Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs lean ground turkey (93% lean or higher) or lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 cup frozen sweet corn
- 2 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
- 1 packet (1 oz) low-sodium taco seasoning
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch dressing mix
- Optional toppings: Plain Greek yogurt (for extra protein), avocado, cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the Protein
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey or beef along with the diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is fully browned and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess fat from the pan. This step is crucial because it adds a depth of flavor and texture that you simply cannot get by adding raw meat directly to the slow cooker. - Step 2: Combine in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the browned meat mixture into your slow cooker. Add the black beans, kidney beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, frozen corn, and the beef broth. Sprinkle the taco seasoning and the ranch dressing mix over the top. Stir everything together until the spices are well-distributed throughout the liquid and vegetables. - Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set the timer to cook on “Low” for 6 to 8 hours or on “High” for 3 to 4 hours. Cooking on low is recommended for the best flavor development. Once the time is up, give the soup a final stir. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary, though the spice packets usually provide plenty of salt and heat. - Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. To maintain the high-protein profile, top each bowl with a dollop of non-fat plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Add fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and a few slices of avocado. Serve immediately while hot.
- Cook Time: 6 hours 15 minutes