Imagine a cozy evening where flavors dance like autumn leaves in a gentle breeze—this Skinny Slow Cooker Taco Soup isn’t just a dish, it’s a warm hug in a bowl. I stumbled upon this gem while searching for something hearty yet guilt-free, and let me tell you, the blend of spices and tender veggies makes each spoonful a little fiesta. You know those days when you just want to wrap yourself in a blanket and let dinner cook itself? This is for those days.
Steps
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey or chicken, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks for about 4-6 minutes until browned. Drain the meat and place it in the slow cooker.
- Into the slow cooker, add chicken or vegetable stock, diced onions, canned diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, Great Northern beans, red kidney beans, corn, green chiles, and black olives if using. Stir to mix the ingredients well.
- Add taco seasoning to the mixture in the slow cooker and stir to combine. Cover and cook on high for approximately 4 hours, or until the onions are soft and translucent. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Once cooked, serve the soup warm. Add your choice of toppings, such as tortilla chips, diced avocado, light sour cream, fresh cilantro, or lime wedges, and enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey or chicken
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (11 ounces) whole kernel corn
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles
- 1 can (2.25 ounces) sliced black olives, drained (optional)
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (or substitute with 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder)
- Optional toppings: tortilla chips (strips or crushed), diced avocado, light sour cream, fresh cilantro, lime wedges
FAQ
- Can I make this taco soup vegetarian or vegan?
- Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian or vegan by omitting the meat. You can either skip the meat entirely or add some plant-based alternatives to suit your dietary preferences.
- What can I substitute for taco seasoning if I don’t have any?
- If you don’t have taco seasoning on hand, you can mix your own using 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder.
- How long should I cook the soup in the slow cooker?
- The soup should be cooked on high heat for about 4 hours, or until the onions are soft and translucent. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary before serving.
- Can I use a different type of meat other than ground turkey or chicken?
- Yes, you can use different types of ground meat like beef or pork, or even add shredded chicken if you prefer. The recipe is quite versatile, so feel free to adapt it to your taste.
- What toppings go well with this taco soup?
- Some popular toppings for this taco soup include tortilla chips (either strips or crushed), diced avocado, light sour cream, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges. Feel free to add your favorites, but keep in mind the “skinny” theme and use toppings in moderation.
Tips
- Choose Quality Taco Seasoning: Opt for taco seasoning without extra preservatives. If you don’t have a preferred brand, mix your own using chili powder, garlic powder, black pepper, cumin, salt, paprika, and onion powder for a fresher taste.
- Versatile Protein Options: You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your dietary preferences by using ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded chicken. For a vegetarian or vegan option, simply omit the meat.
- Mindful Toppings: While the toppings add extra flavor and texture, remember to use them in moderation to keep the soup “skinny.” Consider healthier options like diced avocado, fresh cilantro, or lime wedges.
- Prepare in Advance: Take advantage of the slow cooker by preparing the soup in the morning. This will free up your evening for other activities while still having a healthy, delicious meal ready when you are.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker – Essential for cooking the soup.
- Saute Pan – For browning the meat before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Long Spoon – Useful for stirring the meat while browning and for mixing ingredients in the slow cooker.
