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Hearty Slow Cooker Taco Soup

Hearty Slow Cooker Taco Soup
495min Total Time
8 people Servings
Easy Difficulty
Budget Cost
320 kcal Calories

Video

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Ingredients

8
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
  • 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, lime wedges

Instructions

1

Brown ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet over medium heat until meat is no longer pink

2

Drain excess fat from the meat mixture

3

Transfer the meat and onion mixture to the slow cooker

4

Add drained and rinsed beans, diced tomatoes, corn, and green chilies

5

Sprinkle taco seasoning and ranch seasoning over the ingredients

6

Pour in beef broth and stir to combine all ingredients

7

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours

8

Stir occasionally if possible, but avoid lifting lid too frequently

9

Taste and adjust seasonings before serving

10

Serve hot with desired toppings

Troubleshooting

If soup is too thin, leave lid off for last 30 minutes of cooking
If soup is too thick, add additional beef broth
If beans are still firm, continue cooking for another hour
If flavors are bland, add more taco seasoning or salt to taste
If soup is too spicy, add a dollop of sour cream to individual servings

Recipe Variations

Chicken Taco Soup: Use shredded chicken instead of ground beef Vegetarian Taco Soup: Replace meat with quinoa or additional beans Spicy Taco Soup: Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce Creamy Taco Soup: Stir in cream cheese before serving Low-Carb Taco Soup: Omit beans and add extra vegetables

Serving Suggestions

Top with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream Serve with crushed tortilla chips for crunch Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges Add diced avocado for healthy fats Serve with warm cornbread on the side

Nutrition Facts

320
Calories
24g
Protein
42g
Carbs
8g
Fat

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not browning the meat before adding to slow cooker Adding too much liquid, making the soup too thin Forgetting to drain and rinse the beans Opening the lid too frequently during cooking Not adjusting seasonings before serving

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen ground beef?

No, the meat should be fully thawed and browned before adding to the slow cooker for food safety.

Do I need to soak the beans first?

No, using canned beans eliminates the need for soaking. Just drain and rinse them well.

Can I put everything in raw?

No, the ground beef should be browned first for better texture and food safety.

How can I make this less spicy?

Reduce or omit the green chilies and use mild taco seasoning.

Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes, cook on high for 3-4 hours instead of 6-8 hours on low.

What if I don't have ranch seasoning?

You can omit it or use a combination of dried herbs and garlic powder instead.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, bell peppers, carrots, or celery work well. Add them at the beginning of cooking.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months in airtight containers.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, but they need to be soaked and pre-cooked before adding to the soup.

How do I prevent the soup from being too watery?

Don't add extra liquid beyond the recipe, and drain and rinse all canned ingredients.

Reviews

Sofia R.
Mar 14, 2026
Perfect comfort food! My family asks for this weekly now.
Xavier M.
Mar 16, 2026
Great recipe, though I added extra spices for more kick.
Yuki T.
Feb 27, 2026
So easy and delicious! Perfect for busy weeknights.
Winston P.
Mar 14, 2026
Love how I can prep everything the night before.
Victoria L.
Mar 23, 2026
The best taco soup I've ever made!
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