Slow Cooker Beefy Nacho Soup Recipe

Ready to tantalize your taste buds with a comforting dish? This slow cooker beefy nacho soup recipe combines the heartiness of a slow-cooked meal with the zesty flavors of nachos. Its rich, cheesy base is complemented by the savory flavors of ground beef and taco seasoning, while diced tomatoes and green chilis add a subtle kick. This soup is not only delicious, but also easy to make. Just prepare the ingredients, throw them into the slow cooker, and let the magic happen.

Photos of Slow Cooker Beefy Nacho Soup Recipe

Most of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in a home pantry. However, you might need to visit your local supermarket for the condensed nacho cheese soup and diced tomatoes with green chilis, as these are specialty items that give the soup its unique flavor. Also, be aware of the taco seasoning: there are many varieties available, so choose one that suits your taste.

Ingredients for the Slow Cooker Beefy Nacho Soup

Ground beef: This is the protein base for the soup. Consider using lean ground beef to limit the amount of fat.

Taco seasoning: It's used to season the beef and give a traditional Mexican flavor.

Onion and garlic: They add an aromatic base to the soup.

Condensed nacho cheese soup: It's responsible for the creamy, cheesy flavor.

Diced tomatoes and green chilis: They add a tangy flavor and a bit of heat.

Milk: It's used to thin out the soup to your desired consistency.

Cheddar cheese: This adds depth to the cheese flavor in the soup.

Tortilla chips: A crunchy garnish to top the soup before serving.

One reader, Fernando Bacon says:

This slow cooker beefy nacho soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are incredible, and it's so easy to make. The beef is tender, and the cheesy goodness is irresistible. It's a family favorite, and I love how convenient it is to prepare. Highly recommended!

Fernando Bacon

Techniques Required for Making Slow Cooker Beefy Nacho Soup

How to cook ground beef: Cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic in a skillet until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is clear. Drain the grease before adding it to the slow cooker.

How to stir in cheese: After cooking the soup in the slow cooker, stir in 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and allow it to melt before serving.

How to keep warm: The soup can be kept on the warm setting for an additional 4 hours after it has finished cooking.

How To Make Slow Cooker Beefy Nacho Soup

All the goodness of a Mexican favorite is in this rich and savory nacho soup. This slow-cooked dish is loaded with cheese, ground beef, tomatoes, and chili.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 4 hours

Total: 4 hours 10 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1lblean ground beef
1pkgtaco seasoning
1small onion,chopped
1clovegarlic,minced
10¾ozcondensed nacho cheese soup,cheddar soup will also work
10ozdiced tomatoes and green chilis,undrained
1½cupsmilk
1cupsharp cheddar cheese
tortilla chips,crushed

Instructions

In a medium sized skillet cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until beef is no longer pink and the onion is clear. Drain the grease and add to slow cooker.
Add soup, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes and green chilis, and milk. Stir.
Cook on Low 3 to 4 hours. Stir in ½ cup cheddar cheese and allow to melt. Can be kept on warm for an additional 4 hours.
Top with crushed tortilla chips and additional cheese if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 384.67kcal
Fat: 26.98g
Saturated Fat: 12.56g
Trans Fat: 1.15g
Monounsaturated Fat: 9.68g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.01g
Carbohydrates: 13.23g
Fiber: 2.10g
Sugar: 7.27g
Protein: 22.85g
Cholesterol: 88.31mg
Sodium: 473.28mg
Calcium: 294.98mg
Potassium: 607.80mg
Iron: 2.80mg
Vitamin A: 188.19µg
Vitamin C: 121.64mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting Slow Cooker Beefy Nacho Soup

When cooking the ground beef, make sure to break it up into small, even pieces. This will not only ensure that the beef cooks evenly, but also that each spoonful of your beefy nacho soup will have a good amount of meat. Additionally, when adding the cheddar cheese, do so gradually and stir constantly to prevent it from clumping together. This will result in a smoother, creamier soup.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Beefy Nacho Soup in a Slow Cooker

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and brown the ground beef the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

Use pre-made seasoning: Consider using pre-made taco seasoning to save time on measuring out individual spices.

Set and forget: Utilize a slow cooker to allow the flavors to meld together while you focus on other tasks.

Double batch: Consider making a larger batch and freezing the extra portions for a quick and easy meal in the future.

One-pot wonder: Look for opportunities to combine steps and ingredients to minimize the number of dishes to clean up later.

Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Beefy Nacho Soup Recipe

lean ground beef - Substitute with lean ground turkey: Ground turkey is a lean and healthy alternative to ground beef, and it will work well in this recipe while reducing the fat content.
taco seasoning - Substitute with homemade taco seasoning: Making your own taco seasoning allows you to control the sodium and spice levels, and it can add a fresher flavor to the dish.
onion - Substitute with shallot: Shallots have a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions, and they can add a more delicate taste to the soup.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: If fresh garlic is not available, garlic powder can be used as a substitute to add the desired flavor to the soup.
condensed nacho cheese soup - Substitute with homemade nacho cheese sauce: Making your own nacho cheese sauce allows you to control the ingredients and create a more flavorful and natural alternative to the condensed soup.
diced tomatoes and green chilis - Substitute with diced tomatoes and a pinch of cayenne pepper: This substitute provides the same flavor profile as the original ingredient, with the added benefit of controlling the level of spiciness.
milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative, and its slightly nutty flavor can complement the other ingredients in the soup.
sharp cheddar cheese - Substitute with pepper jack cheese: Pepper jack cheese adds a spicy kick and melts well, making it a flavorful substitute for sharp cheddar in this recipe.
tortilla chips - Substitute with tortilla strips: Tortilla strips can be used as a crunchy topping, adding texture and flavor to the soup similar to traditional tortilla chips.

Best Way to Present Slow Cooker Beefy Nacho Soup

Elevate the plating: Arrange the soup in a deep, wide bowl to showcase its rich and hearty texture. Use a ladle to carefully pour the soup into the bowl, ensuring it is presented neatly and elegantly.
Garnish with finesse: Sprinkle a generous amount of finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top of the soup, allowing it to melt slightly and create a visually appealing presentation.
Incorporate texture: Add a handful of crushed tortilla chips to the top of the soup, creating a delightful contrast in texture and adding a satisfying crunch to each bite.
Emphasize color contrast: Consider adding a pop of color by garnishing with a small handful of freshly chopped cilantro, which not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a burst of fresh flavor to the dish.
Attention to detail: Wipe the edges of the bowl to ensure a clean presentation, paying attention to every aspect of the plating to create a visually stunning and appetizing dish.

Essential Tools for Making Beefy Nacho Soup in a Slow Cooker

Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning ingredients.
Slow cooker: A countertop electrical cooking appliance used for simmering food at a low temperature over a long period of time.
Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, blunt blade, used for mixing, spreading, and lifting ingredients.
Stirring spoon: A long-handled spoon used for stirring and mixing ingredients in pots and pans.
Measuring cups: Used to measure liquid or dry ingredients accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure small amounts of ingredients accurately.
Cutting board: A durable board on which to place material for cutting.
Knife: A sharp-edged tool used for cutting or slicing ingredients.
Can opener: A tool used to open tin cans.
Grater: A kitchen utensil with sharp-edged holes used for shredding or grating ingredients.
Slow cooker: A countertop electrical cooking appliance used for simmering food at a low temperature over a long period of time.
Serving bowls: Bowls used for serving the prepared soup.
Tortilla chips: Crispy chips made from corn tortillas, used as a topping for the soup.

Storing and Freezing Beefy Nacho Soup Made in a Slow Cooker

Let the beefy nacho soup cool completely before storing or freezing.
Transfer the cooled soup into an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag.
If using a container, make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
To freeze, place the container or bag in the freezer and store for up to 3 months.
When ready to serve, thaw the frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheat the thawed soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a little milk or broth to achieve the desired consistency.
Serve the reheated soup with fresh toppings like crushed tortilla chips and shredded cheddar cheese for the best taste and texture.

How To Reheat Leftover Beefy Nacho Soup

Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the soup is evenly reheated without burning or sticking to the bottom of the pan.
If you're short on time, you can reheat the beefy nacho soup in the microwave. Transfer the desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through. Be careful not to overheat the soup, as it may cause the cheese to separate or become grainy.
For a quick and easy reheating method, use your slow cooker. Transfer the leftover soup to the slow cooker and set it on low heat. Allow the soup to reheat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method is perfect if you want to keep the soup warm for an extended period or if you're serving a large group.
If you find that the leftover soup has thickened too much during storage, you can thin it out by adding a small amount of milk or broth while reheating. This will help restore the soup's original consistency and make it easier to reheat evenly.
When reheating the beefy nacho soup, be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. The flavors may have mellowed or intensified during storage, so you may need to add a pinch of salt, pepper, or extra taco seasoning to bring the flavors back to life.

