Slow Cooker Taco Soup is a delicious, hearty, and incredibly easy-to-make meal that combines the bold flavors of tacos with the convenience of slow cooking. Packed with seasoned ground beef (or turkey), beans, and zesty taco spices, this soup is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Both kids and adults enjoy its rich flavors and customizable toppings such as shredded cheese, tortilla chips, and avocado. Moreover, the advantage of utilizing a slow cooker lies in its ability to seamlessly combine flavors, resulting in a dish that is both satisfying and nourishing.

This Slow Cooker Taco Soup recipe satisfies your craving for Mexican-inspired dishes and is easy to prepare in advance. For more ideas to round out your meal, consider pairing this dish with our Chili Dog Casserole Recipe for an indulgent comfort food experience, or explore our Healthy Bowl Recipes for lighter alternatives.

The best part? This soup is incredibly versatile. You can make it vegetarian, adjust the spice level, or switch up the toppings to suit your preferences. Whether you’re a fan of creamy soups like our White Chicken Chili Recipe, let’s dive into this easy recipe that’s guaranteed to warm your soul and elevate your mealtime.

Slow Cooker Taco Soup Recipe: A Hearty Classic Made Easy

Author: Kamilia Chef
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
Yield: 6 bowls of taco soup 1x

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Description

For busy weeknights, this Slow Cooker Taco Soup provides a hearty and flavorful meal. Packed with ground beef, beans, corn, and bold taco seasonings, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it recipe that will warm your soul. Customize with your favorite toppings for a comforting and satisfying dish!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup:

1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 medium onion, diced
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes, with juice
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)

Optional Toppings:

Shredded cheese
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Diced avocado
Chopped cilantro
Tortilla chips or strips
Jalapeño slices

Instructions

Prepare the Soup:

Cook the Ground Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion until the meat is fully cooked and the onion is tender. Drain any excess fat.
Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
Transfer the cooked ground beef and onion to the slow cooker. Add the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, taco seasoning, ranch seasoning, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
Stir and Serve:
Before serving, give the soup a good stir. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.

Serve:

Top and Enjoy:
Ladle the taco soup into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, or your favorite toppings. Serve hot!

Notes

For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Substitute ground meat with shredded rotisserie chicken or plant-based crumbles for variation.
Leftovers freeze beautifully—store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
Category: Comfort Food
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

Calories: 300
Fat: 10
Carbohydrates: 30
Protein: 20

Why Slow Cooker Taco Soup is a Great Choice:

If you enjoy tacos but find the time-consuming preparation tedious, consider the slow cooker as your new trusted companion. Taco soup is the easiest way to enjoy taco-inspired flavors with minimal effort. Here’s why it’s so appealing:

Simply place the ingredients into the slow cooker, set the timer, and allow it to perform its magic. The long cooking time allows flavors to develop without constant supervision.
Customizable flavors: Adjust the spice level, ingredients, and toppings to suit your tastes. Whether you prefer mild or extra spicy, the recipe is highly adaptable.
Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch to have ready for busy weeknights or lunch leftovers. Taco soup keeps well in the refrigerator and freezes beautifully, making it ideal for meal planning.
Kid-friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy the mild flavors and fun texture. Plus, the ability to top the soup with cheese, sour cream, and crunchy tortilla chips makes it a hit with the little ones.
Feeds a crowd: If you have a large family or guests over, this soup is perfect. It’s easy to scale and doesn’t require a lot of attention, making it ideal for gatherings.

Taco soup offers the perfect balance of comforting flavors, convenience, and versatility, making it an excellent choice for any meal.

What You Need to Make Slow Cooker Taco Soup:

Before you begin, make sure you have all the essential ingredients for this delicious soup. Below is a breakdown of the key components:

Essential Ingredients:

Ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option): This provides the base of the soup and adds richness. You can also use other meats, like chicken, or go meatless with vegetarian or vegan options.
Canned beans (kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, etc.): Beans are high in fiber, providing a hearty base for the soup. If you prefer fewer beans, you can adjust the amount or substitute them with chickpeas or other legumes.
Canned corn: Corn adds a touch of sweetness and texture to balance the savory ingredients.
Canned tomatoes and green chilies: These ingredients add depth and a spicy kick to the soup. You can adjust the spice by choosing mild or hot chilies.
Taco seasoning: Use store-bought taco seasoning or make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. This is the key to giving your soup that signature taco flavor.
Chicken or beef broth: The broth serves as the base liquid for the soup. It helps all the ingredients meld together, adding richness to the overall flavor.
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, cilantro, avocado, and lime wedges. These toppings make the soup even more delicious and customizable.

