Slow Cooker Taco Soup is a wonderful mix of flavors that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s packed with tender ground beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, and a blend of taco spices that come together to make a hearty and comforting meal. The slow cooker does all the work, letting the ingredients meld and become rich and tasty without much effort.
I love making this soup on busy days when I want something filling but easy. You just toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinner time, your house smells amazing and the soup is ready to enjoy. It’s one of those recipes that everyone seems to love, no matter their age or taste preferences.
My favorite way to serve this taco soup is with a big handful of crushed tortilla chips on top, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. Sometimes I add a little fresh cilantro or avocado for extra flavor. It’s perfect for chilly nights or for when friends come over, because it makes a big pot that’s great for sharing.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: This adds rich flavor and protein. For a lighter version, try ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian option, use cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
Beans: Kidney and pinto beans bring creaminess and texture. You can swap in black beans or chickpeas if you like. Just rinse them well to reduce starchiness.
Diced tomatoes with green chilies: These add a nice spicy kick and acidity. If you prefer less heat, choose plain diced tomatoes and add a little mild chili powder instead.
Taco seasoning: Store-bought works well, but homemade seasoning lets you control salt and spice. Mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne.
Beef broth: This deepens the flavor. You can substitute vegetable broth or even water if needed, but a broth will always taste better.
How Do You Make Sure the Ground Beef Stays Tender and Flavorful in the Slow Cooker?
Cooking ground beef directly in the slow cooker can sometimes make it tough or greasy. Here’s how I keep it tender with great flavor:
- Brown first: Cook the ground beef in a skillet until no pink remains. This adds flavor and improves texture.
- Drain fat: Pour off excess grease to prevent a greasy soup and to control fat content.
- Break into small pieces: While browning, break the beef into small crumbles so it cooks evenly in the slow cooker.
- Mix gently: When stirring beef into other ingredients, fold gently so you don’t mush it too much.
Following these tips will give you tender, flavorful beef in your taco soup every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker – the key for easy, hands-off cooking that lets flavors blend all day.
- Skillet – to brown the ground beef nicely before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula – for stirring the soup without scratching your cookware.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your seasoning and broth just right.
- Can opener – handy for opening all those cans of beans, tomatoes, and corn.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken – it’s lighter but still tasty and filling.
- Add black beans or kidney beans instead of pinto to change the texture and flavor a bit.
- Mix in chopped green chilies or jalapeños for extra heat when you want it spicier.
- Top your soup with diced avocado or a squeeze of lime for fresh, bright notes.
Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Avocado slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to brown the beef and prepare the ingredients. Then, let the soup cook in the slow cooker for 6 to 8 hours on low heat or 3 to 4 hours on high. This makes a great hands-off meal that fills your house with delicious smells!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon. Cook until there’s no pink left, then drain off any extra fat.
2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker:
Put the browned beef into the slow cooker. Add the drained kidney beans and pinto beans, corn, diced tomatoes with chilies, tomato sauce, chopped onion, and beef broth or water. Sprinkle the taco seasoning, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper on top.
3. Cook and Serve:
Mix everything gently until combined. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. When it’s done, taste and add more seasoning if you like. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, cilantro, or avocado slices. Enjoy your cozy, tasty taco soup!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Yes, ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative. Just brown it the same way before adding to the slow cooker. It may have a milder flavor, so consider adding a bit more seasoning if you like.
Can I Prepare This Soup in Advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking. Just add the seasoning and beef broth right before starting the slow cooker to keep flavors fresh.
How Should I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. You may want to add a splash of broth if it thickened too much.
What’s a Good Way to Make This Soup Spicier?
Try adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes along with the other ingredients. Alternatively, use spicy diced tomatoes or add hot sauce to taste when serving.
