Looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s simple to prepare and perfect for busy days? This Crockpot Taco Soup is it! Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich beans, and colorful veggies, it’s a wholesome option that warms you from the inside out. Bonus: it’s perfect for meal prep and makes excellent leftovers for lunches or dinner later in the week.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Nutrient-packed: Ground turkey provides lean protein, beans add fiber and minerals, and tomatoes, corn, onions, garlic and green chilis bring antioxidants and flavor.
- Easy prep: Brown the meat, sauté your onions and garlic, toss everything in the crockpot, and let it do the work. Minimal hands-on time!
- Meal prep-friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers all week. This soup freezes beautifully, too.
A Complete Nutritious Meal In One Bowl
One of the best things about this taco soup is how easy it is to create a meal that hits most of the components of a balanced plate. The beans and corn provide fiber-filled starches that help keep you full and support healthy digestion. Lean ground turkey adds a hearty serving of protein, essential for muscle maintenance and overall health. Onions and garlic contribute flavor while also giving you non-starchy vegetables packed with nutrients.
For a truly balanced meal, consider adding a simple side salad with a variety of colorful vegetables. This will help fill in any gaps in your non-starchy vegetable group and add extra fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The combination of soup and salad creates a meal that’s satisfying, nutrient-dense, and easy to enjoy any night of the week.
Smart Ingredients
Choosing lean ground turkey that is at least 90% lean not only keeps this soup lower in saturated fat but also makes it a heart-healthy option while providing plenty of protein. Paired with fiber-rich beans and vegetables, this meal supports healthy cholesterol levels and provides plenty of antioxidants and plant-based nutrients. It’s a great example of a cozy comfort food that also nourishes your body.
Another simple way to make this taco soup even healthier is by making your own taco seasoning. Store-bought packets can be high in sodium and sometimes contain additives, but when you make your own, you control exactly what goes in. You can adjust the flavors to your taste—maybe a little extra cumin, a touch of smoked paprika, or even add cayenne pepper for heat.
The best part is that you can easily triple or quadruple the recipe and store it in a jar for future use. Having homemade taco seasoning on hand makes it quick and convenient to whip up flavorful meals like tacos, fajitas, or even roasted vegetables. It’s a small step that adds up to healthier, more personalized meals.
Cozy Crockpot Taco Soup
Equipment
- Crockpot
Ingredients
- 1 - 1.5 lbs ground turkey
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning (or more to taste)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 sweet onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2, 15 oz. cans black beans or pinto beans (or one of each), rinsed
- 2, 15 oz cans tomato sause
- 2, 4 oz cans diced green chiles
- 8 oz frozen corn
- 32 oz low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup cilantro, chopped
Optional Toppings
- avocado slices or guacamole
- sour cream or nonfat Greek yogurt
- shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)
- sliced or pickled jalapenos
- diced green onions
- tortilla chip strips
Homemade Taco Seasoning
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Brown the turkey over medium heat in a skillet. Drain excess fat if needed. Season with taco seasoning and transfer to the crockpot.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onion in olive oil until softened. Add garlic for the last minute, stirring so it doesn’t burn. Transfer to the crockpot.
- Add beans, tomato sauce, diced green chilis, corn, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 4–5 hours.
- Transfer to bowls and sprinkle with cilantro.
- Serve with your favorite toppings and a side salad for a full meal.