If you want an easy dinner that is warm, filling, and high in protein, taco soup is a great choice. This crockpot taco soup is made with simple ingredients and cooks slowly while you handle the rest of your day. It has the bold taste of tacos but comes in a warm and comforting soup.
This recipe is also easy to change based on what you have in your kitchen. You can use lean ground beef, ground turkey, chicken, beans, or extra vegetables. For a higher protein meal, add lean meat and Greek yogurt or cottage cheese as a topping.
These high protein crockpot recipes taco soup ideas are perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, and easy family dinners.
Why You Will Love It
This taco soup is simple, filling, and full of flavor. You only need a few basic ingredients, and the crockpot does most of the work.
It is also easy to make ahead. The soup tastes even better after the flavors have had time to mix together. You can make a large batch and enjoy it for lunch or dinner during the week.
Another great thing about this recipe is that you can adjust the protein to fit your needs. Use lean beef or turkey for a lighter option, or add chicken and beans for even more protein.
Ingredients
For a simple high protein crockpot taco soup, you will need:
- 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken or beef broth
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For topping:
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro
- Diced avocado
- Lime wedges
- Sliced green onions
How to Make It
Start by browning the ground beef or turkey in a skillet over medium heat. Break it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any extra fat if needed.
Add the cooked meat to your crockpot. Add the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomatoes with green chilies, onion, garlic, and broth.
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together so the seasonings are spread through the soup.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours. The soup is ready when the vegetables are tender and all the flavors have come together.
Give it a good stir before serving. Add your favorite high-protein toppings and enjoy it while warm.
Add More Protein
There are several easy ways to make taco soup even higher in protein.
Lean ground turkey is a simple choice because it gives you plenty of protein without making the soup too heavy. You can also use lean ground beef if you prefer a richer flavor.
Shredded chicken is another great option. Add cooked shredded chicken during the last part of cooking so it stays tender.
Beans also add protein and fiber. If you want more protein without adding much extra meat, add another small can of beans.
For a creamy topping, use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. It adds protein while giving the soup a cool and creamy finish.
Chicken Taco Soup
Chicken is an easy way to change this recipe. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs instead of ground meat.
Place the raw chicken directly into the crockpot with the tomatoes, beans, broth, onion, garlic, and seasonings. Cook until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature and is tender enough to shred.
Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the soup. Stir well before serving.
This version is especially good if you want a lighter high protein dinner.
Turkey Taco Soup
Ground turkey is another great choice for a healthy crockpot meal. It has a mild flavor that works well with taco seasoning and tomatoes.
Brown the turkey before adding it to the slow cooker. This gives the meat better flavor and helps remove excess liquid.
Add the same beans, tomatoes, spices, and broth as the main recipe. Let everything cook slowly until the soup is hot and flavorful.
Top each bowl with Greek yogurt, cilantro, and a little shredded cheese.
Beef Taco Soup
If you prefer a richer taco flavor, use lean ground beef. Choose a lean option to keep the soup filling without making it too heavy.
Brown the beef first, then add it to the crockpot. The beef pairs well with black beans, tomatoes, green chilies, cumin, and chili powder.
You can add a little extra smoked paprika if you like a deeper flavor. A squeeze of fresh lime at the end also helps brighten the soup.
Creamy Taco Soup
You can turn this soup into a creamy meal without using heavy cream. Plain Greek yogurt is a simple high-protein choice.
Make the taco soup as normal. Once the soup is finished, place some of the hot broth in a small bowl and slowly mix it with Greek yogurt.
Add this mixture back to the soup and stir gently. Do not boil the soup after adding the yogurt because the texture may change.
You can also add a small amount of cream cheese if you want a richer soup.
Low Carb Option
If you are watching your carbs, you can make a few simple changes. Skip the beans and add more meat, chicken, or low-carb vegetables instead.
Bell peppers, zucchini, cauliflower, and spinach can all work well in taco soup. Keep the tomatoes in a reasonable amount and check the nutrition label on canned ingredients.
Use Greek yogurt, cheese, avocado, and fresh herbs for toppings. These can add flavor and healthy fats without needing sugary sauces.
Best Toppings
Toppings can make a simple bowl of taco soup feel like a complete meal.
Greek yogurt adds a cool and creamy taste while also adding protein. Shredded cheddar gives the soup a classic taco flavor.
Fresh cilantro and green onions add a fresh bite. Diced avocado adds creaminess, while lime juice gives the soup a bright finish.
For a little crunch, you can add a small amount of crushed tortilla chips. If you are keeping the meal lower in carbs, use a few pork rinds instead.
Meal Prep Tips
Taco soup is one of the easiest meals to make for meal prep. Make a large batch on the weekend and divide it into individual containers.
Let the soup cool before placing it in the refrigerator. Store it in airtight containers and reheat individual portions when needed.
Keep toppings separate until you are ready to eat. This helps the Greek yogurt, avocado, herbs, and other toppings stay fresh.
The soup can also be frozen in freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top because the soup will expand as it freezes.
Easy Serving Ideas
You can serve this soup by itself for a simple dinner. A bowl of taco soup with Greek yogurt, cheese, cilantro, and avocado can be very filling.
For a bigger meal, serve it with a simple green salad. You can also add roasted vegetables on the side.
If you are not following a low-carb diet, a small serving of whole-grain tortilla chips or cornbread can work well with the soup.
For a high-protein meal, focus on adding lean meat and protein-rich toppings rather than large amounts of chips or bread.
How to Make It Taste Better
Good seasoning is the key to tasty taco soup. Taco seasoning gives the soup its main flavor, while cumin and chili powder make the taste deeper.
Do not forget to taste the soup before serving. Add more salt, pepper, chili powder, or lime juice if needed.
If the soup tastes too spicy, add a little more broth or Greek yogurt to soften the heat. If it tastes too mild, add more taco seasoning or chili powder.
Letting the soup cook slowly also helps the flavors blend together.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover taco soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use it within a few days for the best quality.
To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir between heating periods so the soup warms evenly.
If the soup becomes thicker after sitting in the refrigerator, add a small amount of broth before reheating.
Keep fresh toppings separate and add them after the soup is hot.
A Simple High Protein Dinner
This crockpot taco soup is an easy way to make a high-protein dinner without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Lean meat, beans, tomatoes, and simple spices create a hearty soup with plenty of flavor.
You can make it with beef, turkey, or chicken and change the toppings to fit your taste. Greek yogurt, cheese, avocado, cilantro, and lime are all easy ways to finish the meal.
If you are looking for high protein crockpot recipes taco soup ideas, this recipe is a great place to start. It is simple, filling, easy to customize, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
