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Slow Cooker Taco Soup - A Cozy, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet (about 1 ounce) taco seasoning or 3 tablespoons homemade
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional for extra warmth)
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) pinto or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen or canned corn (drained if canned)
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Juice of 1/2 lime (optional, for brightness)
  • Toppings: shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack, sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, avocado, jalapeños, tortilla chips or strips

Method
 

  1. Brown the meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is softened, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Season: Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and cumin. Stir to coat the meat and onion so the spices bloom. This step deepens the flavor before everything goes into the slow cooker.
  3. Load the slow cooker: Transfer the seasoned beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes, tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, pinto or kidney beans, corn, and broth. Stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours. The longer time on Low helps the flavors meld beautifully.
  5. Finish and adjust: Stir in lime juice if using. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or extra taco seasoning if you like it bolder.
  6. Serve with toppings: Ladle into bowls and add your favorites—cheese, sour cream, cilantro, avocado, crunchy tortilla strips, and a squeeze of lime. The toppings turn it into a true taco-in-a-bowl.