Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty & Healthy Taco Soup Supreme?
Hearty & Healthy Taco Soup Supreme is a nutrient-dense, flavorful dish that combines lean proteins like turkey sausage and ground chicken with a variety of beans and vegetables in a slow cooker.
What proteins are used in this taco soup?
The recipe calls for one pound of turkey sausage and one pound of ground chicken, both browned before being added to the Crock Pot.
How long does this soup need to cook in the Crock Pot?
The soup should be cooked on the low setting for 6 hours to allow the flavors to blend thoroughly.
Do I need to brown the meat before adding it to the slow cooker?
Yes, you should brown the turkey sausage and ground chicken in a skillet with extra virgin olive oil and drain any excess fat before transferring it to the Crock Pot.
What type of beans are included in this recipe?
This soup includes one can of pinto beans and one can of black beans, both of which should be drained.
Are the vegetables in this soup fresh or canned?
The recipe uses a mix of both; it requires fresh diced onions and chopped garlic, along with canned corn, tomatoes, Rotel, and green chilies.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can boost the heartiness by adding more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini and substituting the meat with extra beans and using vegetable broth.
What seasoning is used for the taco soup?
The flavor comes from two packages of taco seasoning mix and two packages of ranch dressing mix.
Is this soup spicy?
The soup has a moderate heat level from the chipotle diced tomatoes, Rotel, green chilies, and half a can of diced jalapenos.
Should I drain the canned tomatoes?
No, the instructions specify to add all canned goods including their liquids, except for the beans and corn which should be drained.
What kind of broth is recommended?
The recipe suggests using one 15 1/2 ounce can of low-sodium chicken broth.
What are the recommended toppings for serving?
Popular toppings include low-fat sour cream, fresh green onions, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
What type of onions work best?
Diced white onions are specifically recommended for this recipe.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of chopped garlic.
Can I use a different type of canned tomato?
Yes, while chipotle or spicy versions are recommended, you can use regular diced tomatoes if you prefer a milder soup.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this is an excellent 'one-pot' meal that is easy to prepare in large batches and reheats well.
How many packages of ranch dressing mix are needed?
You will need two 1-ounce packages of ranch dressing mix.
What size can of corn is used?
The recipe uses one 15 1/4 ounce can of whole kernel corn.
Do I need to stir the soup during cooking?
It is recommended to stir the mixture occasionally while it cooks on low for 6 hours to help blend the flavors.
Is this a low-calorie meal?
Yes, by using lean meats like turkey and chicken and lots of vegetables, it is designed to be a healthy, low-calorie option.
Can I use fresh jalapenos instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute canned jalapenos with fresh diced jalapenos to your preference.
What is Rotel?
Rotel is a brand of canned diced tomatoes and green chilies that adds a specific zest and heat to the soup.
Can I add extra liquids if the soup is too thick?
Yes, you can adjust the consistency by adding a bit more chicken broth or water if desired.
How much olive oil is needed for browning?
The instructions call for 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
Can I substitute the ground chicken?
Yes, you could use ground turkey or lean ground beef as an alternative to ground chicken.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is tagged as family-friendly and is a crowd-pleasing meal that kids and adults usually enjoy.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the turkey sausage and ground chicken.
Can I make this on a stovetop instead of a Crock Pot?
While designed for a Crock Pot, you can simmer it on the stove in a large pot for about 45-60 minutes after browning the meat.
Should the pinto beans be rinsed?
The recipe specifies they should be drained; rinsing is optional but helps further reduce sodium.
What should I do if the soup needs more seasoning at the end?
Once cooked, taste the soup and adjust the salt, pepper, or taco seasoning to your personal preference before serving.