Try this Crockpot Taco Soup recipe, or contribute your own.
Relying on a standard four-to-six-quart slow cooker provides ample room for four cups of liquid and four cups of chopped tomatoes without risking overflow during the simmer. Brown the ground beef or turkey in a separate skillet before adding it to the appliance. Draining excess fat from the meat prevents an oily film from pooling on the surface of the broth.
Placing the onions, bell peppers, garlic, broth, and tomatoes into the ceramic insert for six to eight hours on low breaks down the raw aromatics thoroughly. Introduce the cooked protein during the final hour of the heating cycle. This sequencing prevents the meat from overcooking and turning mealy while allowing the flavors to meld evenly.
Commercial spice blends vary wildly in sodium content, making it vital to withhold extra salt until the soup nears completion. Stir in four tablespoons of seasoning early, but taste the liquid after the vegetables soften before making adjustments. Finish the bowls with cold dairy toppings like sour cream or cheddar to cool the heat of the chili powder and cumin.