Crockpot Taco Soup is the perfect cozy meal for any day. With just a few simple ingredients like ground beef, beans, and tomatoes, you can let your slow cooker do all the work. This easy, family-friendly recipe is full of flavor, and it’s great for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Key Benefits of Crockpot Taco Soup
This Crockpot Taco Soup isn’t just delicious—it’s full of benefits that make it a go-to meal for busy days. Here’s why you’ll love making this recipe:
- Convenient and Time-Saving: With a slow cooker, you can set it up in the morning and let it cook while you go about your day. No need to babysit the stove—just let the flavors develop slowly, and you’ll have a hot, comforting meal when you’re ready.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with wholesome ingredients like beans, tomatoes, and lean ground beef (or chicken for a lighter option), this soup is high in protein and fiber. It’s an excellent choice for a balanced, family-friendly meal.
- Customizable: The beauty of Crockpot Taco Soup lies in its versatility. Whether you prefer it spicy or mild, you can adjust the chili powder and cumin to suit your taste. You can also swap out proteins—beef, chicken, or even a vegetarian version with beans and veggies will work perfectly.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge for several days, making it an ideal option for meal prep. You can also freeze leftovers for an easy dinner on another busy night.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner, a cozy gathering, or a game day party, this taco soup is a hit. You can easily double the recipe to serve a crowd, and it’s sure to please everyone with its rich, comforting flavors.
Ingredients for Crockpot Taco Soup
The best part about this Crockpot Taco Soup is how simple and easy it is to make with everyday ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ground Beef (or Chicken): Ground beef is the main protein, but chicken can be used for a lighter option.
Black Beans: Black beans add fiber and protein. Canned beans are easy to use.
Kidney Beans: Kidney beans add texture and sweetness. Canned beans are convenient.
Diced Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes form the soup’s base. Canned works best.
Corn: Corn adds sweetness and crunch. Canned corn is quick to use.
Taco Seasoning: Taco seasoning gives the soup its spice. You can use a packet or make your own.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: Ranch seasoning adds creaminess and balances the flavor.
Beef Broth (or Chicken Broth): Broth is the soup’s liquid base. Beef adds richness, chicken is lighter.
Onion: Onions add sweetness and depth. Dice them finely.
Garlic: Garlic adds flavor. Adjust to taste.
Shredded Cheese: Cheese makes the soup creamy when melted.
Tortilla Chips: Tortilla chips add crunch, either on the side or on top.
Instructions for Crockpot Taco Soup
Making Crockpot Taco Soup is as easy as tossing everything into your slow cooker and letting it work its magic. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you create a delicious, flavorful soup:
Brown the Meat: Start by browning your ground beef (or chicken) in a skillet over medium heat. This step adds depth to the flavor, but if you’re in a rush, you can skip it and add the raw meat directly to the slow cooker. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set aside.
Prepare the Veggies: While the meat is cooking, dice the onion and mince the garlic. If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, feel free to add more cloves! You can sauté the onion and garlic in a bit of olive oil for extra flavor, but adding them raw to the Crockpot works just fine too.
Load the Crockpot: In your slow cooker, add the ground beef, diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, corn, taco seasoning, ranch seasoning, and beef broth. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Cook: Set your slow cooker to low and cook for about 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will develop. Feel free to stir once or twice during cooking, but it’s not necessary.
Add the Cheese: When your soup is ready, stir in the shredded cheese and let it melt through. This step adds a creamy richness to the soup that’s simply irresistible.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime for a fresh, zesty kick. Don’t forget the tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch!
Pro Tips for the Best Crockpot Taco Soup
To take your Crockpot Taco Soup from great to unforgettable, here are a few expert tips that will elevate your dish and make cooking even easier:
Sauté the Onion and Garlic: While you can add raw onion and garlic straight into the slow cooker, sautéing them in a little olive oil first brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor. This simple step makes a noticeable difference!
Layer the Seasonings: For an extra punch of flavor, try adding a little extra chili powder or cumin while the soup is cooking. Taste as you go and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You can even add a splash of lime juice near the end for a fresh, zesty finish.
Use a Quality Taco Seasoning: Not all taco seasonings are created equal! If you have the time, try using a homemade taco seasoning mix for a more personalized, flavor-packed result. It’s easy to make with pantry staples like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, and cumin.
