm watching my sodium intake.

Good on you for being mindful! To reduce sodium, use low-sodium beef broth and look for low-sodium taco seasoning or, even better, make your own using herbs and spices you likely already have. Rinsing the canned beans thoroughly also helps remove excess sodium.

Load up on veggies like bell peppers or zucchini to add bulk and nutrients without extra salt a sensible move, old bean!