Easy Slow Cooker Taco Soup Recipe With Chicken & Beef

I'm so excited to share this easy taco soup recipe with you. It's perfect for busy weeknights and can topped with your favorite taco toppings. Serve it on Taco Tuesday or on busy days where the magic of the slow cooker is the only thing that will allow you to get dinner on the table at a decent time.

When the weather turns cooler or you’re simply in need of a comforting meal without the fuss, this crockpot taco soup recipe totally hits the spot.

And what could be better than a taco soup that combines the ease of a slow cooker with the heartiness of both chicken and beef? This crock pot taco soup recipe with chicken and beef is a satisfying, no-stress meal that’s perfect for busy weekdays or relaxing weekends. 

How To Make The Best Taco Soup

{Scroll down for a printable recipe card}

Taco Soup Ingredients:

• Chicken stock: 8 cups
• Diced tomatoes (14 oz cans, drained): 2
• Chicken breasts: 1 lb.
• Ground beef: 1 lb.
• Cabbage (½ head, sliced into strips)
• Cumin: 1 tsp
• Paprika: ½ tsp
• Onion powder: 1 tsp
• Garlic powder: 1 tsp
• Chili powder: ½ tsp
• Salt: 1 tsp, or to taste

Toppings (optional):

• Avocado (sliced)
• Lime (wedges for squeezing)
• Cilantro (chopped)
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese (I like to use cheddar cheese or a Mexican cheese blend)

How To Make Slow Cooker Taco Soup

Season the ground beef with half the specified amounts of salt and a small amount of pepper (if you like pepper).

Shape the seasoned beef into small meatballs, about 1 tablespoon in size.

Take the cabbage, slice it in half, and then cut it into thin strips.

Place the chicken breasts and the meatballs in the bottom of the slow cooker.

Add the diced tomatoes, the strips of cabbage, and all the seasonings on top of the meat.

Pour chicken broth over all the ingredients in the crock pot.

Cover and set your slow cooker to cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. This is the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal.

Once the cooking time has elapsed, remove the chicken breasts from your slow cooker.

Shred the chicken breasts using two forks.

Next stir the shredded chicken back into the soup.

Serve the hot soup in bowls and invite everyone to top their servings with avocado slices, a squeeze of lime juice, cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and a generous sprinkle of shredded Mexican cheese.

Need a good slow cooker? I'm obsessed with this Crock Pot as it's easy to use and it has a locking lid!

FAQs {Frequently Asked Questions}

This easy recipe is very versatile and is a great way to utilize pantry staples. I often toss in extra canned goods or leftover veggies that are in my fridge. But I know many of you have specific questions, so I thought I'd address some of them here.

Can this taco soup be made with only chicken or beef?

Yes, you can choose to make this soup with either just chicken or just beef. If you opt for one protein, simply double the quantity of the one you’re using.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Certainly! You can omit the meat and add more vegetables like corn, black beans, or bell peppers. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

How can I store leftovers?

Allow the soup to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You also can place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze it for up to 3 months.

What can I use instead of cabbage?

Cabbage adds a nice texture, but you could also use spinach, kale, or another leafy green. Add these greens 30 minutes before the end of cooking time so they don’t overcook.

Can I use taco seasoning in this recipe?

Absolutely. I love this homemade taco seasoning and often use it in place of all the other spices.

How do I thicken the soup if it’s too liquid-y for my taste?

You can thicken the soup by blending some of the tomatoes into a puree and mixing it back in, or by adding a cornstarch slurry (a mixture of cornstarch and cold water) and letting it cook a bit longer.

Can I use beef broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, you can use beef broth instead of chicken broth in your taco soup. Beef broth will give the soup a deeper, richer flavor that pairs well with the ground beef. Keep in mind that using beef broth will slightly change the overall taste profile, making it more robust.

Since you are using both chicken and beef in the soup, you can also consider using a combination of both chicken and beef broth to complement each type of meat. Always taste your soup after adding the broth to adjust the seasonings if necessary, as different broths have varying levels of sodium and flavor intensity.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Sure. Ground turkey is a great substitution for ground beef. If you're looking to make this recipe lower fat, you could also opt for lean ground beef or ground chicken.

What else can I add to my taco soup?

Taco soup is a versatile dish that can accommodate a variety of ingredients, allowing you to be creative and tailor it to your taste. Here are some delicious add-ins:

• Beans: Black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans can add extra protein and fiber.
• Vegetables: Corn, bell peppers, zucchini, or diced carrots can increase the soup’s nutritional value and add texture.
• Chiles: Green chiles or diced jalapeños can provide a nice kick if you enjoy a bit of heat.
• Leafy Greens: Stir in some spinach or kale at the end of cooking for a pop of color and nutrients.
• Grains: A scoop of cooked quinoa or rice added to each bowl can make the soup even more filling.
• Seasonings: For more complex flavors, consider adding chili powder, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, or a dash of hot sauce.
• Proteins: Consider replacing or adding to the meat with cooked chorizo, shredded pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
• Toppings: Beyond the suggested toppings, consider adding sliced jalapeños, diced red onion, tortilla strips, or chopped olives.

Feel free to experiment with these additions to make your taco soup uniquely delicious every time you prepare it.

What can I serve with Taco Soup?

Taco Soup is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with:

• Crusty Bread or Cornbread: A slice of warm, crusty bread or a piece of cornbread is perfect for dipping into the soup and adds a comforting carbohydrate that many enjoy.
• Salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy dressing can balance the hearty richness of the soup.
• Rice: Serve the soup over a bed of rice for an even heartier meal.
• Tortilla Chips: Scoop up the soup with tortilla chips for added crunch, or crumble them on top as a garnish.
• Quesadillas or Grilled Cheese: Either option makes a filling addition and a delightful way to create a full, well-rounded meal.
• Nachos: Layer some nachos with cheese, pop them in the oven, and then top with a bit of the taco soup for a fun and tasty meal.
• Mexican Street Corn: This grilled corn on the cob, coated with a mixture of mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, and chili powder, adds a creamy and zesty side that harmonizes with the taco soup’s flavors.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted veggies like zucchini, peppers, or sweet potatoes can add a nice texture and boost the nutritional value of your meal.

Remember, the best side dishes for Taco Soup are the ones that complement the soup without overpowering its flavors. Feel free to mix and match side dishes based on your personal preferences and dietary needs!

I don't have a slow cooker. Can I make this on the stove instead?

Yes, you can definitely make Taco Soup on the stove top if you don’t have a slow cooker. Follow these modified instructions for stovetop cooking:

1. In a large pot, brown the meatballs you’ve made from the ground beef over medium heat or medium-high heat until they’re cooked through. Remove them and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed, and cook the chicken breasts until they’re just done. Remove them, shred them, and set aside.
3. In the same pot, sauté the cabbage strips until they’re slightly softened.
4. Add back the cooked meatballs and shredded chicken, then pour in the chicken stock and add the diced tomatoes and all the spices.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook, covered, for about 30-40 minutes or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together nicely.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, then proceed with the garnishing as suggested in the original recipe.

Cooking the Taco Soup on the stove may require a bit more attention, particularly to prevent the bottom from burning, but you’ll end up with a soup that’s just as delicious as the slow-cooked version. Enjoy your stove-top Taco Soup with all the suggested toppings for a delicious meal!

This Easy Slow Cooker Taco Soup Recipe is not only full of flavor but also versatile enough to suit various dietary preferences and pantry availability. It’s a fulfilling meal that guarantees to warm you up from the inside out. Enjoy this simple yet delicious soup with your favorite toppings and share the warmth with your loved ones!

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