Need a budget-friendly soup? Try the Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup Recipe made from leftovers. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, as the slow cooker does all the work while you relax. With its rich flavor and hearty ingredients, it’s a meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Just toss the ingredients in the crock pot, and let it simmer. No need to stand over the stove!
- Flavor Packed: The combination of taco seasoning and beans creates a deliciously satisfying taste that warms you up.
- Versatile Meal: Customize your toppings with avocado, cheese, or sour cream to suit everyone’s preferences.
- Budget-Friendly: Utilize pantry staples and leftovers to create a filling meal without breaking the bank.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the flavors, making it an easy choice for family dinners.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare your Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup, you’ll need a few essential tools to make cooking smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Crock pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Serving ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Crock pot: This is the heart of your dish! It allows for slow cooking, enhancing flavors without much effort.
- Cutting board: A stable surface for chopping ingredients ensures safety and efficiency in preparation.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes quick work of dicing vegetables, saving time in the kitchen.
Ingredients
To make this delightful soup, gather these ingredients:
- 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
- 2 cups cooked rice
How to Make Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Brown the ground beef in a skillet until cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot
Place all the ingredients except for the rice into your crock pot:
1. Add browned ground beef.
2. Sprinkle taco seasoning, garlic salt, salt, and pepper over the meat.
3. Stir in diced onions, corn, black beans, kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth.
Step 3: Slow Cook Your Soup
Cover your crock pot:
– Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–2.5 hours.
Step 4: Add Rice Before Serving
Just before serving:
1. Stir in the cooked rice.
2. Cover and let it warm up for about 2–4 minutes.
Step 5: Serve Your Soup
Ladle into bowls and serve with toppings like avocado or cheese if desired. Enjoy your flavorful Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup Recipe!
How to Serve Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup Recipe
Serving Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup can be a delightful experience, especially when you add various toppings and sides to enhance the flavors. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable.
Toppings
- Shredded Cheese: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack for a creamy texture.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream balances the spices and adds richness.
- Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions bring a crisp bite and vibrant color.
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado adds healthy fats and complements the soup’s flavors.
- Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips provide texture and a fun way to scoop up the soup.
Accompaniments
- Cornbread: Serve with warm cornbread for a sweet and savory pairing.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens the soup’s flavors.
- Side Salad: A light salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and a zesty dressing offers freshness.
How to Perfect Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup Recipe
Perfecting your Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup is simple with a few helpful tips. Here are some ways to elevate your dish.
- Bold seasoning: Adjust the taco seasoning based on your taste. Feel free to add more for extra flavor.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables can enhance the taste and texture of your soup.
- Cook longer for flavor: For deeper flavors, let the soup cook longer on low heat.
- Add variety with beans: Mix different types of beans like pinto or black-eyed peas for added protein and texture.
- Garnish just before serving: Add toppings right before serving to keep them fresh and appealing.
Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup can elevate the meal experience. Here are some excellent options that complement this hearty soup.
- Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip that pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips.
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with spices adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Refried Beans: Smooth and savory beans offer a great source of protein alongside the soup.
- Cilantro Lime Quinoa: A light, zesty quinoa dish that complements the soup’s robust flavors.
- Baked Tortillas: Crispy baked tortillas serve as a crunchy side perfect for dipping.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted with spices provide a healthy and colorful addition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A great dish can be spoiled by a few simple mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when making your Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup Recipe.
- Overcooking the Ingredients: Slow cooking is forgiving, but overcooking can lead to mushy beans or overly soft vegetables. Stick to the recommended cooking times.
- Skipping Seasoning: Failing to season adequately can leave your soup bland. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
- Not Browning the Meat: Skipping the browning step for ground beef can miss out on rich flavors. Always brown the meat first for depth in your soup.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold ingredients to a hot crock pot can extend cooking time and affect texture. Ensure all items are at room temperature.
- Forgetting Toppings: The right toppings elevate your soup experience. Don’t forget to add cheese, sour cream, or avocado when serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Lasts up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup Recipe
- Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
- Store in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer soup to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring occasionally.
- Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup Recipe that may help you out.
Can I use different types of beans in this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to substitute with your favorite beans such as pinto or chickpeas for added variety.
How spicy is this taco soup?
The spice level depends on your taco seasoning choice. You can choose mild or spicy blends based on your preference.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
How do I customize my toppings?
You can customize with avocado, jalapeños, cilantro, or tortilla strips for extra crunch and flavor.
What is the best way to serve this soup?
Serve hot with toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh herbs. Pair it with tortilla chips for added texture!
Final Thoughts
The Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup Recipe is not only budget-friendly but also incredibly versatile. Customize it with your favorite toppings and adjust the spices to meet your taste preferences. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup Recipe
Transform your busy weeknight dinners with this delicious and budget-friendly Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup Recipe. Combining the rich flavors of seasoned beef and hearty beans, this slow-cooked meal is perfect for families seeking comfort food without the hassle. Just toss in your ingredients and let the crock pot do the work while you unwind. Customize each bowl with toppings like creamy avocado or zesty cheese to suit everyone’s taste. Not only is this dish satisfying, but it also utilizes pantry staples, making it an economical choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (browned)
- 2 Tbsp taco seasoning
- 1/2 onion (diced)
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 can black beans (15 oz)
- 1 can kidney beans (15 oz)
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (15 oz)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 cups cooked rice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet until fully cooked and drain any excess fat.
- Add all ingredients, except for cooked rice, into your crock pot: browned beef, taco seasoning, diced onions, corn, beans, tomatoes, and broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–2.5 hours.
- Stir in the cooked rice about 5 minutes before serving to warm through.
- Serve hot with desired toppings like avocado or cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–5 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (360g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg