The Best Slow Cooker Taco Soup Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Hearty slow cooker taco soup brings comfort right to your dinner table with minimum effort and maximum flavor.

Packed with ground beef, beans, and vibrant spices, this meal transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something special.

Mexican-inspired ingredients merge beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying experience you’ll crave repeatedly.

Tender meat and robust seasonings simmer gently, developing deep, layered flavors that dance across your palate.

Friends and colleagues will beg you for the secret behind this incredibly delicious dish.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients combine into something magical without complicated techniques.

One spoonful promises to transport you straight to flavor paradise.

Join the culinary adventure and let this incredible soup become your new favorite comfort meal.

Taco Soup From the Slow Cooker That Explains Itself in the First Bite

• Hands-Off Cooking: Slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing busy home cooks to enjoy a delicious meal without constant monitoring. Perfect for workdays or lazy weekends when you want tasty food with minimal effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with hearty ingredients and bold southwestern flavors that appeal to both kids and adults. Versatile enough to satisfy different taste preferences while delivering a satisfying, warm meal.
• Meal Prep Champion: Generates generous portions that easily feed a family and provide leftovers. Freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for preparing meals in advance and enjoying convenient future dinners.

Taco Soup Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Hearty meat that gives the soup its rich, meaty flavor. Choose lean ground beef for less grease.
• Beef Broth: Creates the liquid base and enhances the soup's depth. Low-sodium options work well for controlling salt content.

• Kidney Beans, Black Beans: Protein-packed legumes that add texture and nutritional value. Canned beans are convenient and time-saving.
• Corn: Adds sweetness and bright color to the soup. Fresh, frozen, or canned corn all work great.
• Diced Tomatoes, Green Chilies: Provide acidity, moisture, and mild heat. Roasted green chilies can add extra smokiness.
• Onion: Provides aromatic base flavor and depth. Sweet or yellow onions are traditional choices.
• Tomato Sauce: Helps thicken the soup and adds rich tomato flavor.

• Taco Seasoning: Delivers classic Mexican-inspired flavor profile. Homemade or store-bought options are both delicious.
• Garlic Powder, Chili Powder, Cumin: Spices that create complex, warm flavor layers. Ground spices maintain consistent taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavor. Adjust to personal taste preference.
• Olive Oil: Used for initial beef browning and preventing sticking.

Taco Soup Slow Cooker Method

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in ground beef and cook until it transforms into a golden-brown delight, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.

Drain away any excess grease to keep things light and tasty.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Foundation

Transfer the perfectly browned beef to your trusty slow cooker.

• Diced onion
• Taco seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together until the ingredients become best friends.

Step 3: Create a Hearty Soup Base

• Kidney beans
• Black beans
• Corn
• Diced tomatoes
• Green chilies
• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth

Mix thoroughly, ensuring each ingredient gets a chance to mingle and share its unique flavor.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let the magic happen.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Give it an occasional stir if you’re hanging around the kitchen.

Step 5: Dress and Impress

Taste the soup and adjust seasonings if needed.

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Diced avocado
• Fresh cilantro
• Crushed tortilla chips

Enjoy your comforting, flavor-packed taco soup!

Soup Shortcuts for Taco Night in the Slow Cooker

• Remove excess fat completely to prevent a greasy soup texture and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
• Adjust taco seasoning and chili powder to match your heat preference, creating a personalized flavor profile that suits your taste buds.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian alternative without compromising taste.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to increase nutrient content and create a more robust, hearty soup.
• Let the soup sit for 30 minutes after cooking to allow seasonings to meld together, creating a more complex and rich taste experience.

Reheating Taco Soup Easily

• Store leftover taco soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Removes easily and stays delicious for up to 3 months when sealed properly.
• Pour soup into a saucepan, warm over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Add a splash of broth if soup seems too thick.
• Transfer single serving to microwave-safe dish. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until soup reaches steaming temperature. Check for hot spots before enjoying.

What to Serve With Taco Soup

• Pair Perfectly with Crisp Mexican Lager: Select a light, refreshing Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo Especial to complement the hearty soup's rich flavors and cut through its spiciness.
• Wine Wonderland: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Malbec that can stand up to the bold, robust taste of the taco soup without overwhelming its delicate spice profile.
• Citrus Margarita Magic: Craft a classic or fruity margarita with fresh lime juice and tequila to enhance the soup's zesty Mexican-inspired elements and provide a bright, tangy counterpoint to the warm, meaty dish.
• Cornbread Companion: Bake a slightly sweet, golden cornbread that adds a crumbly texture and subtle sweetness to balance the soup's spicy and savory components, creating a perfect dipping side.

Best Slow Cooker Taco Soup Soup Options

• Vegetarian Bean Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans like pinto and cannellini for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free taco seasoning and verify all canned ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Add diced jalapeños, increase chili powder, and include a dash of hot sauce for heat lovers who want an intense flavor profile.
• Low-Sodium Option: Select reduced-sodium broth, omit added salt, and use no-salt-added canned beans to create a heart-healthy alternative for those monitoring sodium intake.

FAQs

• Can I make this taco soup without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can prepare this recipe in a large pot on the stovetop. Simply brown the beef, add all ingredients, and simmer on low heat for about 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Is this taco soup spicy?

The recipe has mild spice levels from chili powder and green chilies. If you prefer more heat, add extra chili powder or include some diced jalapeños. For less spice, reduce the chili powder amount.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is an excellent lean protein substitute. It will work perfectly in this recipe and provide a similar flavor profile while being a healthier option.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this taco soup gluten-free, use a gluten-free taco seasoning mix and ensure all canned ingredients are labeled gluten-free. Double-check labels to confirm no gluten-containing additives are present.

Best Slow Cooker Taco Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty slow cooker taco soup delivers Mexican-inspired comfort in one delicious bowl. Packed with ground beef, beans, and zesty spices, this easy recipe promises a satisfying meal that brings families together around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 4 cups (946 milliliters) beef broth (or chicken broth)

Vegetables and Beans:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) corn kernels, drained
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (4 ounces/113 grams) diced green chilies
• 1 can (8 ounces/227 grams) tomato sauce

Seasonings and Cooking:

• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the beef)

Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips, cilantro

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Instructions

1. Sizzle ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, crumbling the meat as it browns and eliminating excess grease.
2. Transfer the caramelized beef into the slow cooker, introducing a medley of aromatic spices including taco seasoning, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss the ingredients thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
3. Enrich the mixture with protein-packed kidney and black beans, sweet corn kernels, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, zesty green chilies, robust tomato sauce, and savory beef broth. Gently integrate all components to create a harmonious blend.
4. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the soup to simmer and meld flavors on low temperature for 6-8 hours, or accelerate the process on high setting for 3-4 hours. Occasionally stir to prevent ingredient settling.
5. After cooking, perform a quick taste test and fine-tune seasonings as desired. Present the steaming soup adorned with optional garnishes like sharp shredded cheese, creamy sour cream, buttery avocado slices, fresh cilantro, or crispy tortilla chip fragments.

Notes

• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease and watery soup consistency.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder or adding diced jalapeños for spice lovers.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter, healthier alternative.
• Let soup rest 15-20 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and thicken naturally.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg