Easy Crockpot Taco Soup with Ground Beef: A Cozy Weeknight Favorite
There’s something about fall and winter dinners that makes me crave hearty, cozy meals. As the weather cools down and evenings feel longer, I always find myself reaching for slow cooker recipes that bring comfort with minimal effort. That’s exactly why I adore this taco soup recipe crockpot ground beef easy version—it’s creamy, thick, and full of flavor, yet requires almost no hands-on cooking. Trust me, once you try it, it will quickly become one of your favorite weekday meals.
I first made this recipe years ago on a chilly November evening when I needed something quick, filling, and family-friendly. I tossed a few simple ingredients into my slow cooker, crossed my fingers, and a few hours later, the most delicious smell filled my kitchen. Since then, it’s been a regular star in my dinner rotation, especially when I need a cozy and stress-free option.
This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Please read our full disclosure here to find out more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & Stress-Free: Simply brown the beef, dump everything into your slow cooker, and let it work its magic.
- Healthy Options: Use lean meat and skip heavy toppings for a lighter version.
- Versatile: Try it with cream cheese for creamy richness, with rice for extra heartiness, or with ranch packet for a tangy kick.
- Perfect for Fall & Winter: This soup is warm, thick, and so cozy on chilly nights.
- Family-Friendly: Add your favorite toppings and let everyone customize their bowl.
Ingredient List
Here’s exactly what you’ll need for this recipe:
- 1 lb ground beef (use 90/10 lean for a healthier option)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with green chilies for extra spice)
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
- 3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning or ranch packet
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened (optional for a creamy version)
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional, for taco soup with rice)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, tortilla chips
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook 1 lb ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add to Crockpot: Place beef into the slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes, corn, broth, and taco or ranch seasoning.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
- Creamy Option: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in softened cream cheese until melted for a thick, creamy texture.
- With Rice: If you’d like a heartier soup, stir in 1 cup cooked rice before serving.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and add your favorite toppings.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
As someone who’s made this recipe countless times, I’ve learned that the right tools can make the process even smoother. Here are three products from Amazon I personally recommend to make your cooking experience easier:
1. Crockpot 7-Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
If you don’t already own a reliable slow cooker, this one is my favorite. It’s large enough to handle soups, stews, and family-sized meals. The 7-quart size is perfect for big batches of taco soup, especially when you want leftovers.
👉 Get your Crockpot here on Amazon and enjoy effortless cooking all season long!
2. OXO Good Grips Ground Meat Chopper
Browning ground beef can sometimes leave large chunks, but this handy tool breaks meat down perfectly. It saves time, ensures even cooking, and makes your taco soup texture smooth and consistent.
👉 Grab the OXO Meat Chopper here and upgrade your cooking game instantly!
3. Pyrex 4-Cup Glass Measuring Cup
Measuring broth, rice, or even portioning out leftovers becomes a breeze with this classic glass measuring cup. It’s microwave-safe and dishwasher-friendly, making it a kitchen essential.
👉 Order your Pyrex Measuring Cup here and make prep work easier than ever.
Variations & Tips
- No Beans: Keep it bean-free for a lighter, low-carb version.
- With Rice: Add rice for a filling twist that makes it almost like a taco burrito bowl.
- With Ranch Packet: Ranch seasoning gives a tangy, herby depth of flavor.
- Creamy & Thick: Cream cheese creates a thick, indulgent finish—perfect for cozy nights.
- Healthy Version: Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt, or use ground turkey instead of beef.
Why This Soup is Perfect for Fall & Winter
When the leaves start to fall and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing better than a bowl of creamy, steaming taco soup. It’s cozy, filling, and hearty—a hug in a bowl. Plus, with the slow cooker doing all the work, you can come home to dinner that’s ready to serve. Whether it’s for a busy weekday or a lazy Sunday, this soup will quickly become a cold-weather favorite.
Serving Suggestions
This taco soup recipe crockpot ground beef easy is versatile enough to serve in many ways:
- Top with tortilla chips for crunch.
- Add shredded cheese, sour cream, and avocado for extra indulgence.
- Serve over rice for a hearty twist.
- Pair with cornbread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Storage & Meal Prep
This recipe makes fantastic leftovers, which is why I love doubling it during meal prep weeks:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheat on the stove or microwave. Add a splash of broth if needed.
Final Thoughts
This taco soup recipe crockpot ground beef easy is everything you want in a weekday meal—simple, cozy, healthy, and customizable. Whether you make it with no beans, add rice, stir in cream cheese for a creamy version, or boost flavor with a ranch packet, it’s guaranteed to be delicious. I love how it brings my family together around the table, and I know it will for yours too. So go ahead, grab your slow cooker, and let this cozy fall and winter dinner become your new favorite tradition.
Comments
Post a Comment