Possible Variations:

Vegetarian or Vegan Taco Soup: Skip the meat and use more beans or lentils as a substitute. Add extra veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition. You can also use vegetable broth for a completely plant-based option.
Spicy vs. Mild: Adjust the level of spice by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning. If you love heat, you can add extra jalapeños, serrano peppers, or a dash of hot sauce.
Low-Carb Version: Use cauliflower rice or skip the beans to keep the carb count low. You can also add shredded chicken for extra protein while keeping the carb content minimal.

Ingredient Substitutions:

If you don’t have ground beef, you can also use chicken, pork, or even tofu for a different twist. Ground chicken is lean and works wonderfully as an alternative.
Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly option or swap beans for chickpeas for a different texture.

By adjusting the ingredients, you can make Taco Soup your own, tailoring it to your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.

How to Prepare Slow Cooker Taco Soup:

Preparing Taco Soup in a slow cooker is as simple as it gets! Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting the perfect bowl of taco soup.

Instructions:

Brown the meat (if using ground beef or turkey). In a pan, cook the meat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
Prepare the slow cooker: In the slow cooker, add the cooked ground meat, canned beans (drained), corn, diced tomatoes, green chilies, taco seasoning, and broth.
Stir everything together: Mix the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed. The mixture should look vibrant and well-combined.
Set the slow cooker:
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld beautifully and infuses the broth with a savory depth.
Serve: Ladle the taco soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, and tortilla chips.

Tips for Better Texture:

To make the soup creamier, stir in a little cream cheese or sour cream in the last 30 minutes of cooking. This adds richness and a velvety texture to the soup.
For a thicker consistency, you can mash a portion of the beans with a potato masher or add cornmeal to the soup during the last 30 minutes. This helps thicken the soup naturally.
If the soup turns out too thin, you can also let it cook on the high setting for an additional 30 minutes, which helps reduce the liquid and concentrate the flavors.

Timing Guide:

Low setting: Let it cook for 6-8 hours for a deep, rich flavor. The longer cook time allows the seasonings to fully integrate, creating a more robust taste.
High setting: If you’re pressed for time, cooking for 3-4 hours will still produce a delicious result, but the flavors may not be as well-developed. If you can plan ahead, opt for the low setting.

Best Slow Cooker for Taco Soup:

Choosing the right slow cooker can make your Taco Soup experience even better. Here’s what to look for:

Size: A 4-6 quart slow cooker is perfect for this recipe. It provides enough room for all the ingredients without overflowing.
Features: Look for a slow cooker with programmable settings and an automatic shut-off feature. This ensures your soup is cooked perfectly even if you’re not around to monitor it.
Popular Brands:
- Crockpot: Known for reliability and great temperature control. It has multiple settings and is available in various sizes to suit your needs.
- Instant Pot: Offers both slow-cooking and pressure-cooking functions. This brand is perfect for those who want versatility and the ability to speed up the cooking process when needed.

If you’re cooking for a large group, consider a 6-quart slow cooker, as it can comfortably accommodate multiple servings. Additionally, having a programmable timer is helpful if you want to set it and forget it.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

While Taco Soup is delicious on its own, here are some creative ideas to make it a complete meal:

Sides to Serve:
- Cornbread: A classic side that pairs wonderfully with taco soup. The sweet, crumbly texture complements the soup’s richness.
- Mexican Rice: Add a flavorful side dish to balance the soup’s richness. The rice absorbs the savory broth, creating a harmonious meal.
- Taco Salad: For a lighter option, serve the soup over a bed of lettuce with additional toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and cilantro.
Creative Toppings:
- Shredded cheese, sour cream, and cilantro add extra flavor and creaminess to the soup. Cheese can also help cool down the heat if you’ve gone heavy on the spices.
- Tortilla chips or crushed corn chips give a satisfying crunch. You can also serve the soup with soft tortillas or corn tortillas for dipping.
- A squeeze of lime adds a fresh, zesty flavor that brightens the whole dish.
Full Meal Option:
- Add cooked rice or quinoa to the soup for a heartier dish. This adds bulk and additional protein.
- Mix in a few extra veggies like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers for added nutrients and texture.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Taco Soup:

What if I don’t have a gradual cooker?

