Need a budget-friendly soup? Try 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 or cozy weekends when you crave something hearty and satisfying. With its bold flavors and ease of preparation, you’ll find it a go-to meal for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: With just a few minutes of prep, your slow cooker does the hard work for you.
- Delicious Flavor: Packed with spices and savory ingredients, this soup is a fiesta in a bowl.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize this recipe with whatever beans or vegetables you have on hand.
- Budget-Friendly: Utilizing affordable ingredients makes this meal easy on your wallet without sacrificing taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to make things smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Crock Pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Crock Pot: The heart of this recipe, allowing for low-and-slow cooking that enhances flavors.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe space for chopping ingredients, making prep quick and easy.
Ingredients
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 the Ingredients
First, gather all your ingredients. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot
- Place all the ingredients except for the cooked rice into your crock pot.
- Stir well to combine everything evenly.
Step 3: Cook the Soup
Cover the crock pot and set it to:
Low for 4-5 hours or
High for 2-2.5 hours.
Step 4: Add Rice Before Serving
Right before serving:
Stir in the cooked rice into the crock pot.
Cover again and let it warm up for about 2-4 minutes.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve hot with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or jalapeños. Enjoy your delicious Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup Recipe!
How to Serve Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup Recipe
Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup is not only delicious but also very versatile. You can customize your serving options with various toppings and sides, making each bowl unique.
Toppings
- Sour Cream: Adds a creamy texture and balances the spices.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or Mexican blend cheese melts beautifully on top.
- Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives a burst of flavor and color.
- Diced Avocado: Creamy avocado complements the soup’s robust taste.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime brightens up the flavors.
Accompaniments
- Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips are perfect for dipping or adding texture.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs well with the savory soup.
- Rice or Quinoa: Serving extra rice or quinoa on the side keeps you full.
- Salad: A light salad adds freshness and balances the meal.
How to Perfect Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup Recipe
To make your Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Use lean ground beef: This reduces fat content while keeping flavor intact.
- Adjust seasoning levels: Taste and tweak taco seasoning, garlic salt, and pepper to suit your preference.
- Add veggies: Bell peppers or zucchini can enhance nutrition and flavor.
- Let it sit longer: If time allows, cooking on low for an extra hour deepens the flavors.
- Store leftovers properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into the soup; simply toast with garlic butter and cheese.
- Mexican Street Corn Salad: A refreshing salad that complements the richness of the soup with its sweet corn and lime dressing.
- Simple Green Salad: Crisp greens with a light vinaigrette add a fresh contrast to your hearty soup.
- Baked Tortillas: Lightly seasoned baked tortilla strips make for a crunchy side that pairs well with soup.
- Spanish Rice: Flavored rice enhances your meal’s Mexican flair while providing extra substance.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: These can be filled with a similar mixture as your soup for a cohesive dining experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common mistakes when making your Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup Recipe to ensure it turns out perfectly.
- Skipping the Browning Step: Not browning the ground beef first can lead to a greasy soup. Always brown it in a skillet to enhance the flavor.
- Overcrowding the Crock Pot: Adding too many ingredients can prevent the soup from cooking evenly. Stick to the recommended measurements for best results.
- Ignoring Cooking Times: Cooking on high instead of low may affect texture and flavor. Follow the cooking times specified in the recipe for optimal results.
- Neglecting Seasoning Adjustments: Each ingredient varies in saltiness. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving to suit your preference.
- Forgetting the Rice Timing: Adding rice too early can make it mushy. Stir it in just before serving to keep it perfectly textured.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing.
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 for expansion.
Reheating Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for 20-30 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot throughout.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding this delicious Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup Recipe.
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version of this soup.
What toppings go well with this soup?
Consider adding shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
Replace ground beef with lentils or additional beans and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach can be added for extra nutrition and flavor.
Final Thoughts
The Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup Recipe is not only budget-friendly but also incredibly versatile. Customize it with your favorite toppings or add extra veggies to make it your own. Give this comforting dish a try; it’s sure to delight everyone at your table!
Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup Recipe
Looking for a comforting meal that won’t break the bank? The Crock Pot Taco Rice Soup is your answer! This easy-to-make soup combines hearty ingredients like ground beef, beans, and spices into a flavorful blend that simmers to perfection in your slow cooker. Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this recipe allows you to use leftover ingredients while offering a satisfying bowl of goodness. Customize it with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or avocado for an extra touch. Get ready to enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (low)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 portions 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 Tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- ½ onion, diced
- 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
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat; drain excess fat.
- In the crock pot, combine browned beef, taco seasoning, garlic salt, onion, black beans, kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir well.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-2.5 hours.
- Stir in cooked rice just before serving and let it warm for a few minutes.
- Serve hot with your choice of toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
