Slow Cooker Nacho Soup has been my go-to for busy weeknights since I discovered how simple it is to get all those amazing nacho flavors into a comforting bowl. I remember one chilly evening when the craving hit for something cheesy and satisfying, but I had zero energy. This recipe was a lifesaver! The aroma of simmering beef, peppers, and spices filled my kitchen, promising a delicious meal. It’s truly an easy slow cooker nacho soup that takes all the guesswork out of how to make slow cooker nacho soup. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Nacho Soup
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons:
- Incredible Flavor: Get all the cheesy, savory goodness of nachos in a warm, comforting bowl.
- Super Easy Prep: Minimal chopping and browning mean less time in the kitchen.
- Busy Weeknight Friendly: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
- Budget-Conscious: Uses common, affordable ingredients for a satisfying meal that won’t break the bank.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters love this crowd-pleasing dish.
- Customizable: Easily adjust toppings and spice levels to suit everyone’s taste.
- It’s truly a creamy slow cooker nacho soup that’s satisfying and delicious.
- This also makes for a wonderfully hearty slow cooker nacho soup that fills you up.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Nacho Soup
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious slow cooker nacho soup recipe. For a fantastic beef slow cooker nacho soup, start with:
- 1 pound ground beef – browned and drained for the best flavor base
- 1 medium onion, chopped – about 1 cup, finely diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped – any color works, adds freshness
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that savory depth
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed – for fiber and texture
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained – adds a touch of sweetness
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies – the key to that nacho zing
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened – makes it wonderfully creamy
- 3 cups beef broth – the liquid base for our soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – for ultimate cheesiness
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning – or your favorite blend
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips for topping – perfect for this slow cooker tortilla chip soup
- Sliced jalapeños, for garnish (optional)
- Sour cream, for serving (optional)
- Chopped cilantro, for serving (optional)
How to Make Slow Cooker Nacho Soup
Follow these straightforward nacho soup slow cooker instructions for a delicious meal.
- Step 1: Start by browning the 1 pound ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s nicely browned, drain off any excess fat. This step is crucial for developing a rich flavor base for your soup.
- Step 2: Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker. Add the 1 medium onion, chopped, 1 bell pepper, chopped, and 2 cloves garlic, minced. Next, add the drained and rinsed 1 (15 oz) can black beans and the drained 1 (15 oz) can corn.
- Step 3: Pour in the 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies and the 3 cups beef broth. Make sure the softened 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese is added in chunks so it can melt evenly.
- Step 4: Sprinkle in the 1 tablespoon taco seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. It’s important to stir everything together well to distribute the flavors. This is the simplest way to get a great result for a simple slow cooker nacho soup.
- Step 5: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 4-6 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 2-3 hours. The soup is ready when everything is heated through and the flavors have melded beautifully.
- Step 6: About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, stir in the 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is wonderfully creamy.
- Step 7: Taste the soup and adjust seasonings if needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top generously with crunchy tortilla chips, optional sliced jalapeños, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh cilantro for the ultimate experience.
Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Nacho Soup
Want to elevate your soup game? Try these simple tricks for the most delicious slow cooker nacho soup recipe.
- Don’t skip browning the meat: This step builds a crucial flavor foundation.
- Soften the cream cheese: Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before adding to ensure it melts smoothly.
- Taste and adjust: Always taste before serving. You might need a pinch more salt, pepper, or taco seasoning.
- Broth quality matters: Using a good quality beef broth really enhances the overall flavor. For more on broth, check out this guide to broths and stocks.
What’s the secret to perfect Slow Cooker Nacho Soup?
The secret to a truly creamy slow cooker nacho soup is the softened cream cheese combined with shredded cheddar stirred in at the end. This creates a rich, velvety texture that’s pure comfort.
Can I make Slow Cooker Nacho Soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble all the ingredients (except the final cheese) in the slow cooker insert the night before. Store it covered in the refrigerator. In the morning, just pop the insert into the slow cooker and start it on low. It’s a great way to prep for an easy crock pot nacho soup. This is similar to how you might prep ingredients for other slow cooker meals.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Nacho Soup?
Avoid overcooking, which can make the beans mushy. Also, ensure you drain excess fat from the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker to prevent a greasy soup. For tips on draining fat, see this guide to draining ground beef.
Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Nacho Soup
This versatile soup is perfect for so many occasions! For a truly spicy slow cooker nacho soup experience, serve it with a side of extra hot sauce or some diced fresh jalapeños right on top. You can never go wrong with a generous sprinkle of extra shredded cheese for that ultimate crock pot cheesy nacho soup vibe. I love serving it with a side of cornbread or warm tortilla chips for scooping up every last drop. It’s also fantastic alongside a simple green salad for a complete, satisfying meal. Consider pairing it with a simple side salad.
