Zesty Slow Cooker Nacho Soup Recipe: A Cozy Fiesta Delight

Hearty and cheesy slow cooker nacho soup delivers a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Packed with zesty spices and rich ingredients, this comforting dish brings the vibrant essence of nachos into a warm, satisfying bowl.

Ground beef provides robust depth while melted cheese creates a creamy texture that hugs every spoonful.

Jalapeños add a subtle kick for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

The slow cooker method ensures tender meat and perfectly blended flavors that meld together beautifully.

Minimal prep and maximum deliciousness make this recipe a weeknight winner.

Prepare to savor every spicy, cheesy bite of this incredible soup that promises to become a family favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high

Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients That Make Nacho Soup Rich

• Ground Beef: Provides rich, meaty foundation with deep savory notes and protein punch.
• Onion: Adds aromatic sweetness and layered depth to the overall soup profile.
• Garlic: Delivers intense, bold flavor and enhances the entire dish's complexity.

• Chicken Broth: Creates smooth, velvety soup base with subtle background complexity.
• Black Beans: Introduces creamy texture and earthy protein element to the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Brings zesty tang and gentle heat with bright acidic undertones.
• Corn: Contributes sweet, fresh kernel bursts and delightful textural contrast.
• Taco Seasoning: Delivers authentic southwestern flavor profile with balanced spice blend.
• Ground Cumin: Offers warm, smoky undertone characteristic of Mexican-inspired cuisine.
• Smoked Paprika: Provides gentle smokiness and rich color depth.
• Sliced Jalapeno: Introduces optional fresh, sharp spiciness for heat enthusiasts.

• Cream Cheese: Creates silky, luxurious texture with mild tangy richness.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, melty goodness with classic cheese flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Harmonizes and elevates entire dish's final seasoning balance.

Tools for a Hearty Slow Cooker Soup

• Slow Cooker: Essential for easy, hands-off cooking and blending flavors perfectly.
• Skillet: Needed to brown ground beef and saute onions and garlic for rich base flavor.
• Cutting Board: Great for chopping onions, garlic, and preparing ingredients smoothly.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise chopping and slicing ingredients quickly.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring beef, mixing ingredients, and preventing sticking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate seasoning and ingredient proportions.
• Ladle: Helps serve soup evenly and neatly into individual bowls.

How to Cook Nacho Soup Low and Slow

• Brown the Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into tasty crumbles. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until onions become soft and fragrant.

• Toss Everything into the Slow Cooker

Transfer the beef mixture into your slow cooker. Pour in black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, chicken broth, and spices. Give everything a good stir to blend all those delicious flavors together.

• Let the Magic Happen

Cover and let your slow cooker work its wonder. On low heat, let it simmer for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours until the soup becomes rich and aromatic.

• Melt in the Cheese

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in cream cheese and cheddar. Watch as they melt and transform the soup into a creamy, dreamy delight. Taste and season with salt and pepper to make it perfect.

• Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Top with your favorite garnishes and dive into this hearty, nacho-inspired comfort food. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Flavor Add-Ons for Nacho Soup Fans

• Brown the ground beef thoroughly to develop deep, rich flavors and ensure maximum taste in every spoonful.
• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before adding to help it melt more smoothly into the soup without creating lumps.
• Adjust jalapeno quantity based on personal heat tolerance – remove seeds for milder version or add extra for serious heat lovers.
• For vegetarian version, replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra black beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently, stirring occasionally to maintain creamy consistency.

Serve Soup With All the Right Garnishes

• Cheesy Nacho Topping Extravaganza: Sprinkle crispy tortilla chips directly on top of the soup for a crunchy texture that mimics classic nachos.
• Zesty Garnish Explosion: Add fresh chopped cilantro, diced green onions, and a dollop of sour cream to brighten the soup's rich flavors and create a restaurant-style presentation.
• Mexican Fiesta Bowl: Transform the soup into a complete meal by serving over rice or with warm cornbread on the side, creating a hearty and satisfying dinner option that'll make everyone at the table excited.
• Spice Level Customization: Offer sliced jalapenos, hot sauce, or extra taco seasoning on the side so each person can adjust the heat level to their personal preference.

How to Store Nacho Soup

• Store leftover soup in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Cooling quickly prevents bacterial growth and maintains flavor integrity.
• Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Stays delicious for up to 3 months when sealed properly. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm soup gently on stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally. Add splash of chicken broth if soup seems thick. Avoid repeated reheating to maintain optimal taste and texture.
• Keep crispy garnishes like tortilla chips, chopped cilantro, and shredded cheese separate until serving. Adds crunch and prevents soggy ingredients when storing or reheating soup.

Irresistible Slow Cooker Nacho Soup

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Creamy slow cooker nacho soup delivers a fiesta of flavors that dance across your palate with zesty southwestern charm. Mexican-inspired comfort blends cheesy goodness and hearty ingredients, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can corn, drained
• 1 (8 oz/226 g) block cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 1 jalapeno, sliced (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Additional shredded cheese
• Tortilla chips
• Sliced avocado or guacamole
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced black olives
• Chopped green onions
• Fresh cilantro

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, crumbling thoroughly. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until onions turn translucent. Eliminate excess grease from the pan.
2. Slow Cooker Assembly: Transfer seasoned meat mixture into a 6-quart slow cooker. Blend black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn, chicken broth, taco seasoning, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and jalapeno slices. Ensure ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Cooking Process: Secure slow cooker lid and simmer on low temperature for 6-8 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and develop rich complexity.
4. Cheese Integration: Thirty minutes prior to serving, introduce cubed cream cheese and shredded cheddar. Stir continuously until cheeses completely dissolve, creating a smooth, velvety texture. Calibrate seasoning with salt and pepper according to preference.
5. Presentation: Portion soup into serving bowls, garnishing with selected toppings. Serve piping hot, showcasing the robust, zesty nacho-inspired soup.

Notes

• Thoroughly drain excess fat after browning ground beef to prevent a greasy soup texture and reduce unnecessary calories.
• Add cream cheese and cheddar during the last 30 minutes to prevent cheese from breaking or becoming grainy, ensuring a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Adjust jalapeno quantity or remove seeds to control spiciness, making the soup adaptable for different heat tolerances without compromising flavor.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option or use plant-based meat alternatives to create vegetarian-friendly versions of the nacho soup.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg