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    Home » Recipes » Dinner

    Crock Pot Taco Soup

    Published: Jun 17, 2022 · Modified: Aug 2, 2024 by Ryan Allen · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    This easy Crock Pot Taco Soup made with ranch-seasoned beef, beans, and tomatoes, is hearty and delicious, and it's even better when served with your favorite toppings. This simple taco soup recipe is a great budget-friendly meal for a weeknight and great for meal prep!

    Crock pot taco soup in a grey bowl and topped with sour cream, green onions, cheese and tortilla strips with more soup and a bowl of tortilla strips and cheese in the background.
    Jump to:
    • Why You’ll Love This Easy Crock Pot Taco Soup
    • Ingredients You’ll Need
    • Variations
    • How To Make Taco Soup in a Crock Pot
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Storing & Freezing
    • Expert Tips
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More Must Try Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Slow Cooker Taco Soup

    This hearty taco soup is full of beef and beans cooked in a flavorful broth that tastes just like your favorite beef tacos in the form of a soup!

    We start with a quick cooking of the ground beef with the garlic, and onions in a skillet to brown the meat. Then add everything to the slow cooker, including the ranch seasoning and a jar of salsa for excellent flavor. Let it simmer away until a hearty soup forms that is perfect after a long day or for workweek lunches!

    If you love crock pot soup recipes, you need to try our zesty chicken tortilla soup and crock pot vegetable soup next!

    Why You’ll Love This Easy Crock Pot Taco Soup

    • Inexpensive Meal. If you need an easy meal that won't break the bank this taco soup with ranch is it! The ingredients are simple and inexpensive, making it a budget-friendly crock pot dinner.
    • Healthy Soup. Each bowl is filling and delicious thanks to the protein and fiber coming from beef and a variety of beans.
    • Great to Make Ahead. This easy slow cooker taco soup is perfect for meal prep and works great stored in the fridge or freezer for later.
    • Versatile and Customizable. Make some simple ingredient swaps or additions to make this soup exactly how you want it!

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    • Ground Beef: Provides a rich meaty texture and beefy flavor. I recommend using lean ground beef for less fat. You can also use other ground meats such as ground turkey or ground chicken instead with excellent results.
    • Olive Oil: Cooks the vegetables and aids in browning the beef. You can swap it for another neutral oil if you prefer.
    • Aromatics: Fresh garlic and onion add depth of flavor to the soup.
    • Canned Beans: We're using a combination of black beans and kidney beans to add texture, flavor, protein, and fiber to the dish. You can also use other types of beans, including chickpeas, pinto beans, or even lentils.
    • Canned Corn: Gives the soup texture and adds a natural sweetness that balances the smoky flavors.
    • Diced Tomatoes: Adds some texture to the soup with an acidic tomato flavor.
    • Seasonings: The soup uses taco seasoning for its classic spicy and smoky taco flavor while ranch seasoning adds a tart and tangy twist that pairs well with Mexican-inspired flavors.
    • Salsa: A jar of your favorite salsa helps thicken the soup while adding even more complex flavors to the dish.

    Be sure to check the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and the quantities you need of each.

    Variations

    • Vegetarian. Omit the beef and use vegetable broth in place of the water for more flavor. Consider doubling up on the beans or adding in some extra diced vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots.
    • Creamy Taco Soup: Make it creamier by stirring in sour cream or plain yogurt just before serving.
    • Gluten-Free: If you want to make this crock pot taco soup gluten-free, be sure to use a gluten-free ranch and taco seasoning packets. You can also opt to make them homemade as well.
    • More Spice: Add some extra taco seasoning or even a diced jalapeno pepper to the slow cooker.

    How To Make Taco Soup in a Crock Pot

    • Step 1: Saute the beef and vegetables. Cook the garlic in a skillet with oil for 30 seconds. Then, add the onion and cook until it softens. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook the meat until it's browned, breaking the meat apart with a wooden spoon. Drain and then add it to the bottom of your slow cooker.
    • Step 2: Add the soup ingredients. Add the garlic, canned beans, corn, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, ranch seasoning, salsa, salt, and pepper to the pot. Give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients.
    • Step 3: Cook the soup. Cover with the lid and cook on HIGH for 2½ to 3 hours or on LOW for 7 to 8 hours.
    • Step 4: Garnish and serve. Give the soup a stir and adjust the seasonings. Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
    Taco soup in a ladle held up over a slow cooker to show off the ingredients.

    Serving Suggestions

    The best taco soup bowl includes your favorite toppings added for serving. Some of our favorites are sour cream, tortilla chips, and shredded cheese!

    For a bit of spice you can add some hot sauce or pickled jalapeno peppers. Chopped cilantro and lime wedges are perfect for adding some fresh flavors and acidity to brighten up the soup.

    If you're looking to take it to the next level, consider drizzling some white queso dip on top and then finish it off with some pico de gallo and diced avocado.

    For dessert, I like to serve it with this tasty apple crisp or peach cobbler is amazing.

    Storing & Freezing

    • Storing: This slow cooker Taco Soup lasts for up to 3 days in the fridge. Once it has completely cooled, transfer it into a sealed container before placing it in the fridge.
    • Freezing: Once it has cooled, pour it into an air-tight, freezer-safe container. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it completely in the fridge before reheating.
    • Reheating: Return the soup to a pan to heat on the stove over medium heat and until warm. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes each.

    Expert Tips

    • Browning the Meat. Do not skip the step of browning the meat and vegetables as this will help develop deeper flavors in the soup.
    • Offer a Variety of Toppings. Serve up a wide range of toppings on the table so everyone can add what they love on top.
    Two bowls of Crock-Pot taco soup topped with sour cream, green onions, cheese and tortilla strips on the table.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I make taco soup in the instant pot?

    Sure! Saute the beef and vegetables according to the recipe instructions. Then, add all of the ingredients except for the water to the pressure cooker. Cook on HIGH pressure for 15 minutes. Quick-release the pressure and stir in the water. Serve and enjoy!

    Can I make this taco soup ahead of time?

    Yes! You can either brown the beef and vegetables ahead of time or cook the entire soup in advance. To make ahead, cook the soup according to the recipe instructions then allow it to cool. Store it in an air-tight, freezer-safe container for up to three months.

    How do you thicken taco soup?

    If your soup is too brothy for your liking, you can thicken it by pureeing some of the beans in the soup or stirring in a cornstarch slurry. To make a cornstarch slurry, mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water together, then stir it into the soup. Let the soup cook a bit longer to thicken up.

    Bowl of slow cooker taco soup topped with sour cream, green onions, cheese and tortilla strips on a table with small bowls of ingredients around it.

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    Did you make this crock pot taco soup? Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below. Then follow me on Facebook and Pinterest! Share your favorite recipes or ask questions in my Facebook Group.

    Crock Pot taco soup in a grey bowl and topped with sour cream, green onions, cheese and tortilla strips.

    Slow Cooker Taco Soup

    Author: Ryan Allen
    This Easy Crock Pot Taco Soup Recipe is made with ranch seasoned beef, beans, and tomatoes, and it's perfect served with your favorite toppings. It's a great budget-friendly meal during the week and it's also great for meal prep!
    4.69 from 16 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 3 hours hrs
    Total Time 3 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 8
    Calories 242 kcal

    Equipment

    • My Favorite Slow-Cooker
    • Slow-Cooker Liners

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 ½ lbs ground beef
    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 cup yellow onion (diced)
    • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
    • 1 (15.25 oz) can of black beans (drained and rinsed)
    • 1 (15.25 oz) can of kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
    • 1 (15.25 oz) can of whole kernel corn (drained and rinsed)
    • 2 (15.25 oz) cans of diced tomatoes
    • 1 (1 oz) package of taco seasoning
    • 1 (1 oz) package of ranch seasoning
    • 1 (16 oz) bottle of your favorite salsa
    • 2 ½ cups water
    • ½ tsp salt
    • 1 tsp pepper

    Instructions
     

    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and saute for 30 seconds. Then add onion and saute for 3 minutes. Add in ground beef and cook until completely browned. Then drain off excess grease and add to the Crock-Pot.
    • Add garlic, black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, ranch seasoning, salsa, water, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until well combined.
    • Cover and cook on high for 2½ to 3 hours or on low for 7 to 8 hours.
    • Serve with your favorite toppings, and enjoy!

    Notes

    Do not skip the step of browning the meat and vegetables as this will help develop deeper flavors in the soup.
    Serve up a wide range of toppings on the table so everyone can add what they love on top.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 242kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 15gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 229mgPotassium: 267mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 14IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 2mg

    *Nutrition information is an estimate. It may vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact ingredient numbers, I recommend calculating them with your preferred nutrition calculator.

    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    4.69 from 16 votes (16 ratings without comment)

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    Hey, I am Ryan

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