Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you ready to dive into a bowl of pure comfort that practically makes itself? If you are, then you are in for a treat with this amazing Taco Soup Crock Pot recipe. It is truly a game changer for busy weeknights.
Imagine coming home to the savory aroma of a hearty meal, ready and waiting. That is the magic of a good slow cooker taco soup. This recipe is not just easy; it is packed with flavor, super customizable, and honestly, it is going to become a staple in your kitchen. Let us get cooking!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First things first, this Taco Soup Crock Pot is incredibly convenient. You literally toss most of the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it. It is perfect for those days when you have a million things to do but still want a wholesome, home cooked dinner.
And talk about budget friendly! This recipe uses simple, pantry staple ingredients that will not break the bank. Feeding a family or meal prepping for one? This taco soup recipe crockpot is a smart choice for keeping those grocery bills in check.
Flavor is a big deal, right? This soup delivers big time. It is got all the zesty, savory goodness you expect from tacos, but in a warm, spoonable form. Plus, it is one of those healthy soup recipes that tastes indulgent without all the extra fuss.
Another reason to adore this dish? It is incredibly versatile. You can tweak it to your heart’s content, adding extra spice or different toppings. It is a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity, making it a true crowd pleaser for everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients for this delightful Taco Soup Crock Pot is a breeze. Most of these items you might already have on hand, which makes this recipe even more appealing for a spontaneous weeknight meal.
- 1 white onion, chopped finely
- 1 (16 oz.) can chili beans
- 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz.) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
- 2 (14.5 oz.) cans diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
- 1 (1.25 oz.) package taco seasoning
- 3 whole skinless, boneless, chicken breasts, thawed or frozen (about 1.5 to 2 lbs of chicken)
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
First up, grab your trusty slow cooker. Into the pot, you will stir the finely chopped white onion. If you are feeling fancy and want to ensure the onion is super tender, you can quickly sauté it in a pan before adding it.
Next, add the chili beans, black beans (remember to drain and rinse those!), the drained whole kernel corn, and the tomato sauce. Pour in both cans of diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained. Finally, sprinkle in that essential package of taco seasoning. Give it all a good stir to mix well.
Step 2: Add the Chicken
Now for the star of your Taco Soup Crock Pot, the chicken! Lay the three whole skinless, boneless chicken breasts right on top of your colorful mixture. Gently press them down so they are mostly submerged and covered by the other ingredients.
This ensures they cook evenly and soak up all those incredible flavors. Whether your chicken is thawed or frozen, the slow cooker will work its magic, making this one of the easiest slow cooker taco soup preparations around.
Step 3: Set and Cook
Put the lid on your slow cooker. Set the heat to low. This low and slow cooking method is what makes the chicken so tender and the flavors so well developed. It is the secret to a truly comforting taco soup recipe crockpot.
If your chicken breasts are thawed, you will want to cook them for about 3 to 4 hours. If they are frozen, give them a little more time, around 4 to 5 hours. Your slow cooker does all the hard work while you go about your day.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the soup. They should be incredibly tender and easy to shred. You can use two forks to pull the chicken apart right on a cutting board or in a shallow dish.
This step is super satisfying, watching the chicken fall apart so easily. It is a sign of perfectly cooked meat, ready to blend seamlessly into your delicious Taco Soup Crock Pot.
Step 5: Return Shredded Chicken to Soup
Stir all that wonderful shredded chicken back into the soup. Give it a good mix to distribute the chicken evenly throughout the flavorful broth and beans. This is where the soup really starts to come together, looking hearty and inviting.
If you prefer a thinner soup consistency, feel free to add a little water, a quarter cup at a time, until it reaches your desired thickness. This flexibility makes it a truly versatile taco soup recipe crockpot.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
And just like that, your incredible Taco Soup Crock Pot is ready to serve! Ladle generous portions into bowls. Now comes the fun part: toppings!
