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Crockpot Beef Taco Soup - Cozy, Flavor-Packed, and Effortless

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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 to 1.25 pounds ground beef (85%–90% lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning, or 3 tablespoons homemade
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional, for extra warmth)
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Ro-Tel)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed (or kidney beans)
  • 1 cup frozen or canned corn (if canned, drain)
  • 4 cups low-sodium beef broth (or chicken/vegetable broth)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for richer body)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning, if needed)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • Sliced green onions or diced red onion
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Avocado slices
  • Lime wedges
  • Tortilla chips or warm tortillas

Method
 

  1. Brown the beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. If the meat is very lean, add a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Add onion and garlic: Stir in the diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant.
  3. Season: Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and cumin. Toss to coat the beef and onions so the spices bloom and become aromatic.
  4. Transfer to the slow cooker: Move the beef mixture into your crockpot. Add the diced tomatoes, tomatoes with green chiles, black beans, pinto beans, corn, broth, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine.
  5. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or on High for 3–4 hours. The longer cook on Low yields a deeper, cozier flavor.
  6. Taste and adjust: Before serving, taste and adjust salt and pepper. If you want more heat, add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce.
  7. Serve with toppings: Ladle into bowls and finish with cheese, a dollop of sour cream, cilantro, avocado, and a squeeze of lime. Add tortilla chips for crunch.