There’s nothing like a warm bowl of Taco Soup to bring comfort and flavor to your day. And when you make it in the slow cooker, it practically cooks itself—how amazing is that? Imagine coming home after a busy day, and the house smells like a fiesta! This Taco Soup is everything you crave: hearty, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make. Trust me, you’re going to love this one. It’s the perfect blend of spiced-up ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and just the right amount of seasonings to make your taste buds do a happy dance. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that gets better the longer it sits—making it even more perfect for leftovers!
Why You’ll Love Taco Soup in Slow Cooker
This recipe isn’t just about ingredients; it’s about making memories. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or hosting friends for a casual gathering, this Taco Soup fits every occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Whether you’re in a rush or want to feed a crowd, this soup is the perfect go-to dish. It’s as easy as throw-it-in-and-forget-it, but it tastes like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen. And it’s great for feeding a group of hungry friends—guaranteed compliments!
Budget-Friendly: Taco Soup is made with pantry staples, so you don’t have to worry about running to the store for a bunch of fancy ingredients. This is comfort food on a budget, without skimping on flavor. You’ll love how a little goes a long way.
Quick and Easy: Pop it all in the slow cooker, set it, and forget it. The hardest part is waiting for it to cook while the aromas fill your kitchen. Perfect for beginners or those who need a no-fuss dinner.
Customizable: You can make this soup as mild or as spicy as you like. Add extra jalapeños for some heat or throw in some chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness. You can even swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a crowd favorite. Kids love it, adults love it, and I promise—every single person at your table will ask for the recipe. It’s comforting, savory, and just the right amount of kick!
Ingredients in Taco Soup in Slow Cooker
This soup is so simple, but the combination of these ingredients creates something absolutely magical:
Ground Beef: The savory base of this soup, ground beef brings in that rich, meaty flavor that makes this dish so satisfying. It’s the heart of this cozy dish!
Taco Seasoning: This is where the flavor comes alive. A packet of taco seasoning adds all those familiar, irresistible taco flavors—cumin, chili powder, garlic, and more—without the hassle of measuring out individual spices.
Canned Tomatoes: These juicy, tangy tomatoes bring a little acidity to balance out the richness of the meat, plus they make the soup nice and saucy.
Beans: A mix of kidney beans and black beans makes this soup filling and fiber-packed, while also giving it that classic taco taste.
Corn: Sweet corn adds a lovely pop of sweetness and texture that perfectly contrasts the savory ingredients.
Beef Broth: A bit of beef broth adds depth and richness to the soup. If you’re looking to lighten it up, you can use chicken broth instead.
Green Chilies: If you love a little kick, green chilies will add just the right amount of heat without overpowering the flavor.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into how easy it is to make this flavorful Taco Soup:
Brown the Beef: Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s cooked through, drain any excess fat. This step ensures your beef gets that nice caramelized flavor that makes this soup so hearty.
Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, combine the browned beef, taco seasoning, canned tomatoes, beans, corn, beef broth, and green chilies. Stir everything together until well-mixed.
Set and Forget: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let it cook for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the better the flavors meld together. It’s the beauty of slow cooking!
Serve and Enjoy: Once the cooking time is up, ladle the soup into bowls. Top it with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of cilantro. Serve it with some tortilla chips on the side for a little crunch.
How to Serve Taco Soup in Slow Cooker
This Taco Soup is amazing on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it even more irresistible:
Taco Toppings: Top your soup with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, or even a little guacamole. It adds that perfect creamy texture to each bite.
Tortilla Chips: Serve with crispy tortilla chips for that satisfying crunch! You can even break them up and sprinkle them right in the soup.
Fresh Salad: Pair it with a light, refreshing salad—think mixed greens with a lime vinaigrette. It’s the perfect balance to the richness of the soup.
Rice: Serve it over a bed of warm, fluffy rice for an extra comforting touch. It makes this soup even more filling!
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: You can prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. The next day, just pop everything in the slow cooker for an even quicker dinner.
Spice It Up: Add some sliced jalapeños to the soup for extra heat, or sprinkle in some chili flakes for a spicy kick. This is your soup, so adjust it however you like!
Freezer-Friendly: Taco Soup freezes beautifully! Make a double batch, and freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready for a quick meal.
Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute the ground beef? A1: Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based protein can be swapped in. The taco seasoning still brings all the flavor!
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time? A2: Absolutely! You can prep it the night before, store it in the fridge, and cook it the next day. You can also make it a day ahead and store the leftovers for later.
Q3: How do I store leftovers? A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can reheat it on the stove or microwave.
Q4: Can I freeze this soup? A4: Yes! It freezes wonderfully. Just let it cool, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Q5: Can I make this in a pressure cooker instead? A5: Yes! If you’re in a rush, you can make this in a pressure cooker. Just follow the same steps but cook on high for about 25 minutes, then release the pressure.
Q6: How do I make this spicier? A6: Add more green chilies, some chopped jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to really turn up the heat.
Q7: Can I double the recipe? A7: Absolutely! Just make sure your slow cooker is big enough to accommodate the extra ingredients, and you might need to adjust the cooking time a bit.
Q8: Is this recipe gluten-free? A8: Yes, as long as you use gluten-free taco seasoning, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Q9: How do I make this more flavorful? A9: If you want to amp up the flavor, try adding a squeeze of lime juice or a handful of fresh cilantro when serving. A little zest goes a long way!
Q10: Can I add other vegetables to this soup? A10: Definitely! Add in some bell peppers, zucchini, or even some spinach for extra veggies. It’s a flexible recipe!
Conclusion
This Taco Soup is a total game-changer! It’s comforting, flavorful, and so simple to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something cozy on a quiet evening, this recipe hits all the right notes. So grab your slow cooker, throw in your ingredients, and let the magic happen. You won’t regret it!
PrintTaco Soup in Slow Cooker
This Taco Soup in Slow Cooker is the perfect blend of hearty chili beans, savory beef, and zesty taco seasoning. It’s so easy to prepare and cooks to perfection in the crockpot, making it a must-try comfort food! Perfect for cozy nights or feeding a crowd.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (or 6-8 hours depending on the cooking time)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 – 15 oz cans chili beans
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes
- 1 cup water
- 2–3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the beef in a pan. Once browned, add diced onion and cook until fragrant.
- Add 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning and stir to combine.
- Transfer the seasoned beef mixture to the crockpot.
- Add chili beans, tomato sauce, water, and diced tomatoes to the crockpot.
- Sprinkle the remaining taco seasoning over the mixture and stir to combine.
- Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.
- Once cooked, taste and adjust with salt and pepper.
- Serve with optional toppings such as extra cheese and sour cream.
Notes
- Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips for extra flavor and texture.
- For a spicier kick, add extra taco seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- You can also add corn or bell peppers for more flavor and texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg