Slow Cooker Creamy Taco Soup

$- 1 lb ground turkey or beef - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 package (1 oz) taco seasoning - 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth - 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Green onions - Avocado - Cilantro - Sour cream - Chicken or vegetable broth - Cream cheese - Cheddar cheese When making Slow Cooker Creamy Taco Soup, I always start with fresh, quality ingredients. Ground turkey or beef sets the base. I love using onions and garlic for their rich flavor. Canned beans and corn add heartiness and texture. Diced tomatoes bring a nice acidity and spice, thanks to the green chilies. The taco seasoning ties everything together with its bold taste. Optional toppings like green onions, avocado, and cilantro add freshness. A dollop of sour cream gives a creamy finish that balances the spices. In my kitchen, I always keep chicken or vegetable broth on hand. It adds depth to the soup. Cream cheese makes it rich and smooth, while cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the mix. This soup is simple yet packed with flavor. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Start by cooking the ground turkey or beef in a skillet. Use medium heat for best results. Add the diced onion and cook until the meat is no longer pink. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. After cooking, it’s key to drain any excess fat. This keeps the soup from being greasy and helps the flavors shine. Now, it’s time to mix things up! In your slow cooker, add the cooked meat mixture. Follow this with black beans, kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Do not forget the taco seasoning and broth. Stir everything together gently. This ensures that all the flavors blend well. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. For best results, use low heat for 6 to 8 hours. If you’re in a hurry, high heat for 3 to 4 hours works too. You want the soup to be hot and bubbly. About 30 minutes before serving, add the cubed cream cheese. Stir it in until it melts completely. This gives the soup a creamy texture. Just before serving, mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and smooth. To get the best creamy texture, I focus on two key steps. First, I cube the cream cheese before adding it to the soup. This helps it melt faster and blend well. I add it about 30 minutes before serving. Stir it gently until it fully combines into the soup. Next, I ensure the cheese melts evenly. After the cream cheese, I add the shredded cheddar cheese just before serving. Stir it in until it melts completely. This gives the soup a rich, creamy finish that everyone loves. I like to boost the soup's flavor with some extra spices. A pinch of cumin or paprika adds warmth to the dish. You can also try a bit of chili powder for a nice kick. If you want more heat, add diced jalapeños or a few drops of hot sauce. Adjust the spice levels to fit your taste. For a great presentation, serve the soup in colorful bowls. Top it with sliced green onions, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream. This not only looks good but adds flavor too. As for sides, I recommend tortilla chips or warm cornbread. They pair perfectly with the soup and create a well-rounded meal. Enjoy your delicious, creamy taco soup! {{image_2}} You can switch the ground turkey or beef for chicken. Chicken breast works well. Just dice it before cooking. You can also use ground pork or even sausage for a different taste. Each meat adds its own flavor to the soup. For a plant-based version, use lentils or chickpeas. These are great protein options. You can also replace the cream cheese with cashew cream or a vegan cream cheese. These choices keep the soup creamy and delicious without dairy. If you like spice, add jalapeños to the mix. You can chop them up and toss them in early. Hot sauce is another great option. Just add it to taste. Remember to adjust the taco seasoning to fit your heat level. This gives you control over how spicy your soup will be. Store leftover soup in airtight containers. Glass jars or plastic containers work great. Make sure to let the soup cool before sealing. This helps avoid moisture build-up, which can spoil the soup faster. Place the containers in the fridge. You can keep it there for up to four days. To freeze the soup, first let it cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. The soup can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until hot. This creamy taco soup lasts about four days in the fridge. In the freezer, it can last for three months. Always check for signs of spoilage. If the soup smells sour or has an off taste, it’s best to throw it away. Look for any signs of mold or changes in texture, too. Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. It is great for meal prep! You can cook it fully and store it in the fridge. Just let it cool before putting it in a container. It will last for about three to four days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. This soup also tastes better the next day as the flavors blend. To thicken the soup, you can use a few tricks. One way is to add more cheese. The cream cheese and cheddar add creaminess. You can also use cornstarch. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water. Stir this mix into the soup and let it cook for a few minutes. Another option is to mash some beans in the soup. This will give it a nice, thicker texture. Yes, you can cook this soup on high. If you do, set your slow cooker for about three to four hours. The soup will be ready sooner, but the flavors may not blend as well. Cooking on low for six to eight hours allows the flavors to deepen. If you choose high, check the soup often to avoid overcooking. This blog post walked through making a tasty soup. We covered essential ingredients, like ground turkey, beans, and tomatoes. I provided step-by-step cooking instructions to ensure a rich flavor. Tips for perfecting texture and serving ideas will help you impress guests. We explored meat options, vegetarian choices, and storage tips for leftovers. Remember, the key is to explore and make this recipe your own. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious soup!$

Warm up your evenings with this delicious Slow Cooker Creamy Taco Soup! Packed with ground turkey, beans, corn, and creamy cheese, this hearty dish is perfect for busy nights. Just combine all ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work! Click through for the full recipe and surprise your family with this flavorful meal. Perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners at home. #SlowCookerSoup #TacoSoup #ComfortFood #EasyRecipes

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Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey or beef

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) corn, drained

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 package (1 oz) taco seasoning

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional toppings: sliced green onions, avocado, cilantro, sour cream

Instructions

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground turkey (or beef) along with the diced onion until the meat is cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary, and add minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

In the slow cooker, combine the cooked meat mixture with black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with their juice), taco seasoning, and broth.

Stir the mixture gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

About 30 minutes before serving, add the cubed cream cheese to the slow cooker. Allow it to melt and stir until completely incorporated into the soup, creating a creamy texture.

Just before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 6-8 hours | Servings: 6-8

- Presentation Tips: Serve in bowls and garnish with sliced green onions, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream for a pop of color and flavor.