Slow Cooker Taco Soup

Dinner doesn't get any easier than Slow Cooker Taco Soup. It's one of the original "dump can" dinners where ground beef and pantry staples come together to make a flavorful soup just waiting for all your favorite toppings.

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 25

Total Time 30

Servings servings (1-cup each)

Calories 339kcal

Author Meggan Hill

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef (see note 1)
1 large onion diced (about 2 cups)
3 cups water
2 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans undrained
2 (14 ounce) cans diced tomatoes undrained (see note 2)
1 (14 ounce) can whole kernel corn undrained
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies undrained
2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning or 1 packet store bought (see note 3)
1/4 cup homemade ranch dressing mix or 1 packet store bought (see note 4)
shredded cheese for serving
sour cream for serving
tortilla chips for serving (see note 5)
avocado diced, for serving
minced fresh cilantro for serving
Lime wedges for serving

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

In a Dutch Oven or large stock pot over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and onion until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain well.
To the bottom of a slow cooker, add the drained beef and onions, water, beans, tomatoes, corn, chiles, and all juices from cans. Stir in taco seasoning and ranch seasoning. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours or LOW for 6 to 8 hours.
Serve your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, minced cilantro, lime wedges, and tortilla chips.

Notes

Ground beef: Look for an 85% lean, 15% fat ground beef blend. Or, swap in ground turkey, chicken, pork, or ground sausage. For a vegetarian Taco Soup, omit the meat and add an extra can or two of beans.
Canned diced tomatoes: Use fire-roasted for a hint of smoky flavor.
Taco seasoning: Store-bought packets are fine. To make your own Taco Seasoning, in a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup chili powder, 2 tablespoons ground cumin, 1 tablespoon paprika, 2 teaspoons ground coriander, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and salt to taste (I like 2 teaspoons). Whisk in 1 tablespoon cornstarch if desired.
Ranch dressing mix: Store-bought dry ranch dressing mix is fine. To make Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix, in a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons powdered buttermilk, 2 ½ teaspoons dried parsley, 1 teaspoon dried minced onion, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon dill weed, and salt (I like ¼ teaspoon). Use immediately or store covered in the refrigerator.
Tortilla chips: Tortilla chips are a classic, but Fritos taste great here too.

Nutrition