Taco Soup: Making Taco Soup in a Slow Cooker

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Looking for a meal that’s quick, hearty, and packed with flavor? This Taco Soup: Making Taco Soup in a Slow Cooker is your answer. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners, it’s a one-pot wonder that combines the bold taste of tacos with the comforting warmth of a soup.

Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned chef, this recipe is simple, customizable, and guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.

What Is Taco Soup?

Taco soup is a savory, Mexican-inspired soup that brings all the classic taco flavors into one comforting bowl. It typically contains:

  • Ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)

  • Beans (black beans, kidney beans, or pinto)

  • Corn

  • Tomatoes

  • Taco seasonings

Topped with cheese, sour cream, avocado, or tortilla chips, it’s a flexible, crowd-pleasing dish.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Recipe

  • One-pot meal: Minimal cleanup

  • Quick to prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes

  • Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or proteins

  • Kid-friendly: Mild, yet flavorful

  • Freezer-friendly: Perfect for batch cooking

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Soup Base

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

  • 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained

  • 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes

  • 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix: 1 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp cumin, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, salt & pepper to taste)

  • 2 cups chicken or beef broth

Optional Toppings

  • Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt

  • Diced avocado

  • Chopped green onions

  • Fresh cilantro

  • Crushed tortilla chips or strips

  • Lime wedges

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Taco Soup

Step 1 — Cook the Meat

  1. Heat a large pot over medium heat.

  2. Add ground beef or turkey.

  3. Cook until browned and no longer pink.

  4. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2 — Sauté Onion and Garlic

  1. In the same pot, add diced onion.

  2. Cook 2–3 minutes until translucent.

  3. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3 — Add Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes

  1. Add black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce.

  2. Stir to combine.

Step 4 — Season the Soup

  1. Add taco seasoning or homemade blend.

  2. Pour in chicken or beef broth.

  3. Stir and bring to a boil.

  4. Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 5 — Serve and Garnish

  • Ladle soup into bowls.

  • Add your favorite toppings: cheese, sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips, lime, or cilantro.

Tip: For extra flavor, squeeze a little fresh lime juice over each serving.

How to Make Taco Soup in a Slow Cooker

  1. Brown meat with onions and garlic.

  2. Add meat, beans, corn, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasoning to the slow cooker.

  3. Pour in broth and stir.

  4. Cook on low 6–8 hours or high 3–4 hours.

  5. Add toppings just before serving.

How to Make Taco Soup in an Instant Pot

  1. Set Instant Pot to sauté mode.

  2. Brown meat with onion and garlic.

  3. Add beans, corn, tomatoes, tomato sauce, taco seasoning, and broth.

  4. Close lid, seal, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.

  5. Quick release, stir, and serve with toppings.

Tips for Perfect Taco Soup

  • Use fresh garlic and onion: Enhances depth of flavor.

  • Simmer to blend flavors: At least 15 minutes for the best taste.

  • Taste and adjust seasoning: Add salt, pepper, or chili powder as needed.

  • Don’t overcook beans: They retain shape and texture better.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcooking meat → becomes dry

  • Adding cheese too early → melts into the soup

  • Skipping broth → soup may be too thick

  • Using too much taco seasoning → can overpower flavors

How to Make Taco Soup Healthier

  • Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef

  • Skip or reduce cheese and sour cream

  • Use low-sodium beans and broth

  • Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach

  • Serve over brown rice or quinoa for more fiber

Variations You Can Try

  • Spicy Taco Soup: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce

  • Vegetarian Taco Soup: Replace meat with extra beans or lentils

  • Cheesy Taco Soup: Stir in shredded cheese while simmering

  • Southwest Taco Soup: Add roasted corn and bell peppers

Best Sides to Serve with Taco Soup

  • Cornbread or garlic bread

  • Tortilla chips for dipping

  • Fresh salad with lime vinaigrette

  • Rice or quinoa for extra heartiness

  • Guacamole or pico de gallo

Storing and Reheating Taco Soup

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.

  • Reheat: Warm on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave. Add extra broth if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned beans without rinsing?

Yes, but rinsing reduces sodium and improves taste.

2. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes — all ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.

3. Can I add rice or pasta directly to the soup?

Yes, but cook separately to prevent the soup from becoming too thick.

4. Can I make it vegetarian?

Replace meat with extra beans, lentils, or tofu.

5. How long does it take to make from scratch?

About 30 minutes using stovetop method, longer in slow cooker.

Key Takeaways

  • Taco soup is easy, quick, and versatile.

  • One pot, bold flavors, and customizable toppings make it a family favorite.

  • Perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or gatherings.

  • Lean proteins, beans, and veggies create a balanced, filling meal.

  • Slow cooker or Instant Pot options make it even easier.

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