Hearty Taco Soup in Slow Cooker Recipe: Set It & Forget It

Comfort knows no bounds when you’re simmering a hearty taco soup in slow cooker that promises to warm every corner of your soul.

Rich, aromatic spices dance through tender meat and vibrant vegetables, creating a melody of flavors.

The slow cooker becomes your culinary companion, effortlessly blending each ingredient into a harmonious feast.

Packed with protein and zesty seasonings, this soup delivers a robust meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Beans, corn, and ground beef mingle beneath a savory broth, promising a dinner that feels like a warm embrace.

Each spoonful brings a burst of southwestern charm right to your table.

Prepare to be transported by this simple yet incredible one-pot wonder that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

FAQs

• Is taco soup healthy?

Taco soup can be nutritious when using lean ground beef, low-sodium beans, and controlling portion sizes. It provides protein, fiber, and essential nutrients from vegetables and beans.

• Can I make this soup without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can prepare taco soup on the stovetop. Brown the beef, add ingredients, and simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

• What type of ground meat works best?

Ground beef is traditional, but ground turkey or chicken are excellent leaner alternatives that work perfectly in this recipe. Choose your preferred protein based on dietary preferences.

• How spicy is this taco soup?

The spice level depends on the taco seasoning brand. You can control heat by using mild seasoning or adding extra chili powder for more kick. Adjust according to your taste preference.

Slow Cooker Taco Soup That’s Pure Comfort

• Customize Your Comfort: Craft pretzels packed with gooey mozzarella and sprinkled with aromatic rosemary, creating a personalized twist on a classic snack that feels like a warm hug.
• Master Bakery-Level Skills: Develop impressive culinary techniques by shaping, boiling, and baking restaurant-quality pretzels right in your own kitchen, boosting your cooking confidence.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Serve these stunning stuffed pretzels at gatherings, game nights, or potlucks, guaranteeing excited reactions and empty platters within minutes.
• Versatile Flavor Adventure: Experiment with different cheese variations or herb combinations, making this recipe a flexible canvas for your creative cooking explorations.

Ingredients Needed for Slow Cooker Taco Soup

• Ground Beef: A protein-rich base that provides hearty flavor and substance to the taco soup.
• Chili Beans: Adds texture, protein, and classic southwestern taste to the soup.
• Tomato Sauce: Creates a smooth, rich foundation for the soup's liquid base.
• Diced Tomatoes: Brings fresh tomato chunks and additional moisture to the recipe.

• Taco Seasoning: Delivers authentic Mexican-inspired spices and depth of flavor to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Helps enhance and balance the overall taste of the soup.

• Cheese, Sour Cream: Provides creamy richness and additional texture when served on top of the soup.

• Onion: Adds a savory base note and enhances the overall depth of the soup's flavor profile.

How to Cook Slow Cooker Taco Soup Easily

Step 1: Sizzle and Caramelize Ground Beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon.

Cook until the meat turns a rich golden brown, creating delicious caramelized edges that boost flavor.

Step 2: Infuse with Aromatic Onions

• Diced onions
• Taco seasoning

Sauté the onions until they become translucent and fragrant, stirring to coat with the spicy seasoning.

Step 3: Transfer to Slow Cooker Wonderland

Carefully transfer the beef and onion mixture into the slow cooker, creating a flavor-packed base for the soup.

Step 4: Build Soup Layers

• Chili beans
• Tomato sauce
• Water
• Diced tomatoes

Sprinkle additional taco seasoning over the top and gently stir to blend all ingredients.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let the magic happen. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6-8 hours, allowing flavors to meld and develop depth.

Step 6: Final Flavor Boost

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 7: Serve with Flair

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

• Shredded cheese
• Dollop of sour cream
• Optional fresh cilantro

Dive into this hearty, comforting taco soup that brings the fiesta right to your table!

Tips to Boost the Flavor of Taco Soup

• Brown beef thoroughly to develop rich, deep flavors before adding to the slow cooker for maximum taste intensity.
• Adjust taco seasoning amount based on personal heat preference, using less for mild or more for extra kick.
• Let soup simmer longer on low setting to allow ingredients to meld and create a more robust, harmonious taste profile.
• Prep ingredients night before and store in refrigerator, then quickly transfer to slow cooker in the morning for easy meal preparation.
• Add extra beans or corn to increase volume and make the soup more filling without compromising the original recipe's delicious flavor.

Fun Variations for Slow Cooker Taco Soup

• Vegetarian Bean Bonanza: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra black beans for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Chicken Chili Swap: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter protein option that adds amazing flavor.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Add diced green chilies or jalapeños to increase heat level and create a more intense southwestern-style soup.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free taco seasoning and verify all canned ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

What Goes Well with Slow Cooker Taco Soup

• Pair Zesty Toppings with Crisp Beverages: Top this hearty taco soup with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream for added richness and tangy flavor.
• Complement Soup with Refreshing Margaritas: Mix a classic lime margarita to balance the soup's spicy and savory notes, cutting through the richness with its citrusy kick.
• Serve with Crunchy Tortilla Chips: Add crispy corn tortilla chips on the side for a delightful textural contrast and perfect scooping companion to the soup.
• Match with Mexican-Style Cerveza: Choose a light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo to enhance the taco soup's bold southwestern flavors and provide a cool, crisp finish.

Storing Slow Cooker Taco Soup the Right Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the soup is completely cooled before sealing.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Leave some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
• Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat on medium power, stirring every 30 seconds until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of water if soup seems too thick.
• Pour soup into a saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little water or broth to restore original consistency. Heat until steaming and reaches 165°F internal temperature.

Taco Soup In Slow Cooker Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican-inspired Taco Soup brings robust flavors dancing across your palate with ground beef, beans, and zesty spices. Comfort meets convenience in this one-pot wonder you’ll crave on chilly evenings, perfect for quick family meals that satisfy deep hunger.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 3 cans (15 ounces/425 grams each) chili beans
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, diced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2–3 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) water
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Sear ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until thoroughly browned and crumbly, approximately 5-7 minutes.
2. Add diced onions to the beef and sauté until translucent and aromatic, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Incorporate one portion of taco seasoning into the meat mixture, stirring to distribute evenly and coat all ingredients.
4. Transfer the seasoned beef and onion blend into the slow cooker vessel.
5. Pour chili beans, tomato sauce, water, and diced tomatoes directly into the slow cooker with the meat mixture.
6. Sprinkle remaining taco seasoning across the surface and gently stir to ensure comprehensive integration of all ingredients.
7. Cover slow cooker and set to high temperature for 4 hours or low temperature for 6-8 hours, allowing flavors to meld and develop.
8. After cooking duration, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
9. When serving, top with optional garnishes like shredded cheese and dollop of sour cream for enhanced flavor and texture.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier, lower-fat version that still packs incredible flavor.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium taco seasoning and choosing no-salt-added canned tomatoes to make the dish more heart-friendly.
• Prep ingredients the night before and store them in the slow cooker insert overnight to save morning cooking time and enhance flavor development.
• For gluten-free options, verify taco seasoning ingredients and use certified gluten-free beans to make the soup safe for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 315 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 830 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg