– **Title**: Flavorful Crockpot Taco Soup
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, for a lighter option)
– 1 onion, diced
– 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
– 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
– 2 cups beef (or vegetable) broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, tortilla chips
– **Instructions**:
1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef (or turkey) with the diced onion and minced garlic until the meat is fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Transfer the cooked meat mixture to a crockpot.
3. Add the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, taco seasoning, and broth to the crockpot. Stir until well combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
6. Once cooked, stir the soup and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with your choice of toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and tortilla chips. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Turkey: You can use either beef or turkey based on your preference. For a leaner option, turkey is great. If you want to go meatless, try using lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
Beans: Black beans and kidney beans add protein and fiber. If you don’t have these, any canned beans will work, like pinto or chickpeas. Just remember to rinse them well!
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: These give a nice kick and flavor. If you don’t have this specific can, you can use regular diced tomatoes and add a bit of diced jalapeño or hot sauce to your liking.
Taco Seasoning: Taco seasoning packets are super convenient, but you can make your own blend with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika if you prefer to control the spice level.
Bell Pepper: Any color works great here, but I love using red or yellow for their sweetness. If you need a substitute, zucchini or carrots can add a nice texture too.
How Do I Properly Brown Meat for the Best Flavor?
Browning your meat at the start is key to adding depth of flavor to your soup. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil.
- Add the meat and break it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
- Cook until fully browned with no pink remaining—about 5-7 minutes for ground beef or turkey.
- Remember to drain any excess grease to keep the soup from being overly fatty.
How to Make Flavorful Crockpot Taco Soup?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 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 green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped cilantro
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Avocado
- Tortilla chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious crockpot taco soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then cooks for either 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. So, you can set it and forget it while it fills your home with wonderful aromas!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook it until it’s browned and no longer pink. Make sure to break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once it’s done, drain any excess grease to keep the soup nice and not too oily.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic into the skillet with the meat. Cook them together for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This will bring out wonderful flavors!
3. Transfer to the Crockpot:
Now, carefully transfer the meat mixture into your crockpot. Be sure to scrape all those tasty bits into the pot for extra flavor!
4. Add the Remaining Ingredients:
In the crockpot, add the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with their juice), diced bell pepper, taco seasoning, and broth. Stir everything together really well so all the ingredients mix and the flavor can weave through the soup.
5. Season and Cook:
Give it a little taste and then season with salt and pepper to your liking. Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook—choose low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. It’ll be worth the wait!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When the time is up, take off the lid, taste the soup one last time, and adjust the seasoning if needed. When ready to serve, ladle the hot soup into bowls and add your favorite garnishes, like chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, and tortilla chips. Enjoy your warm and flavorful taco soup!
Can I Use a Different Meat or Make This Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef or turkey with any ground meat you prefer, including chicken or plant-based options like lentils or quinoa for a vegetarian version. If you’re going meat-free, just make sure to adjust the cooking time in the skillet and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth.
Can I Freeze This Taco Soup?
Yes, taco soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then store it in airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can definitely customize this soup with a variety of vegetables! Feel free to add diced zucchini, carrots, or even spinach. If using fresh veggies, add them during the last hour of cooking to keep their texture. For frozen vegetables, toss them in during the last 30 minutes of cook time.
How Can I Make This Soup Spicier?
If you love a kick, there are a few options to spice it up! You can add chopped jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or increase the taco seasoning to your taste. For a smoky flavor, consider adding some chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Just remember to add spice gradually and taste as you go!
