How to Make an Easy Crockpot Taco Soup
How to Make an Easy Crockpot Taco Soup is a easy Tex-Mex recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Kells Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 2 hrs | Total: 2 hrs 25 min
Cost: $15.78 total, $3.95 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef (80% lean, raw)
- 2 cups Beef Broth (Low‑sodium preferred)
- 1 can Kidney Beans (15 oz, do not drain)
- 1 can Black Beans (15 oz, do not drain)
- 1 can Sweet Corn (15 oz, include liquid)
- 2 cans Petite Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz each, do not drain)
- 1 can Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies (10 oz, used as a topping (optional))
- 1 packet Taco Seasoning (Kinder's brand, smoky flavor)
- 1 packet Ranch Seasoning (Dry ranch mix)
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream (For topping)
- 1 cup Four‑Cheese Mexican Blend (Shredded, for topping (cheddar works too))
- 2 tablespoons Green Onions (Finely chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Add All Ingredients to Crockpot
Place the raw ground beef, beef broth, kidney beans, black beans, sweet corn (with liquid), diced tomatoes (with liquid), Rotel (optional), taco seasoning packet, and ranch seasoning packet into the crockpot.
Time: PT5M
Stir to Combine
Using a wooden spoon or ladle, stir everything together until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Time: PT2M
Cook on High
Cover the crockpot and set it to HIGH for 2 hours.
Time: PT2H
Serve the Soup
After cooking, ladle the hot soup into serving bowls.
Time: PT2M
Add Toppings
Top each bowl with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded four‑cheese Mexican blend, and chopped green onions.
Time: PT3M
Enjoy
Serve hot and enjoy your filling taco soup!
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 6g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free (if seasoning packets are gluten‑free), High‑Protein
Allergens: Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground turkey, Ground chicken
- Instead of Beef Broth: Chicken broth, Vegetable broth
- Instead of Kidney Beans: Pinto beans, black beans
- Instead of Black Beans: Kidney beans, pinto beans
- Instead of Sweet Corn: Frozen corn, fresh corn kernels
- Instead of Petite Diced Tomatoes: Diced fresh tomatoes, crushed tomatoes
- Instead of Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies: Salsa, diced fresh tomatoes with jalapeños
- Instead of Taco Seasoning: store‑bought taco seasoning, homemade taco spice blend
- Instead of Ranch Seasoning: dry ranch dressing mix, herb seasoning blend
- Instead of Sour Cream: Greek yogurt, crema
- Instead of Four‑Cheese Mexican Blend: shredded cheddar, Mexican blend cheese
- Instead of Green Onions: chives, scallions
Equipment Needed
- Crockpot (Slow Cooker)
- Measuring Cups
- Wooden Spoon or Ladle
- Can Opener
- Serving Bowls
- Small Bowl for Toppings (optional)
- Knife (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Do not drain the canned beans, corn, or tomatoes – their liquids are essential for soup consistency.
- Fully incorporate the taco and ranch seasonings to avoid pockets of undissolved spice.
- Cook the soup to an internal temperature of at least 165°F to ensure the raw ground beef is safe.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For deeper flavor, brown the ground beef in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot.
- Use a homemade taco seasoning blend (chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder) to control sodium.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for extra brightness.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too watery.
Remove the lid for the last 20‑30 minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate, or stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste.
Soup is too thick.
Add additional beef broth or water a quarter cup at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Flavor is bland.
Add extra taco seasoning, a splash of hot sauce, or a pinch more salt.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portion‑size containers for up to 3 months.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; refrigerate promptly after cooling.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare and measure all canned ingredients the night before; store in the fridge and add to the crockpot in the morning.
- The soup reheats well; simply microwave individual portions or warm on the stovetop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of taco soup in Tex‑Mex cuisine?
Taco soup is a modern, convenience‑focused adaptation of classic Tex‑Mex flavors, combining the hearty elements of chili with the spice profile of tacos. It reflects the American love for one‑pot meals that deliver bold, familiar flavors with minimal effort.
What traditional regional variations of taco soup exist in Tex‑Mex cooking?
Some regions add roasted poblano peppers, use chipotle in adobo for smoky heat, or substitute ground turkey for a lighter version. Others incorporate hominy or use fresh salsa instead of canned Rotel.
How is taco soup traditionally served in Tex‑Mex households?
It is usually served hot in bowls, topped with sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and sometimes crushed tortilla chips or avocado slices. It’s a popular family‑friendly meal for quick weeknight dinners.
What occasions or celebrations is taco soup commonly associated with in Tex‑Mex culture?
Taco soup is a go‑to dish for casual gatherings like game nights, Super Bowl parties, or Taco Tuesdays because it’s easy to make in large batches and feeds a crowd.
What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional taco soup versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include ground beef, beef broth, canned beans, corn, diced tomatoes, Rotel or similar tomato‑chili blend, and a taco seasoning mix. Substitutes can be ground turkey, chicken broth, frozen vegetables, or homemade seasoning blends.
What other Tex‑Mex dishes pair well with taco soup?
Serve with warm flour or corn tortillas, a side of Mexican rice, guacamole, or a simple corn salad. A refreshing agua fresca or margarita also complements the meal.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making taco soup in a crockpot?
Common errors include draining the canned liquids, which makes the soup thin, and not mixing the seasonings thoroughly, leading to uneven flavor. Also, avoid over‑cooking the ground beef without stirring, as it can become dry.
Why does this taco soup recipe use both taco seasoning and ranch seasoning?
The taco seasoning provides the classic Mexican spice base, while the ranch packet adds a creamy, herbaceous note that balances the heat and gives the soup a richer mouthfeel.
Can I make taco soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the soup up to the cooking stage, refrigerate it overnight, and finish cooking the next day. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze for up to three months.
What does the YouTube channel Kells Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Kells Kitchen focuses on quick, budget‑friendly home cooking tutorials, often featuring one‑pot meals, slow‑cooker recipes, and comfort food classics that are easy for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Kells Kitchen's approach to Tex‑Mex cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Kells Kitchen emphasizes minimal prep, using pantry staples and canned ingredients to create flavorful Tex‑Mex dishes without complex techniques, whereas many other channels may rely on fresh ingredients and elaborate seasoning steps.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
