Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup Recipe

Need a budget friendly soup? Try the Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup Recipe made from leftovers. The slow cooker does all the work and dinner is ready fast. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or any time you crave a hearty meal without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Just toss everything in the crock pot and let it cook while you relax or focus on other tasks.
• Rich Flavor: The blend of spices and ingredients creates a delicious, comforting taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile: Customize with your favorite toppings like cheese, avocado, or cilantro for added flair.
• Budget-Friendly: Utilizes common pantry staples and leftover ingredients, making it great for cost-conscious meals.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein and fiber, this soup will satisfy your hunger and keep you full.

Tools and Preparation

To make this recipe efficiently, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures that your cooking process goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Cutting Board
• Knife
• Measuring Spoons
• Stirring Spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: Perfect for hands-off cooking. It allows flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day.
• Cutting Board: Provides a safe space to chop vegetables and prepare ingredients without mess.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes quick work of dicing onions and other ingredients for your soup.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 lb ground beef (browned)
• 2 Tbsp Taco Seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• ½ onion (diced)
• 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
• 1 can of black beans (15 oz can)
• 1 can of kidney beans (15 oz can)
• 1 can crushed tomatoes (15 oz can)
• 3 cups beef broth

For Serving

• 2 cups Cooked rice

How to Make Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat if necessary. Dice the onion and gather all other ingredients.

Step 2: Combine in Slow Cooker

Place all the ingredients except for the rice into the slow cooker:
1. Add the browned ground beef.
2. Sprinkle in taco seasoning, garlic salt, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir in diced onion, corn, black beans, kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth.

Step 3: Cook the Soup

Cover the slow cooker with its lid:
1. Set it to low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–2.5 hours.
2. Allow it to cook until all flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Add Rice Before Serving

Right before serving:
1. Stir in cooked rice into the crock pot.
2. Cover again and let it warm up for an additional 2–4 minutes.

Step 5: Serve

Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like cheese or avocado. Enjoy your delicious Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup!

How to Serve Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup Recipe

This delicious and hearty soup is perfect for any occasion. You can personalize each bowl with various toppings and sides, making it a fun meal for everyone.

Toppings

• Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on top for added creaminess.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream will add a tangy flavor that complements the spices well.
• Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a burst of freshness and color to your soup.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices add richness and healthy fats.
• Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top for a zesty kick.

Accompaniments

• Tortilla Chips: Serve with crunchy tortilla chips for dipping or crumbling on top.
• Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread pairs beautifully with the soup’s flavors.
• Rice: For extra heartiness, serve with additional rice on the side.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup Recipe

Perfecting this recipe is simple with a few helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your Taco Rice Soup experience.

• Bold Seasoning: Adjust the taco seasoning to match your taste preferences. Add more for extra heat or less for a milder flavor.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables whenever possible for better texture and taste. Diced bell peppers or fresh corn can enhance flavor.
• Cook Time Awareness: Keep an eye on cooking times; a longer cook time can deepen flavors but avoid overcooking the beans.
• Broth Choice: Use low-sodium beef broth if you’re watching sodium intake. This will help you control the saltiness of the dish.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your soup can make it even more satisfying. Here are some excellent options you might enjoy.

1. Cornbread: A warm, fluffy cornbread is perfect for soaking up the soup’s rich flavors.
2. Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips add texture and are great for dipping into your soup.
3. Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad provides a light contrast to the hearty soup, adding crunch and freshness.
4. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole enhances the meal’s flavor and offers a cooling effect against the spices.
5. Mexican Rice: Serve alongside seasoned Mexican rice to complement the taco flavors in your soup.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice and veggies make a filling side that pairs well with your dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup Recipe can be easy, but there are common mistakes that can affect the taste and texture. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Overcooking the Ingredients: Cooking on high for too long can make the ingredients mushy. Stick to the recommended cooking times for best results.
• Not Browning the Meat: Skipping the browning step can lead to less flavor. Always brown your ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Ignoring the Seasoning: Forgetting to add enough seasoning can result in bland soup. Be generous with taco seasoning and taste as you go.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold broth or other ingredients can slow down cooking time. Use room temperature items for quicker cooking.
• Forgetting to Stir Before Serving: Not stirring before serving can leave rice unevenly warmed. Mix well right before serving to ensure an even texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow soup to cool completely before sealing the container.

Freezing Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup Recipe

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of the container as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring between each interval until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot and heat on medium-low until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making a Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup Recipe.

Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes, turkey is a great alternative! It will provide a similar texture while being leaner.

Is this soup spicy?

The spice level depends on the taco seasoning used. Choose mild seasoning for less heat or spicy options for more kick.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Consider adding bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.

How do I customize this recipe?

Feel free to experiment with different beans or add more spices according to your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

The Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup Recipe is not only budget-friendly but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various proteins and veggies based on what you have at home. Give it a try, and enjoy a hearty meal that satisfies everyone!