Slow-Cooker Taco Soup

Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or an ordinary Friday, this slow-cooker taco soup recipe is a great meal option. Filling and warm, it's also simple to prepare.

To make it, ground beef simmers away with taco seasoning, three types of beans, canned tomatoes, corn, and dry ranch seasoning for a hearty and flavorful soup the whole family will love. Serve with an assortment of toppings, from sour cream and salsa to tortilla strips or ripe avocado, and you'll definitely be getting requests for this dish over and over again.

Learn how to make slow-cooker taco soup. You'll get dinner on the table with only a few minutes of hands-on work with this easy slow-cooker taco soup recipe.

What Is Taco Soup?

A popular dish that's easy to make, taco soup is fun, flavorful, and totally customizable. It calls in all the flavors typically found in tacos, for a family-friendly soup you can enjoy on busy weeknights.

While the exact origin of this soup is unclear, it's part of the Tex-Mex culinary tradition, which blends Mexican and American flavors and culinary techniques. This soup most likely came about as a way to transform ground beef, beans, tomatoes, corn, and spices into a one-pot meal to easily serve large groups, particularly during the colder months.

Ingredients for Slow-Cooker Taco Soup

Ground beef, taco seasoning, chili beans, tomatoes, corn, and more combine in this hearty soup recipe that will takes your standard weeknight meal to the next level. To make slow-cooker taco soup, you'll need:

• Ground beef: The meaty base of the soup, although you can swap with sausage, shredded chicken or pork, or ground turkey if desired.
• Large onion: Adds an aromatic depth to the meat.
• Taco seasoning: Adds a hint of spice and heat, with classic Mexican flavors like cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and oregano in the mix.
• Canned chili beans: Adds a mild chili flavor and velvety texture to the soup.
• Canned tomatoes, garlic, and onions: For acidity, sweetness, and depth of flavor.
• Canned stewed tomatoes: For a rich tomato flavor and saucy texture.
• Canned kidney and pinto beans: Bulks up the soup, while adding an earthy flavor and creamy texture.
• Canned whole kernel corn: For pops of color and sweetness throughout.
  
• Dry ranch seasoning mix: Adds a subtle creamy texture and tangy flavor to liven up the overall flavor of the soup.
• Sour cream, salsa, tortilla strips or chips, corn chips, shredded cheese, sliced avocado, and cilantro: For garnishing the soup before serving.

How To Make Slow-Cooker Taco Soup

Using a slow-cooker means this soup is almost completely hands-off, for a satisfying one-pot meal. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Cook beef: Brown beef in a large skillet; drain. Add onions, and cook until translucent. Stir in one package of taco seasoning.
• Step 2. Transfer to slow-cooker: Spoon into a slow-cooker, and stir in remaining ingredients. Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW 6 hours, stirring occasionally. Garnish and serve.

Slow-Cooker Taco Soup Variations

To change up this slow-cooker soup, consider these variation ideas:

• Protein: Swap the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, shredded chicken or pork, beef stew meat, or omit the meat entirely and replace with additional beans or lentils for a vegetarian option.
• Taco seasoning: Go for store-bought or make your own.
• Veggies: Add extra veggies into the mix with chopped bell peppers or mushrooms.
• Heat: Amp up the heat with sliced jalapeños, or by adding chili powder or cayenne pepper into the mix. Serve with hot sauce for extra heat.
• Herbs: Garnish with cilantro or parsley.
• Lime: Add a splash of lime juice before serving to brighten the flavors.

How To Store Slow-Cooker Taco Soup

Refrigerate taco soup in an airtight container for up to four days. Reheat on the stovetop or back in the slow-cooker until hot throughout when ready to serve. Garnish fresh before serving.

Taco soup can also be made ahead and frozen. Bring the prepared soup to room temperature before transferring to freezer-safe zip-top bags or containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or back in the slow-cooker until hot throughout. Serve with fresh toppings.

What To Serve With Slow-Cooker Taco Soup

This one-pot meal is made with beef, beans, tomatoes, and corn in the mix for a satisfying soup that can stand on its own, especially when served with a variety of fresh toppings. To round out the meal, pair with a side of cornbread, a light salad, or rice if desired.

More Slow-Cooker Soup Recipes You'll Love

Having a soup slowly simmering in a slow-cooker while you go about your day can take the stress of making dinner right off your plate. Keep these recipes on hand for those busy weeks when you'll need them most:

• Slow-Cooker Chicken Soup
• Slow-Cooker Black Bean Soup
• Loaded Potato Soup
• Slow-Cooker Turkey and Dumplings Soup
• Navy Bean and Ham Soup
• Slow-Cooker Corn Chowder
  
• Slow-Cooker Cheddar Soup
• Slow-Cooker French Onion Soup

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.