Crockpot Vegetarian Tortilla Soup Recipe

Introduction

This Crockpot Vegetarian Tortilla Soup is a warm, hearty meal packed with beans, lentils, and vibrant spices. It’s perfect for busy days when you want comforting, wholesome food without the fuss. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings!

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, diced (white or yellow)
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped (or green)
• 1 jalapeño pepper, diced (optional)
• 1 tsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 1 cup corn (frozen, canned, or fresh)
• 3/4 cup dried red lentils, rinsed
• 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 oz red beans, drained and rinsed
• 3/4 cup mild or medium salsa
• 15 oz tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
• 3 1/2 cups vegetable broth (or low-sodium chicken broth)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup light cream cheese (or dairy-free cream cheese)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Dice the onion and bell pepper. If using jalapeño, dice it as well (wear gloves if preferred).
2. Step 2: Rinse and drain the black and red beans. Rinse the red lentils thoroughly under cold water and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the crockpot, add olive oil, diced jalapeño (if using), onion, bell pepper, corn, lentils, black and red beans, salsa, tomato sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Step 4: Cook on HIGH for 4–6 hours or LOW for 7–8 hours, until lentils are soft and the soup is thick.
5. Step 5: Stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and creamy.
6. Step 6: Ladle soup into bowls and top with crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheddar, sliced jalapeños, chopped red onion, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, sour cream, or Greek yogurt as desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegan option, substitute dairy-free cream cheese or use coconut yogurt as a topping.
• Adjust the jalapeño and cayenne to control the heat level to suit your taste.
• Fire-roasted tomatoes add a smoky depth if available.
• Add diced zucchini or carrots for extra veggies and texture.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. The soup may thicken when cold; add a splash of broth or water when reheating if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup without a crockpot?

Yes, you can simmer all the ingredients in a large pot on the stove over low heat for about 1 hour, or until the lentils are tender and the flavors meld.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Definitely. This soup freezes well—store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Crockpot Vegetarian Tortilla Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 114 reviews

This Crockpot Vegetarian Tortilla Soup is a hearty, flavorful, and creamy slow-cooked soup featuring red lentils, beans, and vibrant veggies. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal, it incorporates smoky spices and finishes with cream cheese for a rich texture. Top it off with classic tortilla soup garnishes like crushed chips, cheese, and avocado slices for a satisfying and comforting dish.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4–6 hours on HIGH or 7–8 hours on LOW
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables and Beans

• 1 medium onion, diced (white or yellow)
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 jalapeño pepper, diced (optional)
• 1 cup corn (frozen, canned, or fresh)
• 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 oz red beans, drained and rinsed

Lentils and Grains

• 3/4 cup dried red lentils, rinsed

Liquids and Sauces

• 3 1/2 cups vegetable broth (or low-sodium chicken broth if not strictly vegetarian)
• 15 oz tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes, fire-roasted optional)
• 3/4 cup mild or medium salsa
• 1 tsp olive oil (or avocado oil)

Spices

• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Dairy

• 1/2 cup light cream cheese (or dairy-free cream cheese for vegan option)

Optional Toppings

• Crushed tortilla chips
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sliced jalapeños
• Chopped red onion
• Avocado slices
• Fresh cilantro
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt

Instructions

1. Prep the veggies: Dice the onion and bell pepper into small pieces. If using jalapeño, dice it finely, making sure to wear gloves if needed to avoid irritation.
2. Rinse and drain: Rinse and drain the black and red beans thoroughly. Also, rinse the red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.
3. Load the crockpot: Add 1 tsp olive oil to the slow cooker, followed by the diced jalapeño (if using), onion, bell pepper, corn, lentils, black beans, and red beans. Pour in the salsa and tomato sauce. Sprinkle the smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper over the ingredients. Finally, pour in the vegetable broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
4. Cook the soup: Cover the crockpot and cook on HIGH for 4 to 6 hours or on LOW for 7 to 8 hours. Cook until the lentils are soft, and the soup has thickened to a hearty consistency.
5. Stir in creaminess: When cooking is complete, stir in the 1/2 cup of light cream cheese until melted and fully incorporated, giving the soup a creamy texture and richer flavor.
6. Serve with toppings: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes such as crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced jalapeños, chopped red onion, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess and flavor contrast.

Notes

• Jalapeño is optional; omit or reduce for less spice, especially if serving children.
• You can substitute vegetable broth with low-sodium chicken broth if not strictly vegetarian.
• Use dairy-free cream cheese to make this recipe vegan.
• Leftovers reheat well and tend to thicken; add extra broth or water when reheating if desired.
• Toppings add texture and freshness; feel free to customize according to taste.

Keywords: vegetarian tortilla soup, crockpot soup recipe, slow cooker lentil soup, healthy Mexican soup, creamy tortilla soup, easy crockpot recipes