Taco soup, simmered low and slow in a crock pot, is the epitome of comfort food. This hearty, flavorful soup is perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or even a casual weekend gathering. The beauty of a crock pot taco soup recipe lies in its simplicity: throw in the ingredients, set it, and forget it! By the time dinner rolls around, you'll be greeted with a delicious, aromatic soup that requires minimal effort. This guide will provide you with the foundational recipe and answer frequently asked questions to help you craft the perfect crock pot taco soup.
What are the basic ingredients for crock pot taco soup?
The core ingredients of a delicious crock pot taco soup are surprisingly simple. You'll need a good base of seasoned ground beef (or your preferred protein), diced tomatoes, corn (either canned or frozen), kidney beans, and taco seasoning. From there, you can customize it to your heart's content! Many recipes incorporate onions, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and even vegetables like bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
A Simple Crock Pot Taco Soup Recipe (serves 6-8):
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or vegetarian crumbles)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained (or 1 cup frozen corn)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained (optional, for extra spice)
- 4 cups beef broth or water
- Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips, chopped cilantro
Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat; drain off any excess grease.
- Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker.
- Add the onion and garlic to the slow cooker and cook on low for 30 minutes, or until softened.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients, except for the toppings.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until heated through.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Can I use different types of beans in crock pot taco soup?
Absolutely! While kidney beans are a classic choice, you can easily substitute or add other beans like pinto beans, black beans, or even great northern beans. Each type of bean will impart a slightly different flavor and texture to your soup, allowing you to experiment and find your perfect combination.
How do I make crock pot taco soup spicier?
For those who prefer a spicier kick, there are several ways to enhance the heat in your crock pot taco soup. You can increase the amount of taco seasoning, add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper, or incorporate a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies add both flavor and a pleasant level of spice. Remember to start with a small amount of extra spice and adjust to your liking.
What are some good toppings for crock pot taco soup?
The beauty of taco soup lies in its versatility. The topping options are endless! Classic choices include shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips. But don't be afraid to get creative! Consider adding fresh avocado slices, chopped cilantro, diced green onions, a squeeze of lime juice, or even a dollop of guacamole.
Can I make crock pot taco soup ahead of time?
Yes! Crock pot taco soup is perfect for meal prepping. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. The flavors will actually meld and deepen over time, resulting in an even richer and more delicious soup.
Is crock pot taco soup healthy?
While not a diet food, crock pot taco soup can be a relatively healthy meal, especially when you focus on using lean ground beef or other protein sources. The abundance of beans provides fiber and protein, while the vegetables contribute vitamins and minerals. By controlling the amount of cheese and sour cream you use as toppings, you can keep the overall fat content in check. Consider adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for an added nutritional boost.
This comprehensive guide provides a delicious foundational recipe and answers frequently asked questions about crock pot taco soup. Remember to adjust seasonings and ingredients to your taste preferences and enjoy this simple, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing meal!