Top each bowl with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of cool sour cream, and a handful of crunchy crushed tortilla chips. Feel free to add other favorites like sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime. Enjoy your comforting, homemade meal!
How To Store Leftovers
Got some leftover Taco Soup Crock Pot? Lucky you! This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld and deepen. Storing it properly ensures you can enjoy it for a few more meals.
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. It makes for a fantastic grab and go lunch or a quick dinner on another busy evening.
For longer storage, this slow cooker taco soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer safe containers or heavy duty freezer bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Tips
Want to make your Taco Soup Crock Pot even more amazing? Consider adding some diced bell peppers or a jalapeño for a little extra kick and vegetable goodness. Stir them in with the other ingredients at the beginning of the cooking process.
For a richer flavor, you could even brown your chicken breasts slightly before adding them to the slow cooker. This step is totally optional, but it can add another layer of savory depth to your taco soup recipe crockpot.
Do not be shy with the toppings! Besides the classic cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips, think outside the box. A dollop of guacamole, some sliced green onions, or even a sprinkle of hot sauce can really elevate each bowl. This is where you make it truly your own.
If you are looking for other healthy soup recipes, remember that many slow cooker meals can be adapted. This recipe is a fantastic starting point for experimenting with different bean types or adding a variety of vegetables to boost the nutritional value. It is all about making it work for you!
Conclusion
Well, there you have it, folks! An incredibly easy, supremely satisfying, and wonderfully versatile Taco Soup Crock Pot recipe that is perfect for any day of the week. It is a fantastic way to enjoy a warm, flavorful meal without all the fuss, truly embodying the spirit of convenient home cooking.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your slow cooker, gather those ingredients, and get ready to whip up a batch of this amazing slow cooker taco soup. Your taste buds, and your busy schedule, will thank you. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I Use Ground Beef Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! If you prefer ground beef, simply brown about 1 to 1.5 pounds of it in a skillet, drain any excess fat, and then add it to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. This makes for a delicious variation of this taco soup recipe crockpot.
Is This Soup Spicy?
The spice level is generally mild to medium, thanks to the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chiles. If you prefer more heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the pot. For less spice, choose a mild taco seasoning blend.
Can I Make This a Vegetarian Soup?
Yes, you certainly can! Omit the chicken breasts and consider adding extra beans, diced sweet potatoes, or bell peppers for more substance. You could also use a plant based ground meat substitute. This would make a wonderful vegetarian version of this healthy soup recipe.
What Can I Serve With Taco Soup?
Beyond the classic toppings, this Taco Soup Crock Pot pairs well with a side of warm cornbread, a simple green salad, or even some tortilla chips for dipping. It is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but these sides can complete the experience.
Easy Crock Pot Taco Soup
This easy Taco Soup Crock Pot recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights! Just toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and come home to a hearty, flavorful meal that’s both budget-friendly and delicious.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- First up, grab your trusty slow cooker. Into the pot, stir the finely chopped white onion, chili beans, black beans, drained corn, tomato sauce, and both cans of diced tomatoes with green chiles. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and give it all a good stir.
- Lay the three whole skinless, boneless chicken breasts right on top of your mixture. Gently press them down so they are mostly submerged.
- Put the lid on your slow cooker. Set the heat to low. Cook for 3-4 hours if thawed or 4-5 hours if frozen.
- Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the soup. They should be incredibly tender and easy to shred. Use two forks to pull the chicken apart.
- Stir all that wonderful shredded chicken back into the soup. Give it a good mix to distribute the chicken evenly throughout.
- Ladle generous portions into bowls. Top each bowl with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of cool sour cream, and a handful of crunchy crushed tortilla chips. Enjoy!
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or a jalapeño for a little kick at the beginning of the cooking process.
You can brown the chicken breasts in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker for a richer, deeper flavor, though this step is optional.
Don’t be shy with toppings! Guacamole, sliced green onions, or a dash of hot sauce can elevate each bowl.
Nutrition
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