Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup Recipe

This slow cooker tortilla soup brings the heat and the flavor. Packed with hearty proteins and spiced to perfection, this dish is more than just a soup. It's a taste of Mexican cuisine made simple for the home cook. With the slow cooker doing all the work, this recipe is perfect for those busy days. The tender, shredded chicken, infused with the flavors of the spices, vegetables, and broth, combined with crispy tortilla strips makes for a satisfying meal.

Photos of Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup Recipe

Most of the ingredients are pantry staples like canned tomatoes, beans, corn, and chicken broth. For fresh produce, you'll need onions, garlic, and jalapeno, which are commonly available in supermarkets. If jalapenos are too spicy for your taste, you can substitute it with bell peppers. Be sure to check if you have ground cumin and chili powder in your spice rack before you head to the supermarket.

Ingredients for the Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup

Corn tortillas: These are the base for the crispy garnish on top of the soup.

Olive oil: Used for sautéing the onions, garlic, and jalapeno, and also for frying the tortilla strips.

Onion: Adds depth of flavor to the soup.

Garlic: Brings a pungent and robust flavor.

Jalapeno: Adds heat to the soup; adjust according to your spice preference.

Ground cumin: Adds a warm and earthy flavor.

Chili powder: Gives a spicy kick and color to the soup.

Tomatoes: Provides acidity and sweetness to balance the flavors.

Rotel: A canned mix of diced tomatoes and green chilies, adds tanginess and heat.

Chicken broth: Forms the base of the soup.

Black beans: Adds a rich source of protein and texture.

Frozen corn: Adds sweetness and a crunchy texture.

Chicken breasts: The main source of protein; becomes tender and easy to shred after slow cooking.

Cilantro: Provides a fresh and citrusy flavor.

One reader, Dar Vaughn says:

This slow cooker tortilla soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and the aroma fills the house as it cooks. The tender chicken and crispy tortilla strips make it a delight to eat. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a hearty, delicious soup.

Dar Vaughn

Techniques Required for Making Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup

How to prepare the tortilla strips: Cut the corn tortillas into thin strips. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the tortilla strips in small batches until they are crisp. Drain them on paper towels and sprinkle with salt to taste.

How to shred the chicken: Once the soup is cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Then, add the shredded chicken back into the pot.

How to serve the soup: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the crispy tortilla strips. Garnish with additional cilantro if desired. Serve and enjoy!

How To Make Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup

This hearty tortilla soup is loaded with filling beef and corn to give you the best comfort food! It’s all cooked in a slow cooker for a fuss-free soup.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 4 hours

Total: 4 hours 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

6corn tortillas,6-inch, cut ¼-inch strips
1tbspolive oil
1onion,chopped
3large garlic cloves,minced
1jalapeno,diced, seeded
2tspground cumin
2tspchili powder
14oztomatoes,crushed
rotel,1 can
4cupschicken broth
14.5ozblack beans
1cupfrozen corn
2chicken breasts
¼cupcilantro

Instructions

Cook the onion, garlic and jalapeño in olive oil in a pan.
Add them to the bottom of a slow cooker.
Add the cumin, chili powder, tomatoes, rotel, chicken broth, beans, corn, chicken, and cilantro to the slow cooker.
Cook on High for 4 hours.
Shred the chicken, then add them back to the pot.
Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a small pan.
Add the tortilla strips in small batches, then fry until crisp.
Drain on paper towels, then sprinkle with salt to taste.
Serve the soup with tortilla strips, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 513.10kcal
Fat: 11.83g
Saturated Fat: 2.82g
Trans Fat: 0.06g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5.24g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.72g
Carbohydrates: 70.06g
Fiber: 14.28g
Sugar: 7.59g
Protein: 34.23g
Cholesterol: 41.92mg
Sodium: 312.21mg
Calcium: 141.96mg
Potassium: 1641.11mg
Iron: 5.51mg
Vitamin A: 62.87µg
Vitamin C: 16.16mg

Technique Tip for Enhancing Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup

When frying the tortilla strips, it's important to not overcrowd the pan. Adding too many at once will lower the oil's temperature and result in soggy, rather than crispy, tortillas. Also, remember to turn the strips occasionally for an even golden-brown color.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Tortilla Soup in a Slow Cooker

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.

Use pre-cooked ingredients: Utilize pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or canned beans to save time on preparation.

Slow cooker magic: Let the slow cooker do the work for you by allowing the flavors to meld together while you attend to other tasks.

Double batch: Consider making a larger quantity and freezing the extra portions for quick and convenient future meals.

One-pot wonder: Opt for recipes that can be prepared in a single pot or slow cooker to minimize cleanup time.

Invest in kitchen tools: Utilize tools such as a food processor or mandoline to expedite the chopping and slicing process.

Follow the recipe: Stick to the provided measurements and instructions to avoid potential mistakes that could prolong the cooking process.

Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you cook to prevent unnecessary time spent searching for utensils and ingredients.

Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup Recipe

corn tortillas - Substitute with flour tortillas: Flour tortillas can be used as a substitute for corn tortillas, providing a slightly different texture and flavor to the soup.
olive oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil can be used as a substitute for olive oil, providing a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can be used as a substitute for onions, providing a milder and slightly sweeter flavor to the soup.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic cloves, providing a convenient alternative with a slightly different flavor profile.
jalapeno - Substitute with serrano pepper: Serrano peppers can be used as a substitute for jalapenos, providing a similar level of heat and flavor to the soup.
ground cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander can be used as a substitute for cumin, providing a citrusy and slightly sweet flavor to the soup.
chili powder - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can be used as a substitute for chili powder, providing a mild and slightly sweet flavor to the soup.
tomatoes - Substitute with canned tomato sauce: Canned tomato sauce can be used as a substitute for fresh tomatoes, providing a smooth and concentrated tomato flavor to the soup.
rotel - Substitute with diced tomatoes with green chilies: Diced tomatoes with green chilies can be used as a substitute for Rotel, providing a similar flavor and texture to the soup.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth, providing a vegetarian-friendly alternative with a similar savory flavor.
black beans - Substitute with kidney beans: Kidney beans can be used as a substitute for black beans, providing a similar texture and mild flavor to the soup.
frozen corn - Substitute with canned corn: Canned corn can be used as a substitute for frozen corn, providing a convenient alternative with a similar sweet flavor and texture.
chicken breasts - Substitute with tofu cubes: Tofu cubes can be used as a substitute for chicken breasts, providing a vegetarian-friendly alternative with a neutral flavor and protein content.
cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can be used as a substitute for cilantro, providing a similar fresh and herbaceous flavor to the soup.

Presentation Ideas for Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup

Elevate the tortilla strips: Fry the tortilla strips until crisp, then drain and sprinkle with a touch of sea salt to add a delightful crunch to the dish.
Garnish with fresh cilantro: Add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor by sprinkling the top of the soup with vibrant, fragrant cilantro leaves.
Present in elegant bowls: Choose beautiful, high-quality bowls to serve the soup, enhancing the visual appeal and elevating the dining experience.
Arrange the shredded chicken artfully: Place the shredded chicken in an eye-catching manner, creating an inviting visual presentation that showcases the star ingredient.
Incorporate a drizzle of crema: Add a touch of richness and elegance by drizzling a swirl of crema on top of the soup, creating a visually appealing contrast.
Serve with a side of lime wedges: Provide lime wedges on the side to allow guests to add a zesty, citrusy kick to their soup, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Add a sprinkle of queso fresco: Finish the dish with a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco, adding a creamy, slightly tangy element to the presentation.

Essential Tools for Making Tortilla Soup in a Slow Cooker

Pan: A flat-bottomed utensil used for cooking, typically made of metal and equipped with a handle and sometimes a lid.
Slow cooker: A countertop electrical cooking appliance that maintains a low temperature for an extended period, allowing for the slow simmering of food.
Knife: A cutting tool with a sharp blade, used for preparing ingredients.
Cutting board: A durable board on which to place material for cutting.
Spatula: A broad, flat, flexible blade used to mix, spread, and lift material.
Tongs: A tool with two movable arms that are joined at one end, used for picking up and manipulating food.
Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used to measure precise amounts of ingredients for cooking and baking.
Can opener: A device used to open metal cans.
Skillet: A frying pan with a long handle, typically used for frying or sautéing food.
Soup ladle: A long-handled spoon with a deep bowl for serving soup.
Tortilla strips: Thin strips of tortilla, often used as a garnish for soups and salads.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Tortilla Soup

Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for slow cooker tortilla soup:

Allow the soup to cool completely before storing or freezing. Transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container or freezer-safe bags.
If storing in the refrigerator, the tortilla soup will keep well for up to 4-5 days. Make sure to store it in the coldest part of your fridge, typically the back.
When freezing, leave some space at the top of the container or bag to allow for expansion. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
It's recommended to freeze the tortilla strips separately in an airtight container or bag. They will maintain their crispness better when stored separately from the soup.
To reheat the frozen soup, first, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Then, transfer the thawed soup to a pot and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through.
If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a little chicken broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
Freshen up the flavor of the reheated soup by adding a squeeze of lime juice or some chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

How To Reheat Leftover Tortilla Soup

Reheat the tortilla soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the soup is evenly warmed throughout.
If you have a microwave-safe container, you can reheat the tortilla soup in the microwave. Transfer the desired portion to the container, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (leaving a small vent for steam to escape), and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through.
For a quick and easy reheating option, use a slow cooker or Crock-Pot. Transfer the leftover tortilla soup to the slow cooker, set it to low heat, and let it warm up for about 1-2 hours, or until it reaches the desired temperature. This method is particularly useful if you have a large quantity of leftover soup.
If you want to add a fresh twist to your leftover tortilla soup, consider reheating it in a pot on the stovetop and adding some new ingredients, such as fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice. This will brighten up the flavors and make the soup taste like it was just made.
When reheating the tortilla soup, be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot or container and to ensure even heat distribution. This will also help to reincorporate any ingredients that may have settled to the bottom during storage.
If you find that the leftover tortilla soup has thickened up too much during storage, you can easily thin it out by adding a little bit of chicken broth or water while reheating. Add the liquid gradually, stirring constantly, until you reach the desired consistency.
Don't forget to taste the tortilla soup after reheating and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may find that the flavors have mellowed out during storage, so a little extra salt, pepper, or chili powder can help to revive the taste.
When serving the reheated tortilla soup, don't forget to garnish it with some fresh toppings, such as crispy tortilla strips, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. These toppings will add texture and flavor to the soup, making it feel like a brand new meal.

Interesting Fact About Tortilla Soup

The tortilla soup recipe is a popular Mexican dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for warming up on a cold day. The combination of flavors from the spices, vegetables, and chicken creates a hearty and satisfying soup. Additionally, the use of corn tortillas as a topping adds a delightful crunch to the dish. This recipe is a great way to enjoy a taste of Mexico in the comfort of your own home.

Is Making Tortilla Soup in a Slow Cooker Cost-Effective?

The slow cooker tortilla soup recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as chicken, black beans, and corn, are affordable and readily available. The use of a slow cooker also helps in saving energy costs. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20, making it a budget-friendly option. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9 out of 10, considering its affordability, ease of preparation, and delicious outcome.

Is This Tortilla Soup Recipe Healthy?

This slow cooker tortilla soup recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. Let's break it down:

Healthy ingredients:

Onion, garlic, and jalapeño provide flavor and beneficial compounds
Tomatoes and black beans offer fiber, vitamins, and minerals
Chicken breast is a lean protein source
Cilantro adds fresh flavor and antioxidants

Less healthy aspects:

Frying the tortilla strips in oil adds extra fat and calories
The sodium content may be high due to the chicken broth and added salt

While this recipe has a good balance of protein, fiber, and vegetables, there are some ways to make it even healthier:

Instead of frying the tortilla strips, bake them in the oven until crispy to reduce the added fat
Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content
Add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots to increase the nutrient density
Opt for whole grain tortillas to boost the fiber content
Use a mix of black beans and pinto beans for variety
Garnish with avocado slices for healthy fats and a creamy texture
Experiment with different spices like smoked paprika or oregano to enhance the flavor without relying on salt

Editor's Opinion on This Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup Recipe

This slow cooker tortilla soup recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of spices, tomatoes, and chicken broth creates a rich and aromatic base, while the addition of black beans and corn adds heartiness and sweetness. The crispy tortilla strips provide a satisfying crunch, complementing the tender shredded chicken. The use of a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a comforting and satisfying soup. Overall, this recipe is a winner for anyone looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal.

Enhance Your Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Guacamole: Create a zesty and creamy guacamole with ripe avocados, diced tomatoes, and a splash of lime juice for a refreshing side to accompany the tortilla soup.

Cornbread: Whip up a batch of golden, buttery cornbread to serve alongside the hearty tortilla soup for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Mexican Street Corn: Grill up some Mexican street corn with a smoky char and a sprinkle of cotija cheese, chili powder, and a squeeze of lime for a flavorful and vibrant side dish to complement the tortilla soup.

Similar Recipes to Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate the vegetables in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs before grilling for a delicious and healthy side dish.

Braised Beef Short Ribs: Sear the short ribs, then braise them in a flavorful liquid until they are tender and falling off the bone. Serve with mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.

Mango Coconut Popsicles: Blend ripe mangoes with coconut milk and a touch of honey, then freeze in popsicle molds for a refreshing and tropical dessert.

Butternut Squash Risotto: Sauté diced butternut squash with onions and garlic, then stir in Arborio rice and slowly add warm broth until creamy and tender. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a comforting and satisfying dish.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Tortilla Soup

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and bubbly for a delicious start to any meal.

Caprese Skewers: Assemble skewers of fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves for a light and refreshing appetizer. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for an extra burst of flavor.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant and decadent dessert experience.

Apple Pie: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of a classic apple pie, with a flaky golden crust and tender, cinnamon-spiced apple filling. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweet and tart.

Why trust this Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup Recipe:

This slow cooker tortilla soup recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of chicken, black beans, and corn creates a hearty and satisfying dish. The use of jalapeño and chili powder adds a kick of heat, while the cumin infuses a warm and earthy flavor. The addition of cilantro at the end brings a fresh and vibrant touch. With the convenience of a slow cooker, this recipe promises a hassle-free cooking experience. Trust the flavors and simplicity of this recipe to deliver a delicious and comforting meal every time.

Share your thoughts on the Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any tips or variations to suggest!

FAQ:

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas for this recipe?

Yes, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer. They will add a slightly different flavor and texture to the soup, but it will still be delicious.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and adding extra beans or tofu in place of the chicken.

Can I adjust the level of spiciness in the soup?

Of course! You can control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of jalapeño and chili powder. If you prefer a milder soup, you can reduce or omit the jalapeño and use less chili powder.

Can I prepare this soup in advance and reheat it later?

Yes, this soup reheats beautifully. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a few days. Just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave when you're ready to enjoy it.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.