- **Taco Seasoning Mix**: Enhances the taste with traditional taco spices
- **Ground Beef**: 1 pound for a savory base
- **Bell Peppers**: 2 large, diced for color and crunch
- **Onion**: 1 large, chopped to add depth
- **Tomato Paste**: 3 tablespoons to enrich the broth
- **Kidney Beans**: 1 can (15 ounces), drained and rinsed for texture and protein
- **Chopped Tomatoes**: 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) for a rich tomato flavor
- **Corn**: 1 can (15 ounces), undrained, adds moisture and a sweet taste
- **Shredded Cheese**: Optional, for serving to add richness
- **Fresh Lime Juice**: For squeezing over tacos or soup, enhancing the flavor
- **Sour Cream**: Optional, for topping to add creaminess
- **Cilantro**: Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish and extra freshness
**Note: Ensure all ingredients are fresh and of good quality for best results. This recipe is perfect for meal prep during busy days as it requires minimal effort once set in the slow cooker. Add your favorite toppings like diced avocado or jalapeños to customize according to taste!**
Steps
## How to Make a Busy Day Slow Cooker Taco Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
Treat your family or guests to a delicious and comforting meal with this slow cooker taco soup recipe! This dish is perfect for those busy days when you need something hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare. By using the slow cooker, you can enjoy a homemade meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
### Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 taco shells or tortilla chips for serving
### Step-by-Step Instructions:
#### Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
- **Dicing Onion**: Start by dicing one large onion. Dicing ensures even cooking, which is essential for a great texture.
- **Mincing Garlic**: Mince two cloves of garlic to add a subtle depth of flavor.
#### Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onions and minced garlic until the onion becomes translucent. This step caramelizes the vegetables slightly, enhancing their natural sweetness and adding flavor.
#### Step 3: Brown Meat
- Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Cook until the meat is fully browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
#### Step 4: Transfer to Slow Cooker
- Once everything is well-cooked in the skillet, transfer the ingredients to your slow cooker.
#### Step 5: Add Seasonings and Liquids
- Pour in 8 cups of chicken broth, 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce, 1 (14.5 oz) can kidney beans, and 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes into the slow cooker.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
#### Step 6: Cook on Low Heat
- Set your slow cooker to low heat. Allow it to cook for at least 4 hours or until the flavors have melded together and the meat is tender.
#### Step 7: Serve
- Once the taco soup has cooked, serve directly into bowls or over warm taco shells/tortilla chips for a hearty meal.
- Garnish with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or sliced jalapeños.
### Tips and Variations:
- **Add More Heat**: For an extra kick, add some hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- **Vegetarian Option**: Substitute the ground meat for a veggie burger patty or use more beans to make it vegetarian-friendly.
- **Prep Ahead**: Cook this soup on weekends and refrigerate or freeze portions. When ready to serve, just pop it in your slow cooker in the morning.
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Enjoy this easy yet delicious slow cooker taco soup on those busy days when you need a comforting home-cooked meal!