Easy Crock Pot Taco Soup

This easy Crock Pot Taco Soup is packed with delicious flavors and tender meats. It's the perfect comfort food for any occasion, and the toppings like avocado, lime, cilantro, sour cream, and shredded Mexican cheese add a delightful twist to this hearty soup.

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this easy Crock Pot Taco Soup.

Bursting with delicious flavors and tender meats, this hearty soup is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends.

With its blend of spices and a delightful array of toppings like avocado, lime, cilantro, sour cream, and shredded Mexican cheese, this recipe will transport your taste buds to a fiesta of flavors.

So grab your slow cooker and get ready to savor every spoonful of this irresistible soup.

This is one of my go-to soup recipes and a fun alternative to taco night.

Ingredients

You'll need these taco soup ingredients:

Chicken Stock: A rich and flavorful base that enhances the taste of the soup and provides a comforting broth.

Diced Tomato: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the soup, complementing the other ingredients perfectly and essential for that taco soup flavor.

Chicken Breast: Tender and juicy chicken pieces that add protein and a meaty texture to the soup.

Ground Beef: Brings a savory and hearty element to the soup, adding depth of flavor.

Cabbage: Provides a fresh and crunchy texture, along with a mild sweetness that balances the spices.

Cumin: A warm and earthy spice that infuses the soup with a distinct southwestern aroma.

Paprika: Adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the soup, enhancing its overall taste.

Onion Powder: Brings a savory and aromatic note to the soup, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Garlic Powder: Imparts a robust and garlicky flavor, enhancing the taste of the soup.

Black Pepper: Adds a subtle hint of spiciness and depth to the soup, complementing the other flavors.

Salt: Enhances the overall taste and helps to balance the flavors in the soup.

Toppings: You'll also want some toppings to make this soup just completely stand out.

My favorites include

• Avocado
• Lime
• Cilantro
• Sour Cream
• Shredded Cheese

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Start by seasoning the ground beef with half of the salt and pepper, infusing it with savory flavors.

Shape the seasoned beef into meatballs, approximately 1 tablespoon in size, to create delicious bite-sized morsels.

Next, cut the cabbage in half and slice it into small strips, this will add a refreshing and crunchy texture to the soup.

In your slow cooker, layer the chicken and meat balls on the bottom of the crock pot.

Then start layering your other ingredients starting with the tomatoes.

Then add the cabbage, and all the aromatic seasonings including cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.

This flavorful medley will transform into a tantalizing soup that will warm your soul.

Set your slow cooker to cook for 7-8 hours on low heat or 4-5 hours on high heat, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meats to become tender and succulent.

The low and slow cooking method ensures a rich and deeply satisfying result and a soup packed full of flavor.

Once the cooking time is complete, it's time to savor the culmination of flavors.

Ladle the aromatic and hearty soup into bowls.

Garnish each bowl of soup with sliced avocado, a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of tanginess, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to add a vibrant note to the soup and a dollop of tangy sour cream to provide a cool and creamy contrast.

Finally top off with the shredded cheese.

Now, grab a spoon and enjoy every spoonful of this irresistible slow cooker Taco Soup recipe.

The tender meats, the fragrant spices, and the delightful toppings come together to create a truly satisfying and comforting meal.

It's time to sit back, relax, and let the flavors take you on a culinary journey.

Top Tips

Top Tips for Making the Best Easy Crock Pot Taco Soup:

Don't skimp on the seasoning: The combination of spices like cumin, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder is what gives this soup its irresistible flavor. Make sure to use fresh spices for the best results.

Let it simmer: The low and slow cooking method is key to achieving tender meats and allowing the flavors to meld together. Resist the temptation to rush the process and let the soup simmer for the recommended time.

Customize the toppings: While the suggested toppings of avocado, lime, cilantro, sour cream, and shredded Mexican cheese are delicious, feel free to get creative and add your own favorite toppings. Chopped green onions, diced jalapeños, or even a dollop of salsa can take this soup to new heights.

Make it ahead of time: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to intensify. Consider making a double batch and enjoy it as leftovers or freeze individual portions for quick and satisfying meals later on.

Serve with your favorite taco accompaniments: Take the taco theme to the next level by serving the soup with some crispy tortilla chips, warm flour tortillas, or even a side of Mexican rice. It's a complete meal that's sure to impress.

Don't forget the garnishes: The final touch of sliced avocado, a squeeze of lime juice, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a generous amount of shredded Mexican cheese adds visual appeal and enhances the flavors. Don't skip these garnishes—they truly elevate the dish.

Adjust the spice level: This soup is pretty mild on the spice level. If you'd like it spicier feel free to add some additional spices or a dash of hot sauce to amp up the heat.

Remember, cooking is all about personalization, so don't be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. Enjoy the process and the delightful flavors of this easy Crock Pot Taco Soup!

Substitutions

Instead of chicken breasts, you can use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor. If you want an alternative to the ground beef, ground turkey works just as well.

If you're not a fan of cabbage, you can swap it with other crunchy vegetables like bell peppers or jicama for a different texture and taste.

If you don't have all the spices listed, in a pinch you could substitute a packed of taco seasoning. Just watch the additional salt you add, as it could become too salty.

For a spicier kick, replace the diced tomatoes with a can of fire-roasted tomatoes with green chilies.

Customize the spice blend by adding or replacing spices according to your preference.

For a smokier flavor, substitute paprika with chipotle powder. If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

Variations

Variations of Easy Crock Pot Taco Soup:

Spicy Taco Soup: If you prefer a spicier version of the soup, amp up the heat by adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the recipe.

You can also use hot chili powder instead of regular paprika for an extra kick. Adjust the spice level to your liking and enjoy a fiery twist on this classic soup.

Bean Taco Soup: For a heartier and more protein-packed option, add beans to the soup. Black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans work well in this recipe.

Simply rinse and drain a can of beans and add them along with the other ingredients. The beans will contribute a creamy texture and additional nutritional value to the soup.

Taco Soup with Tortilla Strips: To give your taco soup a delightful crunch, make homemade tortilla strips as a garnish.

Cut corn tortillas into thin strips and bake them in the oven until crispy. Sprinkle the crispy tortilla strips over the soup before serving.

This adds a satisfying texture contrast to the soup and enhances the overall taco experience.

Additional Topping Ideas

Here are all the best taco soup toppings:

• Avocado
• Cilantro
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Sliced green onions
• Corn chips
• Crushed tortilla chips

Storage

Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before storing. Transfer the soup to an airtight container or individual portion-sized containers. Don't add any garnishes to the soup before storing. Those are best made fresh at time of serving.

Refrigerate the soup for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Make sure to label the containers with the date for easy reference.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy the soup, there are a few options for reheating:

• Stovetop: Transfer the desired amount of soup to a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until heated through. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Microwave: Place a portion of the soup in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated thoroughly.
• Slow Cooker: If reheating a larger batch, you can use the slow cooker again. Transfer the soup to the slow cooker and heat on low heat for 2-3 hours or until heated to your desired temperature. Stir occasionally.
• Frozen Soup: If reheating frozen soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before using one of the above methods to heat it.

Remember to adjust the seasoning, if needed, and garnish with fresh toppings before serving. Enjoy!