Are you searching for a meal that is both incredibly easy and amazingly delicious? I think we all are. Well, you have come to the right place. This slow cooker Taco Soup recipe is a fantastic dinner solution for busy weeknights.
It is one of those set it and forget it meals that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The flavors come together beautifully, creating a warm, comforting bowl of goodness that everyone will enjoy.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what is not to love about this dish? It is the definition of simple comfort food. You essentially just combine everything in your slow cooker and let it do all the work. It is a true lifesaver on busy days.
The flavor is just so satisfying. It has all the classic taco tastes we adore, but in a warm, hearty soup form. It is rich, savory, and has just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting. It is a genuine crowd pleaser.
Plus, this recipe is so flexible. You can easily adjust the ingredients to your liking. Add more spice, swap the beans, or go wild with the toppings. It is a great way to use up what you have in the pantry. This makes it a contender for the Best Taco Soup you can make at home.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to gather for this tasty Taco Soup. The list is simple and uses many pantry staples you might already have on hand.
- 2 (10 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
- 1 (16 ounce) can chili beans
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans
- 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 (12 fluid ounce) can chicken broth
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning
- 3 whole skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese (Optional)
- 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
Step By Step Instructions
Making this soup is incredibly simple. Just follow these easy steps for a delicious meal.
Step 1: Combine The Base Ingredients
First, grab your slow cooker. Place the diced tomatoes with green chiles, chili beans, black beans, drained corn, chicken broth, tomato sauce, and chopped onion into it.
Next, add the entire package of taco seasoning. Stir everything together until it is well blended. This forms the flavorful base of your Taco Soup.
Step 2: Add And Cook The Chicken
Now, lay the chicken breasts on top of the mixture. Gently press them down so they are just covered by the liquid. There is no need to cut or shred them yet. The slow cooker will make them very tender.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on the Low setting for about 5 hours. This slow cooking process is what makes the chicken so juicy and easy to shred.
Step 3: Shred The Chicken
After 5 hours, carefully transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a chopping board. Let them cool for a few minutes until you can handle them safely.
Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite sized pieces. It should fall apart very easily. Once shredded, add all that delicious chicken back into the soup in the slow cooker.
Step 4: Finish And Serve
Put the lid back on the slow cooker. Continue cooking the Taco Soup for another 2 hours on Low. This allows the shredded chicken to absorb all the wonderful flavors.
When it is ready, serve the soup hot in bowls. This is where the fun begins. Top it with shredded Cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and some crushed tortilla chips for a nice crunch.
How To Store Leftovers
If you have any leftover Taco Soup, storing it is a breeze. First, let the soup cool down to room temperature. It is not a good idea to put hot soup directly into the fridge.
Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors can even get better the next day, which is a nice bonus.
When you are ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat until warm. You can also microwave individual portions. Add your favorite fresh toppings right before serving.
Tips
Want to make this the Best Taco Soup Recipe for your family? Here are a few simple tips. Feel free to adjust the spice level by choosing a mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
For an even richer flavor, consider searing the chicken breasts in a pan for a couple of minutes on each side before adding them to the slow cooker. This little step adds a deeper, savory taste to the final dish.
To make a Creamy Taco Soup Recipe, stir in about 4 ounces of cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Let it melt completely and stir until smooth. It adds a wonderful richness to the soup.
Do not be shy with toppings. Besides cheese and sour cream, try adding sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or a squeeze of lime juice. Toppings make every bowl special.
Conclusion
There you have it, a straightforward and incredibly flavorful Taco Soup that is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. It is the kind of recipe that brings comfort and joy without any fuss.
Whether you are cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this soup delivers. It is warm, hearty, and full of delicious flavors. We think this is the Best Taco Soup Recipe for its simplicity and great taste.
So go ahead and give this Taco Soup a try. I am confident you will enjoy every single spoonful. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I Make This Taco Soup On The Stovetop?
Yes, you certainly can. Sauté the onion in a large pot, then add all the other ingredients except the chicken. Bring to a simmer, add the chicken, and cook for about 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Then shred it and return it to the pot.
Is This Recipe Spicy?
The spiciness of this Taco Soup depends on your taco seasoning and the diced tomatoes with green chiles. For less heat, use mild taco seasoning and regular diced tomatoes. For more heat, choose a spicy seasoning packet.
Can I Use Ground Beef Instead Of Chicken?
Absolutely. To use ground beef, brown one pound of it with the chopped onion in a skillet. Drain any excess fat. Then, add the cooked beef and onion mixture to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
What Are Some Other Topping Ideas?
The topping possibilities are endless. Besides the classic cheese and sour cream, you could add jalapeños for a kick, fresh cilantro, chopped red onion, black olives, or even a scoop of guacamole. Let everyone build their own bowl of the Best Taco Soup!
Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup
This slow cooker Taco Soup recipe is a fantastic dinner solution for busy weeknights. It is one of those set it and forget it meals that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The flavors come together beautifully, creating a warm, comforting bowl of goodness that everyone will enjoy. It’s rich, savory, and has just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- First, grab your slow cooker. Place the diced tomatoes with green chiles, chili beans, black beans, drained corn, chicken broth, tomato sauce, and chopped onion into it.
- Next, add the entire package of taco seasoning. Stir everything together until it is well blended. This forms the flavorful base of your Taco Soup.
- Now, lay the chicken breasts on top of the mixture. Gently press them down so they are just covered by the liquid. There is no need to cut or shred them yet. The slow cooker will make them very tender.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on the Low setting for about 5 hours. This slow cooking process is what makes the chicken so juicy and easy to shred.
- After 5 hours, carefully transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a chopping board. Let them cool for a few minutes until you can handle them safely.
- Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite sized pieces. It should fall apart very easily. Once shredded, add all that delicious chicken back into the soup in the slow cooker.
- Put the lid back on the slow cooker. Continue cooking the Taco Soup for another 2 hours on Low. This allows the shredded chicken to absorb all the wonderful flavors.
- When it is ready, serve the soup hot in bowls. This is where the fun begins. Top it with shredded Cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and some crushed tortilla chips for a nice crunch.
Notes
If you have any leftover Taco Soup, storing it is a breeze. First, let the soup cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Want to make this Taco Soup special for your family? Here are a few simple tips. Feel free to adjust the spice level by choosing a mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
For an even richer flavor, consider searing the chicken breasts in a pan for a couple of minutes on each side before adding them to the slow cooker.
To make a Creamy Taco Soup Recipe, stir in about 4 ounces of cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Let it melt completely and stir until smooth.
Do not be shy with toppings. Besides cheese and sour cream, try adding sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, black olives, or a squeeze of lime juice.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