Interesting Fact About Beefy Nacho Soup

Nacho cheese soup is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various recipes, such as dips, casseroles, and soups. It adds a creamy and cheesy flavor to the dish, making it a popular choice for many comfort food recipes.

Is Making Beefy Nacho Soup at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this slow cooker beefy nacho soup recipe is quite high. The ingredients are affordable and easily accessible, making it a budget-friendly option for a household. The use of lean ground beef and pantry staples keeps the cost down, while still delivering a flavorful and satisfying meal. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it an economical choice for a hearty and delicious dinner. Overall Verdict: 8/10

Is This Beefy Nacho Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?

The slow cooker beefy nacho soup recipe, while undeniably delicious, raises some concerns from a nutritional standpoint. Let's break it down:

High in saturated fat: The recipe includes ground beef and cheddar cheese, both of which are high in saturated fat. Consuming too much saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues.
Sodium content: The taco seasoning and condensed nacho cheese soup likely contain significant amounts of sodium. Excessive sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure and other health problems.
Processed ingredients: The condensed nacho cheese soup and taco seasoning are processed foods that may contain additives and preservatives.

On the positive side, the recipe does include some vegetables, such as onion, garlic, and tomatoes, which provide essential nutrients and fiber.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef to reduce the saturated fat content
Opt for low-sodium taco seasoning or make your own using a blend of spices
Replace the condensed nacho cheese soup with a homemade cheese sauce using low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheddar cheese
Increase the amount of vegetables by adding bell peppers, corn, or black beans for added fiber and nutrients
Serve the soup with a side salad or fresh veggies to balance out the meal

By making these adjustments, you can enjoy a healthier version of this comforting soup without sacrificing too much flavor.

Editor's Opinion on This Slow Cooker Beefy Nacho Soup Recipe

This slow cooker beefy nacho soup recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors. The combination of lean ground beef, taco seasoning, nacho cheese soup, and diced tomatoes with green chilis creates a rich and hearty base. The addition of sharp cheddar cheese and milk adds a creamy and indulgent touch. The optional toppings of tortilla chips provide a satisfying crunch. This recipe is a perfect balance of savory and spicy, making it a comforting and satisfying dish for any occasion.

Enhance Your Slow Cooker Beefy Nacho Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli: Tender broccoli florets roasted to perfection with a savory garlic parmesan coating.

Honey Sriracha Glazed Carrots: Sweet and spicy glazed carrots with a sticky honey sriracha sauce.

Balsamic Grilled Asparagus: Fresh asparagus spears grilled to perfection and drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze.

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Ideal Appetizers and Desserts to Serve with Slow Cooker Beefy Nacho Soup

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and serve hot for a delicious start to any meal.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Whip up a creamy and cheesy spinach and artichoke dip that is perfect for dipping with bread, chips, or veggies. The combination of flavors and textures will leave your guests wanting more.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in a decadent, warm chocolate lava cake that oozes with rich, gooey chocolate when you cut into it. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Create a luscious, creamy strawberry cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust and a vibrant strawberry topping. The combination of tangy cream cheese and sweet strawberries will leave your taste buds craving for more.

Why trust this Slow Cooker Beefy Nacho Soup Recipe:

This slow cooker beefy nacho soup recipe is a delicious and hearty meal that will satisfy your cravings for a comforting and flavorful dish. With lean ground beef and a perfect blend of taco seasoning, this recipe promises an explosion of flavors in every bite. The addition of nacho cheese soup and sharp cheddar cheese creates a rich and creamy texture, while the diced tomatoes and green chilis add a hint of spice for an extra kick. Topped with crunchy tortilla chips and extra cheese, this soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Share your thoughts and experiences with the Slow Cooker Beefy Nacho Soup Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section. Let's discuss any tweaks or variations you've tried and how this hearty soup turned out for you!

FAQ:

What can I use as a substitute for ground beef in this recipe?

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option.

Can I make this recipe in a regular pot instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a regular pot on the stovetop. Simply cook the ingredients on low heat for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of nacho cheese soup?

Absolutely! You can use cheddar cheese soup, queso dip, or even a combination of shredded cheddar and cream cheese for a different flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it later?

Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and reheat it when you're ready to serve. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I add other toppings to the soup?

Of course! You can get creative with your toppings. Some popular options include sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, sour cream, or a dollop of salsa. Feel free to customize it to your taste!