Nutrition Facts for Slow Cooker Nacho Soup
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in each serving of this delicious soup. It’s a comforting meal that balances flavor and nutrition nicely.
- Calories: 425 kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g (estimated)
- Fiber: 5g (estimated)
- Sugar: 6g (estimated)
- Sodium: 950mg (estimated)
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Nacho Soup
Leftover slow cooker nacho soup is just as delicious, and knowing how to store and reheat it properly makes it even more convenient. Once the soup has cooled down a bit, portion it into airtight containers. For refrigeration, it will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it for longer, freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. This makes it super easy to enjoy an easy crock pot nacho soup meal anytime you want!
When you’re ready to reheat, you have a few options. On the stovetop, gently heat the soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. If you’re using the microwave, heat it in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until it reaches your desired temperature. You might need to add a splash of broth or milk if the soup has thickened too much during storage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Nacho Soup
What is slow cooker nacho soup?
Slow cooker nacho soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that transforms classic nacho ingredients into a warm, hearty soup. It typically includes ingredients like ground meat, beans, corn, tomatoes, cheese, and spices, all simmered together in a slow cooker for maximum flavor and minimal effort. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy nacho flavors in a cozy bowl.
Why make slow cooker nacho soup?
You should make slow cooker nacho soup because it’s incredibly easy, requires minimal prep, and delivers maximum flavor with little work. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or any time you want a satisfying, cheesy, and comforting meal. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, making it a stress-free option for delicious homemade soup. For more on the benefits of slow cooking, you can explore why use a slow cooker.
Can I make this a vegetarian slow cooker nacho soup?
Absolutely! To make a delicious vegetarian slow cooker nacho soup, simply omit the ground beef and add an extra can of black beans or kidney beans. You could also add some diced sweet potatoes or lentils for extra heartiness and protein. Just be sure to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a fully vegetarian meal.
What toppings are best for this soup?
The best toppings for this soup are anything that complements the nacho flavor! I love to top mine with crushed tortilla chips for that essential crunch, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, some fresh cilantro, and sliced jalapeños for a bit of heat. Shredded cheese is always a welcome addition too, making it even more of a crock pot cheesy nacho soup!
Variations of Slow Cooker Nacho Soup You Can Try
Don’t be afraid to get creative with this fantastic base! Here are a few ways to switch things up:
- Vegetarian Delight: For a hearty vegetarian slow cooker nacho soup, simply swap the ground beef for an extra can of black beans or kidney beans. You could also add some diced sweet potatoes or lentils for added texture and protein. Just remember to use vegetable broth!
- Chicken Version: Try a chicken slow cooker nacho soup by using shredded chicken breast or thighs. You can cook the chicken directly in the slow cooker with the other ingredients, or add pre-cooked shredded chicken about an hour before serving.
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, consider adding a can of diced green chilies or a few chopped jalapeños along with the tomatoes. For an extra fiery bowl, serve your soup with a side of your favorite hot sauce to make it a truly spicy slow cooker nacho soup.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Want even more cheese? Stir in some Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend along with the cheddar cheese at the end. This will make it an even more decadent crock pot cheesy nacho soup.
Slow Cooker Nacho Soup: 1 Easy Comfort Meal
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Slow Cooker Nacho Soup is a creamy, hearty, and comforting dish that brings the beloved flavors of nachos into a warm bowl. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion, from game days to family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips for topping
- Sliced jalapeños, for garnish (optional)
- Sour cream, for serving (optional)
- Chopped cilantro, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- In the slow cooker, combine the browned meat, onion, bell pepper, garlic, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cream cheese, and beef broth.
- Add taco seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until heated through.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
- Taste the soup, and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with tortilla chips, jalapeños, sour cream, and cilantro as desired.
Notes
- Adjust the spiciness by adding diced green chilies or additional jalapeños.
- Consider adding corn salsa or Southwest seasoning for a different flavor dimension.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute meat with additional black beans or lentils.
- Use fresh vegetables for enhanced flavor and appearance.
- Do not overcook to maintain ingredient texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 425 kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 25g
Keywords: Slow Cooker Nacho Soup, slow cooker nacho soup recipe, easy slow cooker nacho soup, creamy slow cooker nacho soup, chicken slow cooker nacho soup, beef slow cooker nacho soup, vegetarian slow cooker nacho soup, how to make slow cooker nacho soup, nacho soup slow cooker instructions, slow cooker tortilla chip soup, crock pot nacho cheese soup, easy crock pot nacho soup, hearty slow cooker nacho soup, spicy slow cooker nacho soup, slow cooker taco soup with tortilla chips, crock pot cheesy nacho soup, simple slow cooker nacho soup