No problem! You can without difficulty make Taco Soup on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot. Simply brown the meat in a pot, upload all components, and simmer for 30-45 minutes until heated via.

Can I make taco soup without beans?

Yes, you can! If you’re avoiding beans, without a doubt replace them with more meat or greens like zucchini or bell peppers.

How can I make taco soup spicier?

Add greater jalapeños, hot sauce, or use a highly spiced taco seasoning for more warmth.

Can I freeze taco soup?

Absolutely! Taco soup freezes thoroughly and can be stored in freezer-secure packing containers for up to a few months. Thaw and reheat when you’re prepared to enjoy it once more.

Can I use a unique sort of meat in taco soup?

Yes, you could use a variety of meats in taco soup. While floor-red meat is conventional, ground turkey, bird, or pork are all amazing options. You can even use a shredded rotisserie bird for convenience. For a vegetarian or vegan choice, pass the meat entirely and use extra beans or vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

How do I save taco soup leftovers?

Taco soup can be saved in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as four-five days. If you need to keep it for an extended period, you could freeze it in freezer-safe bins for up to a few months. Make certain to let the soup cool absolutely before storing it in the fridge or freezer to keep away from condensation.

Can I make taco soup in advance of time?

Yes, taco soup can be made earlier! It truly tastes even better tomorrow because the flavors continue to meld. You can put together the soup an afternoon or two beforehand and store it in the fridge. Simply reheat it at the range or within the microwave earlier than serving.

Can I add vegetables to taco soup?

Absolutely! Taco soup is exceedingly flexible. Feel unfastened to feature greens like bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or corn. You can also throw in a few candy potatoes, carrots, or tomatoes to boost the dietary value and add extra flavors to the soup.

Can I make taco soup with no beans?

Yes, you can make taco soup without beans in case you opt for a distinct texture or if you’re fending off beans for dietary reasons. You can replace beans with extra meat (like more ground red meat or fowl) or upload in more greens, inclusive of zucchini, bell peppers, or cauliflower, for added texture.

How highly spiced is taco soup?

Taco soup can range in spiciness depending on the components you use. Typically, the taco seasoning and chilies offer a moderate to medium spice stage. However, you may modify the heat by including extra jalapeños, hot sauce, or deciding on a highly spiced taco seasoning to make it as hot as you want.

Is taco soup gluten-unfastened?

Yes, taco soup is obviously gluten-free; however, it’s essential to check the labels of positive substances. Some shop-sold taco seasonings or canned goods may additionally comprise gluten or different components. Make certain you’re using a gluten-free taco seasoning blend or make your very own at home. Additionally, if you use tortilla chips or serve with tortillas, make certain to select gluten-unfastened options.

Conclusion

Taco Soup is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting, flavorful experience that can be tailored to any flavor or occasion. Whether you opt for the hearty richness of floor red meat or the lighter choice of floor turkey, this Slow Cooker Taco Soup gives an excellent balance of flavor, vitamins, and ease. With its versatility method, you could make it as highly spiced, creamy, or veggie-packed as you want, making it a staple recipe for weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd.

What makes this soup truly special is the ability to personalize it with a variety of toppings and sides. From crunchy tortilla chips and creamy avocado to a side of cornbread or our Chicken Keema Tacos Recipe, you can turn this dish into a full, satisfying feast. If you’re looking to explore other comfort foods, try pairing this soup with the classic flavors of our Chili Dog Casserole Recipe or indulge in our Creamy White Chicken Chili Recipe for another soup that’s equally satisfying.

The convenience of a slow cooker allows you to prepare a wholesome meal with minimal effort, perfect for busy lifestyles. Plus, Taco Soup freezes beautifully, so you can save leftovers for a quick and easy meal later in the week. Don’t forget to try out variations like a vegetarian version or adding unique toppings to keep the recipe fresh and exciting every time.

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