Description
This hearty soup brings together seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and a medley of spices, all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy broth. Topped with your favorite nacho fixings, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to prepare and satisfying to enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel), undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional, for added heat)
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 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
Instructions
-
Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
-
Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
- Transfer the cooked beef mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn, chicken broth, taco seasoning, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and sliced jalapeño (if using). Stir to combine.
-
Cook the Soup:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
-
Add Cheeses:
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cubed cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until fully melted and incorporated into the soup.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper as needed.
-
Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your desired toppings. Serve warm and enjoy the hearty, cheesy, nacho-flavored goodness.
Notes
- Meat Alternatives: Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of ground beef for a lighter option.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and add extra beans or vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more or fewer jalapeños, or by incorporating hot sauce to taste.
- Cheese Tip: For the best melting quality, shred the cheese yourself rather than using pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.