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Creamy Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup Recipe Easy with Crispy Toppings

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A comforting and creamy slow cooker tortilla soup with smoky chipotle, fresh lime, and crispy tortilla strips, perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (14.5 oz / 410 g) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra smokiness)
  • 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup (240 ml) corn kernels (frozen or fresh)
  • 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped (adjust for spice level)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened (can substitute with Greek yogurt for lighter option)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 6 corn tortillas, cut into thin strips
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional garnishes: shredded cheddar cheese, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, sour cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Toss the tortilla strips in vegetable oil, chili powder (if using), and a pinch of salt. Fry in batches, stirring frequently, until golden and crispy, about 3-5 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Set aside.
  2. In the slow cooker, add diced tomatoes (with juices), black beans, corn, chopped onion, minced garlic, chipotle peppers, cumin, smoked paprika, and broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The soup should be bubbling gently, and the onions tender. Avoid opening the lid too much during cooking to keep the heat consistent.
  4. About 15 minutes before serving, scoop softened cream cheese into a small bowl. Ladle about 1 cup (240 ml) of the hot soup broth into it and whisk until smooth. Pour this creamy mixture back into the slow cooker and stir well to combine.
  5. Stir in fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Ladle the creamy tortilla soup into bowls. Top generously with crispy tortilla strips, shredded cheddar, diced avocado, cilantro, jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream — whatever you love most.

Notes

Use firm, small-curd cream cheese for ultra-smooth creaminess. For a gluten-free version, ensure tortillas are certified GF. If soup is too thick after adding cream cheese, stir in more broth or water. Fry tortilla strips in batches to avoid sogginess. Can be made on stove simmering for 45-60 minutes if no slow cooker is available.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker tortilla soup, creamy tortilla soup, chipotle soup, crispy tortilla strips, easy slow cooker recipes, comforting soup, family dinner soup

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/creamy-slow-cooker-tortilla-soup-recipe-easy-with-crispy-toppings/