Don’t Overcrowd the Crockpot: Be sure to give the soup enough room to simmer and blend the flavors. If you’re doubling the recipe, make sure your slow cooker is large enough, or split the recipe into two batches.
Add Extra Veggies: Want to sneak in more vegetables? Try adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach. They’ll absorb the flavors of the broth and add some extra texture and nutrients.
For a Creamier Texture: If you prefer a richer soup, stir in some cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream toward the end of the cooking time. This creates a creamy base that’s perfect for dipping those crispy tortilla chips.
Adjust the Thickness: If you find your soup a bit too thick, simply add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it cook uncovered for a while to reduce and thicken naturally.
Top it Off: Garnish with a variety of toppings for added texture and flavor. Sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro are classics, but feel free to get creative with sliced avocado, jalapeños, or a dollop of guacamole.
Variations of Crockpot Taco Soup
One of the best things about Crockpot Taco Soup is how easy it is to customize it to your taste or dietary preferences. Here are a few variations to try:
Vegetarian Taco Soup: For a meatless version, simply skip the ground beef (or chicken) and add extra beans (black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas). You can also throw in some sweet potatoes or corn for added texture and sweetness.
Spicy Taco Soup: If you like a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to kick up the spice level. You could also use a spicier taco seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Chicken Taco Soup: Swap the ground beef for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. The chicken will shred beautifully as it cooks, giving your soup a slightly different texture and flavor. Just make sure to shred the chicken once it’s cooked and add it back into the soup before serving.
Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Taco Soup
Serving Crockpot Taco Soup is all about pairing it with the perfect toppings and sides to enhance the flavors. Here are some delicious serving ideas to take your soup experience to the next level:
Toppings Galore: One of the best parts of taco soup is the variety of toppings you can add. Here are some of my favorites:
Sour Cream: A cool, creamy contrast to the spiciness of the soup.
Shredded Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a Mexican blend for extra cheesy goodness.
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FAQs About Crockpot Taco Soup
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you perfect your Crockpot Taco Soup and make sure it turns out just right every time!
Can I make Crockpot Taco Soup ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! This recipe is perfect for making ahead. In fact, the flavors get even better after sitting for a while. You can prepare the soup in the morning and let it cook all day, or cook it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just be sure to add any fresh toppings, like sour cream and cilantro, right before serving.
Can I use frozen chicken or beef in the Crockpot?
Yes, you can use frozen meat! Just keep in mind that cooking frozen meat might take a little longer, so ensure it reaches the proper internal temperature for safety. You may want to add an extra hour or two to the cooking time, depending on the thickness of the meat.
How can I make my Taco Soup spicier?
To turn up the heat, add some jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or even a hot sauce of your choice. You can also use a spicier taco seasoning or toss in some diced green chilies for a bit more heat without overpowering the soup’s flavor.
crockpot taco soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or chicken for a lighter option
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 can 15 oz corn, drained
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup beef broth or chicken broth for a lighter version
- 1 small onion diced
- 1-2 cloves garlic minced
- 1-2 cups shredded cheese cheddar or your favorite
- Tortilla chips for garnish
- Optional toppings: Sour cream sliced jalapeños, cilantro, or lime wedges
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Start by browning your ground beef (or chicken) in a skillet over medium heat. This step adds depth to the flavor, but if you’re in a rush, you can skip it and add the raw meat directly to the slow cooker. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set aside.
- Prepare the Veggies: While the meat is cooking, dice the onion and mince the garlic. If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, feel free to add more cloves! You can sauté the onion and garlic in a bit of olive oil for extra flavor, but adding them raw to the Crockpot works just fine too.
- Load the Crockpot: In your slow cooker, add the ground beef, diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, corn, taco seasoning, ranch seasoning, and beef broth. Give everything a good stir to combine.
- Cook: Set your slow cooker to low and cook for about 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will develop. Feel free to stir once or twice during cooking, but it’s not necessary.
- Add the Cheese: When your soup is ready, stir in the shredded cheese and let it melt through. This step adds a creamy richness to the soup that’s simply irresistible.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime for a fresh, zesty kick. Don’t forget the tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch!