Crockpot Taco Soup | Easy Slow Cooker Taco Soup Recipe

PUBLISHED December 3, 2025· MODIFIED December 3, 2025 · by the author listed in the recipe card 1488 words. · About 8 minutes to read this article.· This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases· Leave a Comment

If you’re a fan of Tex-Mex cuisine and want a simple, delicious way to enjoy the flavors of tacos without all the hassle, get ready for a culinary treat! We’ll show you how to make Crockpot Taco Soup. It’s a hearty and comforting soup that captures the essence of tacos in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Meal

Effortless Cooking. Thanks to your Crockpot, you can savor the tastes of tacos without spending hours in the kitchen. This soup practically prepares itself.
Family-Friendly. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner for the family or you’re entertaining guests, Crockpot Taco Soup is a crowd-pleaser. It’s a complete and satisfying Tex-Mex meal in a bowl.
Customizable. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can personalize it with your favorite taco ingredients like beans, corn, or a dash of spicy jalapeños.
All the Taco Flavors. Crockpot Taco Soup captures the essence of tacos, from the seasoned ground beef to the zesty tomato base and the toppings you love.

Ready to embark on this Tex-Mex culinary journey? Let’s dive into the details of creating this Crockpot Taco Soup.

Is Slow Cooking Soup Better?

Slow cooking isn’t always better for every type of soup. For some recipes, especially those with more delicate ingredients like seafood or those where you want the ingredients to remain distinct, a quicker stovetop or Instant Pot method may be preferred.

Slow cooking is all about letting the flavors blend and the ingredients meld, so the choice depends on the specific soup you want to make and your personal preferences.

How Do You Thicken Taco Soup?

Thickening taco soup is easy and can be done in various ways. Here are some common methods to thicken your soup:

Cornstarch Slurry– Mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry. Slowly pour this mixture into your simmering taco soup while stirring continuously. The soup will thicken as it comes to a boil. You can add more slurry if needed.
Masa Harina– Masa harina, a type of corn flour used for making tortillas, tamales, and more, is a great thickening agent for taco soup. Mix a couple of tablespoons of masa harina with some cold water to form a paste, then stir it into your soup. Allow it to simmer, and it will thicken the soup while adding a pleasant corn flavor.
Refried Beans– If you want to both thicken your soup and add more flavor, consider adding a can of refried beans. This will give your soup a creamy texture and enhance its taco flavor.
Cheese– If your taco soup has a cheese component, the cheese can also act as a thickening agent as it melts. It provides a creamy texture and extra flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef– Lean ground beef is the star of this soup.
Onion and Garlic– These aromatic ingredients lay the foundation of your taco-flavored broth.
Tomatoes– A combination of diced tomatoes and tomato sauce provides a rich and tangy base.
Taco Seasoning– A medley of spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika infuse the soup with classic taco flavors.
Black Beans and Red Kidney Beans– They add heartiness and fiber to your soup.
Corn– Sweet corn kernels contribute a burst of flavor and texture.
Beef Broth– Beef broth adds savory depth to your soup.
Toppings– Your favorite taco toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or tortilla chips, complete the experience.

How To Make Crockpot Taco Soup

Brown the Beef. Start by browning the lean ground beef in a skillet. Crumble it as it cooks, and drain any excess fat. You can skip this step and crumble the uncooked ground beef directly into the slow cooker if you use extremely lean ground beef.
Sauté Onions and Garlic. In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until they become fragrant and translucent.
Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot. Transfer the browned beef, sautéed onions and garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, taco seasoning, canned black beans and kidney beans, drained canned corn, and beef broth to your Crockpot. Give everything a good stir to ensure all the flavors meld.
Slow Cook to Perfection. Set your slow cooker to low heat and let the magic happen. Allow the Crockpot Taco Soup to simmer for 6-8 hours or until you can’t resist the aroma any longer.
Serve with Toppings. When it’s time to serve, ladle the piping hot soup into bowls. Invite everyone to customize their bowls with their preferred taco toppings. Try cheese, sour cream, avocado, and tortilla chips.

Tips And Tricks

Making a delicious crockpot taco soup is easy, but there are some tips and tricks that can help you achieve the best results:

Brown the Meat. While you can add raw ground beef to the crockpot, browning it first enhances the flavor and texture. Drain the excess fat before adding it to the slow cooker.
Taco Seasoning. Use store-bought taco seasoning or make your own by blending chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of cayenne for heat. Adjust the seasoning to your preferred spice level.
Drain and Rinse. If you’re using canned beans or corn, rinse and drain them before adding them to the crockpot. This helps reduce the sodium content and prevents the soup from becoming too thick.

Variations

Crockpot Taco Soup is flexible, allowing you to get creative with variations:

Vegetarian Version– Skip the ground beef and opt for plant-based protein sources like tofu or plant-based crumbles.
Chicken Taco Soup– Replace the beef with cooked and shredded chicken for a leaner alternative.
Spicy Taco Soup– For heat lovers, add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.

What To Serve With Crockpot Taco Soup

Crockpot taco soup is a hearty and flavorful dish on its own, but you can enhance your meal by serving it with some tasty side dishes. Here are some great options to complement it:

Tortilla Chips– Serve a basket of tortilla chips on the side. They are perfect for dipping into the soup and adding a satisfying crunch.
Guacamole– Fresh guacamole is a fantastic accompaniment for taco soup. The creamy, rich avocado flavor pairs well with the spicy and savory soup.
Sour Cream– A dollop of sour cream on top of the taco soup adds a cooling element to balance the heat and spices. It also provides a creamy contrast to the soup’s texture.
Salsa– Offer a variety of salsas, such as mild and spicy options. They’re great for customizing the heat level and adding an extra layer of flavor.
Shredded Cheese– Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican cheese blends are excellent choices. Sprinkle some on top of your taco soup for a cheesy finish.

How Long Does It Last?

Leftover Crockpot Taco Soup can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

Alternatively, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months in freezer-safe containers. Reheat it as needed for quick and satisfying Tex-Mex meals.

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