This Crock Pot Taco Soup is perfect for chilly days! It’s packed with beans, corn, and ground meat, all simmered together with zesty taco seasoning for a tasty twist.
Making this soup is as easy as a Sunday morning! Just toss everything in the slow cooker, let it bubble away, and enjoy. I love serving it with cheesy tortillas on the side—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like to use 80/20 ground beef for a nice balance of flavor and fat. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken if you want a leaner option. For a vegetarian take, try crumbled tempeh or plant-based meat substitutes.
Beans: Black beans and kidney beans give the soup heartiness. If you’re not a fan, you can use pinto beans or chickpeas instead. Canned beans work well, but if you prefer dried beans, remember to soak and cook them beforehand.
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought seasoning is convenient, but you can make your own with cumin, chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder. This way, you can adjust the heat level to your liking!
Diced Tomatoes: I love using a mix of regular diced tomatoes and those with green chilies for extra flavor. If you want less heat, stick to plain diced tomatoes or use fresh tomatoes in season.
How Do I Brown Ground Beef Properly?
Browning ground beef is key for adding depth to your taco soup. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a hot skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef.
- Break it apart as it cooks, using a wooden spoon. This helps it brown evenly.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic when the beef is halfway cooked. The onions will soften and add sweetness.
- Cook until the beef is brown and there’s no pink left. Drain excess fat to keep the soup from being greasy.
How to Make Crock Pot Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, tortilla strips, chopped cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious taco soup takes about 20 minutes of prep time and then 6-8 hours to cook on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crock pot. Perfect for a hassle-free meal that simmers while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onion is soft, stirring occasionally. Once cooked, drain the excess fat to keep the soup from being greasy.
2. Transfer to Crock Pot:
Carefully move the beef mixture from the skillet to the crock pot. This is where all the magic happens!
3. Add the Goodies:
Now it’s time to add all the fun ingredients! Pour in the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with their juice), diced tomatoes with green chilies, taco seasoning, and beef broth. Use a large spoon to stir everything together so it’s evenly mixed.
4. Season to Taste:
Sprinkle in some salt and pepper according to your taste. Remember, you can always adjust the seasoning later if you need to!
5. Cook it Up:
Cover the crock pot with the lid. Set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. During this time, the flavors will meld beautifully!
6. Final Touches:
Once it’s done cooking, take a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You want it just right!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Grab a ladle and scoop the hearty taco soup into bowls. Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, tortilla strips, or chopped cilantro to make it even more delicious. Enjoy your cozy meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for a leaner option. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly in the skillet and drain any excess liquid before transferring it to the crock pot. It will still taste delicious with the taco seasoning!
What Can I Use Instead of Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth on hand, chicken broth or vegetable broth works perfectly too. For a richer flavor, you can also use low-sodium broth to keep the dish balanced. Just adjust the seasoning afterward, as some broths can be saltier than others.
