Substitute your mundane taco night with this Slow Cooker Taco Soup and you’ll be so happy you did! This meal will satisfy any bottomless pits you may have in your family. It’s full of beef, beans, tomatoes, sweet corn, chilies and a surprising ingredient that gives this soup its WOW factor. Add your favorite toppings, just like you would on your taco- like cheese, cilantro, guacamole or avocado, chopped green onions and sour cream. Use your taco or tostada shells for dipping this time, not filling.
So a few weeks ago I took my two boys to get a haircut. As it goes, I had all 5 children in tow. As we filed into the salon, an elderly man with a hunchback was at the counter just watching in disbelief as I held the door for them to come in… I had seen him before at the grocery store near by and immediately recognized him. I had remembered him stopping me while I was shopping with my youngest daughter, as she sat in the front of the cart. He pointed to her and asked “Which aisle did you find that cute item on?”. He made me laugh, I thought he was sweet… So after they all staggered into the salon, he looked up at me and, with a smile, asked me “What do YOU like to do for fun!?”. Completely NOT getting his humor, I answered with a chuckle, “Enjoy any alone time!”. He complimented the children and tried to talk to them, but they just gave him strange looks (they’re not the most talkative around strangers), and he went on his way. It wasn’t until literally midnight that night that I was cleaning up the playroom (cuz that’s what I do at midnight, don’t you?) and stopped dead in my tracks. It hit me! That dirty old man!!! He wasn’t REALLY asking me what I like to do for fun… he was being witty!! I’m sure by my answer he knew that I totally did not get his joke, and I didn’t, until hours later. But seriously, immerse yourself in daily activities with 5 children and the LAST thing you are daydreaming about is THAT… of course, I am a woman though- ask my husband, he may have a different answer for you! Ha!
On to a more serious matter, Taco Soup! Your family will seriously love this recipe. It has tons of flavor without being spicy so it’s perfect for children. If you want heat just add Rotel’s Spicy Tomatoes and Chilies instead of the mild. Oh that surprise ingredient… ranch dressing mix! Did you know the Hidden Valley Ranch packets are gluten-free? It doesn’t say so on their labeling (yet), but if you go to their website it states they in the process of updating all their packaging. It definitely gives the soup an added flavor boost along side the taco seasoning. If you want a great gluten-free taco seasoning mix, go to Whole Foods. They have a delicious one by Simply Organic which is what we use. This soup really is one of our new favorites here at our house. I’m sure you will feel the same after you make it too!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or shredded chicken)
- 1 can red kidney beans
- 1 can Great Northern beans
- 1 C frozen baby sweet corn
- 1 can Rotel Tomatoes and Chilies, Mild (or spicy for added heat)
- 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 4 oz can diced green chilies
- 1 envelope favorite taco seasoning packet (or GF seasoning packet)
- 1 envelope Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing and Seasoning Mix (naturally GF)
- shredded cheese
- cilantro
- sour cream
- chopped green onions
- avocado slices or
- guacamole
- tortilla chips or taco shells for dipping
Instructions
- Cook meat and drain.
- WITHOUT draining cans, add all ingredients to slow cooker and stir.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 2-4 hours. Keep warm until ready to serve.
Notes
Adapted from Food.Com
For a GF taco seasoning packet, use Simply Organic Taco Seasoning packet. I find it at Whole Foods.
