Crockpot Cheesy Taco Potato Soup
Ingredients
- 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 pound ground beef, browned and drained
- 1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, cubed
- 1 (16 ounce) jar of your favorite salsa
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
- Optional toppings: sour cream, green onions, avocado, tortilla chips
Step-by-Step
1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook according to package directions.
3. In a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, combine the cubed potatoes, seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes and green chilies, and chicken broth.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
5. Once the potatoes are cooked, stir in the cubed cream cheese and salsa. Continue to cook on low for 15-20 minutes, or until the cream cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
6. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined.
7. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, green onions, avocado, and tortilla chips.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Taco Potato Soup
This Crockpot Cheesy Taco Potato Soup recipe is a hearty, flavorful, and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It combines the comfort of potato soup with the zesty flavors of tacos, creating a dish that’s sure to be a family favorite.
Set it and Forget it Slow Cooker Convenience
One of the best things about this soup is its simplicity. You can dump all the ingredients into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it. This makes it ideal for those days when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. When you’re ready to eat, simply stir in the cheese and salsa, and you have a delicious and satisfying meal.
Customizable to Your Tastes
This recipe is also very versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences.
Adjust the spice level by using mild, medium, or hot salsa and taco seasoning.
Add or substitute your favorite beans or vegetables.
Change the protein to ground turkey or shredded chicken.
A Crowd-Pleasing Meal
Crockpot Cheesy Taco Potato Soup is a great option for feeding a crowd. The recipe is easily scalable, so you can double or triple it to serve a large group. It’s also a fun and interactive meal, as everyone can customize their own bowl with their favorite toppings.
This soup is perfect for potlucks, game day gatherings, or casual get-togethers.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Taco Potato Soup
To ensure your Crockpot Cheesy Taco Potato Soup turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
Choosing the Right Potatoes
Russet potatoes are the best choice for this soup. They have a high starch content, which helps to thicken the soup and gives it a creamy texture.
Avoid using waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they will not break down as well and may result in a soup that is not as creamy.
Make sure to peel and cube the potatoes into roughly the same size pieces so they cook evenly.
Browning the Ground Beef
Browning the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker is crucial for developing flavor. This step allows the beef to caramelize, creating a richer and more savory taste.
Be sure to drain off any excess grease after browning the beef to prevent the soup from becoming too oily.
Cheese Selection Matters
Using good quality cheddar cheese will make a big difference in the flavor of your soup. Opt for a sharp or medium cheddar for the best taste.
Shredding the cheese yourself, instead of buying pre-shredded cheese, will also help it melt more smoothly into the soup.
Slow Cooker Considerations
Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker. Be sure to check the potatoes for tenderness after the minimum cooking time.
If the soup seems too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
Avoid lifting the lid of the slow cooker too often, as this can prolong the cooking time.
Variations and Add-Ins for Taco Potato Soup
Want to switch things up? Here are some variations and add-ins to make this recipe your own:
Spicy Soup Enhancements
For a spicier soup, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker. You can also use a hotter variety of diced tomatoes and green chilies or add some chopped jalapeños.
Consider using pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra kick.
Creamy and Rich Options
To make the soup even creamier, you can add a can of cream of chicken soup or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.
For a richer flavor, try using half-and-half or heavy cream instead of some of the chicken broth.
Vegetarian Taco Potato Soup
To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and add an extra can of beans. You can also add some chopped vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
Be sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Serving Suggestions and Topping Ideas
The right toppings can take this soup to the next level. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Classic Taco Toppings
Load up your soup with classic taco toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and shredded lettuce.
Chopped tomatoes, onions, and cilantro are also great additions.
Crunchy Textures
Add some crunch to your soup with tortilla chips, crushed corn chips, or crispy fried onions.
A sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds can also add a nice texture.
Creative Topping Combinations
Get creative with your toppings and try some unique combinations.
Consider adding crumbled bacon, pickled onions, or a drizzle of lime crema.
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
This soup is great for meal prepping and can be easily stored for later.
Preparing Ahead of Time
You can prepare the soup ahead of time by browning the ground beef and chopping the vegetables. Store the ingredients separately in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the soup.
Alternatively, you can assemble the entire soup in the slow cooker insert and store it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, simply place the insert in the slow cooker and cook as directed.
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Freezing Instructions
This soup freezes well, making it a great option for meal prepping. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags.
Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQ About Crockpot Cheesy Taco Potato Soup
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even shredded cooked chicken or pork. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the type of meat you choose.
Can I make this soup on the stovetop?
Absolutely! Brown the ground beef in a large pot. Add the potatoes, beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and taco seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender. Stir in the cream cheese and cheddar cheese until melted.
Can I use frozen potatoes?
While fresh potatoes are recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen diced potatoes in a pinch. Keep an eye on the cooking time as they may cook faster than fresh potatoes.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute it with sour cream or Greek yogurt. Add it towards the end of the cooking time to prevent it from curdling. You can also use a can of condensed cream of chicken soup.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or spinach. Add heartier vegetables at the beginning of the cooking process and leafy greens towards the end.
