Description
This hearty Crockpot Taco Soup combines ground beef, beans, corn, and a blend of spices simmered in a slow cooker for a flavorful and comforting meal. Easy to prepare and perfect for busy days, it’s topped with fresh lime juice, cilantro, cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips for a delightful southwestern-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- ½ tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb. ground beef
- ½ onion, chopped (any kind)
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 20 oz. diced tomatoes with green chiles (2 (10-oz.) cans)
- 15 oz. tomato sauce (1 can)
- 14.5 oz. canned black beans (1 can), or pinto beans
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
Garnishes
- 1 lime, juiced
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Shredded cheese
- Tortilla chips
- Tomato paste (optional, 2 tbsp for thickening)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat ½ tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for browning the meat and sautéing the onions.
- Cook ground beef: Add 1 lb. ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small pieces and cook thoroughly until browned.
- Add onions: Incorporate the chopped ½ onion into the skillet with the beef. Cook together for a few minutes until the onions soften and the beef is completely browned. Drain any excess grease from the pan to prevent an oily soup.
- Transfer to slow cooker: Move the cooked beef and onion mixture into the slow cooker to prepare for slow simmering.
- Add remaining ingredients: To the slow cooker, add 2 cups low-sodium beef broth, 20 oz. diced tomatoes with green chiles, 15 oz. tomato sauce, 14.5 oz. black beans, 2 cups corn kernels, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, and 1 tsp kosher salt. Stir gently to combine.
- Slow cook the soup: Cover and cook the soup on high for 2 to 4 hours, or on low for 4 to 6 hours to allow flavors to meld and ingredients to become tender.
- Stir the soup: Once cooking is complete, give the soup a good stir to evenly distribute all ingredients and flavors.
- Add lime juice and adjust seasoning: Squeeze the juice of 1 lime into the soup. Taste and add more lime juice or salt if desired to enhance the flavor.
- Serve with garnishes: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with chopped fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips. For a thicker soup, stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste before serving.
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker soup, add tomato paste just before serving.
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a different protein.
- Adjust chili powder and spices for your preferred heat level.
- Make sure to drain excess grease after browning the beef to keep the soup from being too oily.
- The soup can be made a day ahead and flavors will deepen overnight when reheated.
- Use fresh corn in season for a sweeter taste or frozen corn as a convenient alternative.
- Serve with additional toppings like sour cream or avocado if desired.
