This Slow Cooker Taco Soup is the ultimate one-pot comfort food! Loaded with seasoned beef, chili beans, and the perfect blend of taco flavors, this dish is as easy as it is delicious. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a hit for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Sprinkle some cheese and sour cream on top, and you’ve got a hearty, satisfying meal for the whole family!
Why This Recipe Works
Convenient: Uses simple pantry staples and the slow cooker does all the work for you.
Flavor-packed: Taco seasoning, chili beans, and Rotel diced tomatoes bring bold, Tex-Mex flavors to every bite.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or tortilla chips for extra texture and taste.
Feeds a crowd: Makes a generous batch that’s perfect for sharing or storing leftovers.
Ingredients
For the Taco Soup:
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, diced
3 (15 oz) cans chili beans, undrained
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes
1 cup water
2-3 tablespoons taco seasoning (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving (Optional):
Shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream
Tortilla chips or strips
Diced avocado
Chopped fresh cilantro
Jalapeño slices
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
Add the diced onion and cook until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Stir in 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning, mixing well to coat the beef evenly.
Step 2: Transfer to the Slow Cooker
Transfer the seasoned beef and onion mixture to your slow cooker.
Add the chili beans (undrained), tomato sauce, Rotel diced tomatoes, and water. Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Add Seasoning
Sprinkle the remaining taco seasoning into the mixture. Stir to ensure everything is evenly combined.
Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
Step 4: Cook the Taco Soup
Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on:
High for 4 hours OR
Low for 6-8 hours.
Stir the soup occasionally, if possible, to ensure the flavors meld together perfectly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the soup is ready, give it a final taste and adjust the seasoning, if needed.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, or fresh cilantro.
Tips + Tricks for Recipe Success
Pre-browning the beef: While you can skip browning the beef, doing so enhances the flavor and removes excess grease.
Taco seasoning shortcut: If you don’t have store-bought taco seasoning, mix 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano.
Beans swap: Substitute chili beans with kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans for variety.
Thicker soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the water slightly or mash some of the beans before adding them to the slow cooker.
Spice level: Use mild, medium, or hot Rotel diced tomatoes depending on your heat preference. Add diced jalapeños for extra spice!
Why You’ll Love This Taco Soup
This dish combines all the flavors you love in tacos—seasoned beef, zesty spices, and savory beans—into a warm, hearty soup. The slow cooker makes it nearly effortless, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully while you go about your day. With just one pot to clean, it’s a hassle-free option for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions
This taco soup is a meal on its own, but here are some ideas to take it to the next level:
Side dishes: Serve with warm cornbread, cheesy quesadillas, or soft dinner rolls.
Toppings: Garnish with your favorite toppings like diced avocado, chopped jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.
Party idea: Set up a “taco soup bar” with various toppings for guests to customize their bowls.
Storage & Reheating
Store: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Thaw frozen soup in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Recipe Variations
Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative or extra beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Chicken Taco Soup: Substitute the ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breast.
Creamy Twist: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a creamy version.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This Slow Cooker Taco Soup is the perfect meal for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or feeding a crowd at potlucks. It’s versatile, easy to make, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re craving a warm, comforting dish or a quick and satisfying dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Give it a try—you’ll be making it on repeat!