Crockpot Taco Soup: A Flavorful and Easy Weeknight Meal

Taco soup is a family favorite for a reason: it’s warm, comforting, packed with flavor, and incredibly easy to make. This crockpot version takes that ease to the next level, allowing you to set it and forget it, returning later to a delicious and satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this Crockpot Taco Soup recipe is sure to become a staple in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Taco Soup

This recipe isn’t just about convenience; it’s about flavor. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a depth that’s hard to achieve with other methods. The result is a rich, savory soup with a hint of spice that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Here are a few more reasons why you’ll love this recipe:

• Hands-off cooking: Simply toss the ingredients into your crockpot, set the timer, and walk away.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level, add your favorite toppings, and substitute ingredients to suit your taste.
• Budget-friendly: This recipe uses affordable ingredients, making it a great option for feeding a crowd on a budget.
• Meal prep friendly: Taco soup makes great leftovers and can be easily frozen for future meals.
• Kid-friendly: The mild spice level and familiar flavors make this soup a hit with kids of all ages.

The Best Ingredients for Crockpot Taco Soup

The beauty of taco soup lies in its versatility. While there are a few core ingredients, you can easily customize it to your liking with different beans, vegetables, and proteins. Here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients and some suggestions for variations:

• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is a classic choice for taco soup, providing a hearty and savory base. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and add an extra can of beans or some crumbled plant-based meat substitute.
• Beans: A mix of beans adds texture and flavor to the soup. Pinto beans, black beans, and kidney beans are all excellent choices. Feel free to use a combination of your favorites. Drain and rinse the canned beans to remove excess sodium.
• Corn: Canned or frozen corn adds a touch of sweetness and complements the savory flavors of the soup.
• Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes provide the base for the soup’s liquid and add a touch of acidity. You can also use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce.
• Green Chiles: Canned diced green chiles add a mild heat and a subtle smoky flavor. Adjust the amount to your liking, or omit them altogether if you prefer a milder soup.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatic vegetables add depth and complexity to the flavor. Sauté them briefly before adding them to the crockpot for an even richer flavor.
• Taco Seasoning: A packet of taco seasoning is the key to that classic taco flavor. You can use a store-bought packet or make your own homemade taco seasoning.
• Broth: Beef broth, chicken broth, or vegetable broth provides the liquid base for the soup. Use low-sodium broth to control the salt content.
• Optional Add-Ins: Bell peppers, zucchini, and other vegetables can be added for extra nutrients and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crockpot Taco Soup

Making crockpot taco soup is incredibly simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it is no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. This step helps to develop flavor and prevent the soup from being greasy.

2. Sauté the Aromatics (Optional): In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and garlic until they are softened and fragrant. This step enhances the flavor of the soup, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.

3. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot: In the crockpot, combine the browned ground beef (or meat substitute), sautéed onion and garlic (if using), beans, corn, diced tomatoes, green chiles, taco seasoning, and broth.

4. Cook on Low or High: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together.

5. Shred the Meat (Optional): If you used ground beef, you can shred it with two forks after it has cooked. This will make the soup even more flavorful and easier to eat.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the soup hot with your favorite toppings.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Crockpot Taco Soup

• Don’t Overcook: Overcooking the soup can make the beans mushy. Check the soup regularly and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Add a Thickening Agent: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water to the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier soup, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the crockpot.
• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of the ingredients, the better the flavor of the soup.
• Let the Flavors Meld: For the best flavor, let the soup sit in the crockpot for a while after it has finished cooking. This will allow the flavors to meld together even more.
• Add a Squeeze of Lime: A squeeze of lime juice brightens up the flavors of the soup and adds a touch of acidity.

Serving Suggestions and Topping Ideas

The best part about taco soup is the endless possibilities for toppings! Here are a few of our favorites:

• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and Colby Jack cheese are all great choices.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Adds a creamy and tangy element to the soup.
• Avocado: Diced avocado or guacamole adds healthy fats and a creamy texture.
• Tortilla Chips: Crushed tortilla chips add a crunchy texture and a salty flavor.
• Salsa: Adds a kick of heat and fresh flavor.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright and herbaceous flavor.
• Green Onions: Sliced green onions add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
• Hot Sauce: For those who like it spicy, a dash of hot sauce is a must.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice brightens up the flavors of the soup.

Beyond toppings, consider serving taco soup with:

• Cornbread: A classic pairing for any soup.
• Salad: A light and refreshing salad provides a contrast to the richness of the soup.
• Quesadillas: A cheesy and savory side dish that complements the flavors of the soup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• • Can I make taco soup on the stovetop?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for the stovetop. Brown the ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer. Cook for 30-45 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together.

• • Can I freeze taco soup?

Yes, taco soup freezes very well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

• • Can I make taco soup in an Instant Pot?

Yes, taco soup can be made in an Instant Pot. Brown the ground beef using the sauté function. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.

• • How can I make taco soup vegetarian?

Simply omit the ground beef and add an extra can of beans or some crumbled plant-based meat substitute. You can also add more vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.

• • How do I thicken taco soup?

If you want a thicker soup, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water to the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the soup and cook until thickened. You can also mash some of the beans with a fork to help thicken the soup.

• • Is taco soup healthy?

Taco soup can be a relatively healthy meal, depending on the ingredients you use. Using lean ground beef or ground turkey, low-sodium broth, and plenty of vegetables can help make it a healthier option. Be mindful of the toppings you choose, as some toppings (such as sour cream and cheese) can add extra calories and fat.