Slow Cooker Taco Soup: The Easiest Halloween Dinner!
Are you looking for a super easy and family-friendly dinner idea for Halloween night? Look no further! Spooky season doesn’t have to be stressful, especially when it comes to mealtime. This Slow Cooker Taco Soup is the perfect set-it-and-forget-it recipe that will be a hit with both kids and adults. It’s packed with flavor, requires minimal effort, and can be customized to suit everyone’s taste. Plus, clean-up is a breeze! Get ready to enjoy a delicious and relaxing Halloween with this comforting and hearty soup.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Taco Soup
- Effortless: Just dump the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work!
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level and toppings to your liking.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and economical ingredients.
- Perfect for a Crowd: Great for Halloween parties or gatherings.
- Delicious Flavor: A fantastic blend of taco seasoning and hearty ingredients.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Taco Soup
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth or vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips, green onions, salsa
Substitutions: For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add another can of beans. You can also use ground chicken or sausage instead of beef. If you prefer a spicier soup, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño.
How to Make Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the ground beef (or turkey) in a skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Transfer the browned meat to your slow cooker.
- Add the taco seasoning, black beans, pinto beans, corn, diced tomatoes and green chilies, tomato sauce, beef broth, chopped onion, and chopped bell pepper to the slow cooker.
- Stir all ingredients together to ensure everything is well combined.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Before serving, give the soup a good stir.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, and tortilla chips.
- Enjoy your delicious and easy slow cooker taco soup!
Pro Tips & Variations
- Don’t skip browning the meat: Browning the meat adds depth of flavor to the soup.
- Adjust the spice level: Use mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning to control the heat.
- Thicken the soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Vegan Variation: Omit the meat and use vegetable broth. Add an extra can of beans or some chopped sweet potatoes for added heartiness.
- Halloween Twist: Serve the soup in hollowed-out mini pumpkins for a fun halloween food presentation. Garnish with sour cream “spiderwebs” for creepy halloween food ideas!
Serving Suggestions
This Slow Cooker Taco Soup is a hearty meal on its own, but here are some side dishes to complement it:
- Cornbread: A classic pairing with taco soup.
- Side Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Quesadillas: Simple cheese quesadillas for dipping.
- Mexican Rice: Adds another layer of flavor to the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl. If frozen, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQ about Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Here are some frequently asked questions about Slow Cooker Taco Soup:
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This soup is perfect for making ahead of time. Simply prepare it as directed and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook it in the slow cooker.
Q: What are some fun halloween food ideas for a party?
A: To make this slow cooker taco soup a part of your halloween food ideas for parties, consider adding black olive “spiders” to the top or serving it in a cauldron-shaped bowl! You could also make ghost-shaped tortilla chips to serve alongside.
Q: Can I use different types of beans?
A: Yes, feel free to use any type of beans you like! Kidney beans, great northern beans, or even chili beans would work well in this recipe.
Final Thoughts on Slow Cooker Taco Soup
This Slow Cooker Taco Soup is a lifesaver for busy weeknights and holiday gatherings. It’s a delicious, comforting, and incredibly easy meal that the whole family will enjoy, especially on chilly halloween food nights. Whether you’re looking for easy halloween recipes or just a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe has you covered. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest so you can try it later! We can’t wait for you to cozy up with this slow cooker taco soup. Happy cooking, and Happy Halloween!
Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- skillet,
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey browned and drained
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can black beans 15-ounce, rinsed and drained
- 1 can pinto beans 15-ounce, rinsed and drained
- 1 can corn 15-ounce, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes and green chilies 10-ounce, like Rotel
- 1 can tomato sauce 15-ounce
- 1 cup beef broth or vegetable broth
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 bell pepper chopped, any color
- Optional toppings shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips, green onions, salsa
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef (or turkey) in a skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Transfer the browned meat to your slow cooker.
- Add the taco seasoning, black beans, pinto beans, corn, diced tomatoes and green chilies, tomato sauce, beef broth, chopped onion, and chopped bell pepper to the slow cooker.
- Stir all ingredients together to ensure everything is well combined.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Before serving, give the soup a good stir.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, and tortilla chips.
- Enjoy your delicious and easy slow cooker taco soup!
