Name: Slow Cooker Taco Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-489544H6M7S
Total time: PT-489544H6M7S
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 (14.5 oz) cans fire roasted tomatoes; 1 (15 oz) can chili beans; 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce; 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles; 1 cup frozen corn; 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning; 2 cups low sodium chicken broth; Shredded Mexican blend cheese; Sour cream; Corn chips; Chopped cilantro; Chopped avocado

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, hearty meal that basically makes itself, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Slow Cooker Taco Soup Recipe. I love this because it’s super easy, packed with flavor, and perfect for those busy evenings when you want something tasty without spending all night in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become one of your go-to slow cooker dinners!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: Just brown the beef, throw everything in the slow cooker, and forget about it for hours.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of fire-roasted tomatoes, chili beans, and taco seasoning give this soup a rich, zesty kick.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this soup, especially with all the fun toppings to customize each bowl.
Versatile & Satisfying: Perfect as a meal on its own or paired with sides, making it great for any night of the week.

A white bowl filled with thick chili is shown, with a reddish-brown base full of cooked beans, small round meat chunks, and yellow corn kernels. The chili is topped with shredded yellow and white cheese, small pieces of chopped red and white onion, and green cilantro leaves scattered on top. In the background, there is another white bowl with the same chili and a separate small white bowl filled with fresh green cilantro. The bowls sit on a white marbled surface with some light beige tortilla chips partly visible near the bottom left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here come together to create that signature taco flavor in a comforting soup form. I always shop for lean ground beef to keep it a little healthier, and the canned ingredients make this recipe a total breeze to prep—plus, you can usually find everything at your local grocery store.

Lean ground beef: Using lean beef cuts down on the grease but still packs plenty of flavor.
Onion: Adds a sweet, savory depth. I like to use yellow onions for the best flavor.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic is a game-changer—it really wakes up the dish.
Fire roasted tomatoes: These bring a smoky richness that you won’t get from plain tomatoes.
Chili beans: They add hearty texture and a little bit of spice.
Black beans: Rinsed and drained to keep the flavors balanced and soup less salty.
Tomato sauce: Thickens the soup and deepens the tomato flavor.
Diced green chiles: For that subtle heat and authentic Southwestern vibe.
Frozen corn: Adds a little sweetness and bright color.
Taco seasoning packet: The secret blend of spices that ties everything together.
Low sodium chicken broth: Keeps the soup flavorful without overpowering saltiness.
Shredded Mexican blend cheese: Perfect for topping—it melts beautifully into the hot soup.
Sour cream: Adds creaminess and balances the heat.
Corn chips: For crunch and a fun texture contrast.
Chopped cilantro & avocado: Fresh garnishes that brighten the bowl and feel like a fiesta in every bite.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I’m all about making recipes your own, so I love swapping ingredients based on what I have or what my family is in the mood for. This Slow Cooker Taco Soup Recipe is wonderfully flexible and perfect for getting creative.

Ground turkey or chicken: A leaner option that still tastes amazing, and my kids didn’t even notice the switch!
Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add extra beans or even lentils; it’s just as hearty without the meat.
Spice it up: Add extra diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you like it hotter—my husband always asks for this!
Different beans: Pinto beans or kidney beans work well if that’s what you have on hand.
Fresh toppings: Swap avocado for diced tomatoes or add some sliced radishes for crunch.

How to Make Slow Cooker Taco Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the beef with onions and garlic

Start by crumbling the lean ground beef into a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring occasionally until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft—this usually takes about 5 minutes. I always drain any excess grease here to keep the soup from becoming oily. This step is key because it builds the base flavor that carries through the entire soup.

Step 2: Combine everything in the slow cooker

Transfer that beautifully browned meat mixture to your slow cooker. Add in both cans of tomatoes, chili beans, black beans, tomato sauce, diced green chiles, frozen corn, taco seasoning, and chicken broth. Give it a thorough stir to mix everything. You’ll notice the chili seasoning really infuses the soup’s flavors here.

Step 3: Set and forget

Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook your soup on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours if you’re short on time. I usually go with low and let it cook while I’m out running errands or working at home—it’s like magic how all those flavors marry together. Once it’s done, give it a little taste to check seasoning and adjust salt or spice if needed.

Step 4: Serve with your favorite toppings

Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with shredded Mexican cheese, a dollop of sour cream, some crunchy corn chips, fresh cilantro, and creamy avocado slices. The toppings not only add beautiful textures but they lift the soup into something truly special. You’ll find that everyone wants to load up their bowls their own way.

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Taco Soup Recipe

Brown the beef well: Browning meat properly caramelizes it, creating depth you don’t get if you just throw it in raw.
Don’t skip draining the beans: Rinsing and draining canned beans reduces excess sodium and gives a cleaner flavor.
Use fire roasted tomatoes: They add a subtle smokiness that really elevates the soup.
Adjust seasoning at the end: Since flavors meld during slow cooking, wait until the end to add any extra salt or spice.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Taco Soup Recipe

A close-up view of a rich, reddish-brown chili soup filled with layers of chunky ingredients including yellow corn kernels, dark red and light brown beans, diced red onions, pieces of cooked ground meat, and bright green cilantro leaves scattered on top. Large tomato chunks are visible throughout the mixture, which has a shiny, slightly oily surface. A wooden spoon with a smooth light brown texture is partially submerged on the right side of the image, stirring the soup gently. The background shows a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

My absolute favorite garnishes for this soup are shredded Mexican blend cheese, fresh cilantro leaves, creamy avocado chunks, a spoonful of sour cream, and a handful of crunchy corn chips. These toppings not only amp up the flavor but create a fun mix of textures in every bite. Don’t be shy about letting everyone build their own bowl—that’s part of the fun!

Side Dishes

I like to serve this Slow Cooker Taco Soup Recipe with warm cornbread or tortilla chips for sopping up every last spoonful. A fresh green salad with a light lime vinaigrette pairs nicely too, adding some brightness to the meal. Sometimes I even throw in some Mexican rice on the side for extra comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at parties, I’ve presented this soup in small mason jars, each topped with mini skewers of toppings like avocado cubes and cilantro sprigs. It makes serving a crowd easy and pretty! Another time, I ladled the soup into crispy tortilla bowls—super festive and delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Slow Cooker Taco Soup Recipe in airtight containers in the fridge, where it keeps well for up to 4 days. When I reheat, I like to do it gently on the stove over low heat to keep the flavors fresh and prevent the soup from getting too thick.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. I let it cool completely, then portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags. When I’m ready to enjoy, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat gently. The texture and flavor stay great, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeks.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, heat the soup over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup thickens too much after refrigeration, just stir in a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up—it’s easy to revive.

FAQs

Can I make this Slow Cooker Taco Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and add extra beans like pinto or kidney beans, or even lentils, to keep it hearty. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for more texture.
How long can I cook this slow cooker taco soup?

You can cook it on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Going longer on low helps the flavors deepen without overcooking the beans or vegetables.
Can I use a homemade taco seasoning instead of a packet?

Yes! Homemade taco seasoning made with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, and paprika works perfectly and lets you control the spice level and salt.
What toppings work best with this soup?

I recommend shredded Mexican cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, avocado chunks, and crunchy corn chips. Fresh lime wedges also add a lovely brightness.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Taco Soup Recipe holds a special place in my recipe box because it’s so straightforward yet incredibly satisfying. I love how little effort it takes on busy days, but how much joy it brings to my family’s dinner table. If you’re craving a meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and flattering in every way, this recipe is exactly what you need. Give it a try—I promise it’ll become a favorite in your home too!