Slow Cooker Nacho Soup Recipe

Slow Cooker Nacho Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich, creamy flavors of classic nachos with the convenience of a warm, hearty soup. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or cold evenings, this dish is a crowd-pleaser with its bold Tex-Mex flavors, cheesy goodness, and satisfying ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Prepare: Toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it do the work.
2. Rich and Cheesy: Bursting with nacho flavors in every bite.
3. Customizable: Adjust the spice level and toppings to suit your taste.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for family meals, parties, or meal prep.
5. Kid-Friendly: A fun way to serve a hearty soup that kids will love.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

1. Brown the Meat:
   • Heat a skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the ground beef or turkey, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks.
   • Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
2. Add Aromatics:
   • Stir in the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
   • Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
3. Season the Mixture:
   • Add the taco seasoning to the skillet. Mix well to coat the meat and vegetables in the spices.

Step 2: Assemble the Soup in the Slow Cooker

1. Layer the Ingredients:
   • Transfer the cooked meat mixture to the slow cooker.
   • Add the black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, and salsa.
2. Add the Broth:
   • Pour in the chicken or beef broth, stirring to combine all the ingredients.
3. Cook the Soup:
   • Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.

Step 3: Add the Creamy Finish

1. Incorporate the Dairy:
   • About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese.
   • Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.
2. Taste and Adjust:
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Slow Cooker Nacho Soup is best served hot and garnished with your favorite toppings. Here are some ideas:

• Classic Toppings: Crushed tortilla chips, a dollop of sour cream, and sliced jalapeños.
• Avocado Twist: Add diced avocado or a drizzle of avocado crema for a creamy finish.
• Cheesy Goodness: Sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top for a gooey bite.
• Herbaceous Touch: Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Pair it with warm cornbread, a side salad, or a loaf of crusty bread to round out the meal.

Tips for Success

1. Choose the Right Cheese: Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and a smoother texture. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy.
2. Control the Spice: Adjust the heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot salsa and diced tomatoes. You can also add cayenne pepper or chili flakes for extra heat.
3. Thicken the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, stir in a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
4. Add Crunch: Serve with tortilla chips or strips on the side for dipping.
5. Meal Prep Friendly: This soup stores well, making it a great option for make-ahead meals.

Variations

1. Chicken Nacho Soup: Swap ground beef for shredded cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken.
2. Vegetarian Nacho Soup: Use vegetable broth and replace the meat with extra beans, tofu crumbles, or sautéed mushrooms.
3. Low-Carb Option: Skip the corn and beans, and add extra vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower.
4. Extra Creamy: Stir in a block of cream cheese along with the heavy cream for a richer texture.
5. Loaded Nacho Soup: Top with crumbled bacon, jalapeño slices, and extra cheese for a loaded version.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a pressure cooker instead of a slow cooker?
   Yes, you can use an Instant Pot. Cook the meat using the sauté function, then pressure cook the soup on high for 10 minutes.
2. Can I make this soup spicier?
   Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra chili powder to the soup for more heat.
3. What’s the best way to make it dairy-free?
   Use coconut milk or a non-dairy cream substitute and omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
4. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, as long as your slow cooker is large enough. Cooking times may need slight adjustments.
5. What are some good side dishes?
   Serve with cornbread, quesadillas, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Nacho Soup brings the bold, cheesy flavors of nachos to your dinner table in a hearty and satisfying soup form. Whether you’re hosting friends for game night or simply looking for a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a bowl of rich, creamy Tex-Mex goodness!

Yield: 6

Slow Cooker Nacho Soup Recipe

Print

Slow Cooker Nacho Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich, creamy flavors of classic nachos with the convenience of a warm, hearty soup. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or cold evenings, this dish is a crowd-pleaser with its bold Tex-Mex flavors, cheesy goodness, and satisfying ingredients.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 6 hours

Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
• 4 cups chicken or beef broth
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can nacho cheese soup or cheese dip
• 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Drain any excess grease.

2. Assemble the Soup in the Slow Cooker

1. Transfer the cooked ground beef mixture to the slow cooker.
2. Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken or beef broth, nacho cheese soup, taco seasoning, and chili powder (if using).
3. Stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.

3. Cook the Soup

• On Low: Cook for 6-8 hours.
• On High: Cook for 3-4 hours.

4. Taste and Adjust

• After cooking, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

5. Serve

1. Ladle the soup into bowls.
2. Top with shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, diced avocado, or any other desired toppings.

Notes

Meat Alternatives: Use ground chicken or plant-based crumbles for a variation.

Cheese Options: If nacho cheese soup isn’t available, use a combination of cream cheese and shredded cheddar melted into the soup.

Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.