Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s been the game-changer in my life. When the nights get crazy and the thought of slaving away in the kitchen sends shivers down my spine.Crock-Pot TacoIs my lifesaver? Think of it as the chill cousin of chili, but with all the fun, zesty flavors of tacos. If you’re looking for something warm, comforting, and ridiculously easy, you NEED this in your life.

What is a crockpot taco soup?

What is a dump-and-go soup? Imagine all your favorite taco ingredients hanging out together in a hearty broth. What is Ground Beef? ), beans, corn, tomatoes, and a secret blend of spices that will make your taste buds sing. What is it like to cook in your slow cooker while you get on with your day? Isn’t it comfort food at its finest? I’ve tricked myself into thinking it’s healthy, especially when I load it up with veggies!

Why do I love this recipe?

Let me count the ways!flavorIs it the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet thanks to the corn? Is it a crowd pleaser?simplicityIs it true that you just throw everything in the crockpot and walk away? What I love most about this is that I can prep it in the morning, and by dinnertime, the whole house will be able to eat it. Is dinner ready to go? Plus, it’s super super fastcost-effective. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so you’re not breaking the bank.versatilityWhat are some of the best ways to top a salad with sour cream, cheese, avocado, cilantro…? What’s more satisfying than a taco salad? What are some of the best recipes ever made?

How do you make a crockpot taco soup?

Quick Overview

What is the best way to brown Ground Beef? ), then toss it into a slow cooker with beans, corn, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and some shredded cheese. Serve immediately. Give it a good stir, set it to low, and let it do its magic for the next few hours. Is it embarrassingly simple? I don’t have the energy to stand over a stove. This is perfect for those days. Is it true that you’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar without even breaking your sweat?

Ingredients

For the Soup Base:
* 1 pound Ground Beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles!) I usually go for 80/20 for flavor, but leaner works too.
* 1 medium onion, chopped. Yellow or white onion works fine. I’ve even used frozen chopped onions in a pinch!
* 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained. Rinsing is key to avoid the beany aftertaste.
* 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained. Again, rinse those babies!
* 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, undrained. I sometimes use frozen corn if I don’t have canned, and it’s just as good.
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained. You can use seasoned tomatoes for extra flavor!
* 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained. This adds a little kick! If you’re spice-averse, just use another can of regular diced tomatoes.
* 1 packet taco seasoning. I usually use a low-sodium one to control the salt.
* 1 (1 ounce) packet ranch dressing mix. This is my secret ingredient! It adds a creamy tang that’s just *chef’s kiss*.
* 4 cups beef broth (or chicken or vegetable broth). I prefer low-sodium so I can adjust the salt later.

For Toppings (because toppings make everything better):
* Shredded cheddar cheese * Sour cream or Greek yogurt * Diced avocado * Chopped cilantro * Tortillas. What are the best ingredients for a lime wedge?

What are the steps to

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the Ground Beef. How do you break up a greasy soup?

Step 2: Sauté the onion (optional, but recommended)

Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. This step is totally optional, but I find that sautéing the onion first adds a ton of flavor.

Step 3: Dump It All In!

How do you cook Ground Beef and onion in a crockpot? Add the black beans, kidney beans and corn, diced tomatoes and green chilies, taco seasoning, salt and pepper. What are the ingredients for beef broth? Give it all a good stir to combine.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. I usually go for low and let it simmer all day. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Shred the Beef (Optional)

If you want a more shredded texture, use two forks to shred the beef in the Crock-Pot before serving. What is your opinion?

Step 6: Load It Up with Toppings!

How do you serve soup in a bowl? What are some of the best tortilla chips to make? Cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro… the list is endless!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Is this stuff addictive?

What should I serve it with?

This Crock-Pot TacoI love to add a few Side Dishes to make it complete.

For a casual dinner:What is a good green salad with olive oil and vinaigrette? What are some good side dishes to serve with cornbread? What is the perfect balance of sweet and savory?

For a Fiesta Night: What is theServe with a side of Mexican rice and some salsa. How do you make guacamole?

For Game Day:What is a great game day idea? What is the best way to customize a bowl? I serve it with a big batch of margaritas. Perfect!

My family loves to have it with a dollop of sour cream and tahini. Sometimes I even add a squeeze of lime for extra zing. Can you go wrong with any combination of these?

How do I make a crockpot taco soup?

Okay, so after making this, if I have a goodCrock-Pot TacoI’ve learned a few tricks along the way.

Browning Beef: What are someDon’t skip this step! It adds so much flavor to the soup. If you’re browning your skin, make sure to drain off any excess grease. I forgot to drain soup and it was super oily, not good!

Spice Level: If you like things spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some extra diced green chilies. If you’re spice-averse, use mild diced tomatoes and green chilies, or just skip them altogether. My husband likes it hot, so I sometimes add a few dashes of hot sauce to his bowl.

Broth Choice: I usually use beef broth for the richest flavor, but chicken or Vegetable Broth works just fine. Just make sure to use low-sodium broth so you can control the salt level.

Bean Variations: Feel free to swap out the black beans and kidney beans for other types of beans, like pinto beans or cannellini beans. I’ve even used chickpeas before, and it was surprisingly good!

Vegetarian Option: To make this vegetarian, simply omit the Ground Beef and add an extra can of beans or some chopped vegetables, like bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes. You could also use plant-based crumbles instead of beef. I tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier!

Thickening the Soup: If you want a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans with a fork before adding them to the Crock-Pot. Or, you can stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water at the end of the cooking time. I also like to remove a cup of the soup and blend it with an immersion blender, then stir it back into the pot.

Topping Bar: Make it a party by setting out a toppings bar with all sorts of goodies, like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, tortilla chips, diced red onion, and lime wedges. It’s a fun way to let everyone customize their own bowls!

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Crock-Pot Taco Soup is even better the next day, after the flavors have had a chance to meld together even more!

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it cools down completely before storing it!

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the soup in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. I like to freeze it in individual portions for easy lunches.

Reheating: Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium heat, or in the microwave. If it’s too thick, add a little broth or water to thin it out. Always make sure it’s heated through completely.

Topping Timing Advice: Wait to add the toppings until just before serving, so they don’t get soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use gluten-free taco seasoning and serve with gluten-free tortilla chips. Most taco seasonings are already gluten-free, but it’s always a good idea to double-check the label.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can! Brown the beef using the sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then a quick release for any remaining pressure. It’s so fast!

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

You definitely can, but I find that freshly shredded cheese melts better and tastes better. Plus, pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting properly.

What if I don’t have ranch dressing mix?

If you don’t have ranch dressing mix, you can substitute it with a mixture of dried buttermilk, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still add a nice creamy tang to the soup.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, or celery. Just chop them up and add them to the Crock-Pot along with the other ingredients.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! My go-to Crock-Pot Taco Soup recipe that’s guaranteed to make your weeknights a whole lot easier (and tastier!). It’s truly a hug in a bowl. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my Slow Cooker chili or my one-pot pasta primavera. They’re both super easy and delicious! I hope you give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments below! Don’t forget to rate the recipe if you enjoyed it, and share it with your friends and family. I can’t wait to hear about your variations and what toppings you love to add. Happy cooking!

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