Name: Slow Cooker Taco Rice Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 2 tablespoons taco seasoning; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 (14 oz each) cans fire roasted tomatoes; 1 (15 oz) can chili beans; 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce; 3 cups beef broth; 1 cup cooked white or Spanish rice; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

There's something truly comforting about cozying up to a hearty bowl of soup that also delivers a fiesta of flavors. This Slow Cooker Taco Rice Soup Recipe combines the ease of slow cooking with bright, satisfying Mexican-inspired ingredients that just hit the spot every time. It’s one of those warm, welcoming meals you'll want on repeat.

A close-up view of a ladle filled with a thick stew that has three main layers: at the bottom, a mix of red beans and soft white rice; in the middle, chunky bits of brown cooked meat; and on top, bright red tomato pieces mixed evenly with the other ingredients. The stew looks moist, with a reddish-brown broth filling the spaces between the rice and beans. The ladle is metal and worn, held above a pot showing more of the same stew inside, all sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Taco Rice Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Slow Cooker Taco Rice Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Taco Rice Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of this Slow Cooker Taco Rice Soup Recipe because it nails the perfect comfort-food vibe while being incredibly simple to throw together. You’ll appreciate how it fills your kitchen with amazing aromas, all while you get to relax or tackle other things.

Simplicity Meets Flavor: Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do its magic, no babysitting required.
Versatile Meal: This soup plays well with toppings and sides, so you can customize it easily to your mood or pantry.
Perfect for Busy Days: Prep in 10 minutes, then come back to a cozy, ready-to-eat dinner when you walk in the door.
Family Favorite: It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels homemade yet fuss-free, great for feeding hungry kids or guests.

A close-up of a silver spoon holding a thick stew filled with white rice, brown ground meat, chunks of orange-red tomatoes, beans, and bits of onions. Below the spoon, a white bowl is full of the same stew, layered with yellow shredded cheese and a dollop of white sour cream on a white marbled surface with a colorful striped cloth in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Taco Rice Soup Recipe packs a punch of flavor and texture that balances perfectly by the time the slow cooker finishes its magic. Shopping for fresh onion and good quality beef here really returns results you’ll taste.

Flat lay of lean ground beef formed into a neat mound, a small pile of golden-brown taco seasoning powder, a peeled small white onion chopped into pieces, two peeled garlic cloves minced finely, bright red fire roasted tomatoes with charred skin in a small white ceramic bowl, dark red chili beans in a small white bowl, shiny black beans rinsed and glistening in a small white bowl, smooth deep red tomato sauce in a small white bowl, rich brown beef broth in a small white bowl, a neat mound of cooked white rice, coarse grains of kosher salt and a small pile of freshly ground black pepper arranged elegantly, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Lean Ground Beef: Browning it adds a rich, savory base—try not to skip searing, it deepens the flavor dramatically.
Taco Seasoning: The blend of spices brings that classic taco zing without extra effort—use your favorite mix.
Onion: Adds sweetness and aroma, it softens beautifully in the slow cooker.
Garlic: It lifts the whole soup with its subtle punch—make sure it’s fresh!
Fire Roasted Tomatoes: Smoky undertones make this soup stand out from plain tomato soups.
Chili Beans & Black Beans: Add creaminess and body—rinsing black beans helps keep the broth bright.
Tomato Sauce: Thickens and enriches the soup’s base for that satisfying mouthfeel.
Beef Broth: The heart of the soup’s liquid, providing deep savoriness—homemade if you can!
Cooked Rice: Stir in at the end for that comforting starch that soaks up all the flavors.
Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Pepper: Adjust seasoning at the end to balance and brighten flavors.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This soup is like a blank canvas for whatever you love. I often swap out the ground beef for turkey or even shredded chicken when I’m watching calories or just mixing things up. And don't be shy with toppings—it takes on a whole new life with every garnish you add.

Vegetarian Variation: I’ve swapped the meat for sautéed mushrooms and extra beans, and it was just as filling and delicious.
Spice Level: Want it hotter? Toss in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce toward the end—it’s my little secret for guests who love heat.
Rice Alternatives: Try brown rice or quinoa if you need something with more bite or fiber.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Taco Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown That Beef and Build Flavor

First things first, you want to get that beef browned nicely in a skillet over medium-high heat. Don’t rush this step—it’s where a lot of the flavor develops. Break the beef apart with your spatula, sprinkle in the taco seasoning, and give it a minute or two to really soak up those spices before heading to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Layer Everything in the Slow Cooker

Dump your browned beef into the slow cooker, then add the chopped onion, minced garlic, fire roasted tomatoes, chili beans, black beans, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Give it a good stir to combine everything evenly.

Step 3: Let It Cook Low and Slow

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 4-5 hours or if you’re short on time, high for 2-3 hours. The longer, slower cook time lets all those bold flavors marry beautifully. Your kitchen will smell incredible!

Step 4: Stir in Rice, Season, and Warm Through

Once the cooking time is up, stir in your cooked rice. This gives the soup body and that comfortable texture we all crave. Taste and add salt and pepper to your liking. Cover and let it warm through for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle into bowls and top with whatever makes your heart happy—this might be sour cream, avocado slices, shredded cheese, or fresh cilantro for me.

Top Tip

After making this recipe over and over, I've gathered a few little tricks that really elevate the end result—ready to make your soup unforgettable?

Don’t Skip Browning the Meat: That quick sear in the skillet adds depth and keeps the beef juicy instead of stewing blandly.
Use Fire Roasted Tomatoes: Their smoky flavor gives the soup a richer, more complex taste than plain diced tomatoes.
Add Rice at the End: Adding cooked rice near the finish keeps it from getting mushy during the long cook time.
Season Gradually: Taste toward the end and season carefully to avoid over-salting, especially if your broth is store-bought and already salty.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Taco Rice Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I love piling my bowl high with shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, a dollop of cool sour cream, and some chopped green onions or fresh cilantro. Sometimes I add diced avocado or a squeeze of lime to brighten things up. Don't forget the crunchy tortilla chips for dipping—that texture contrast is everything!

Side Dishes

A simple green salad or a side of cornbread goes beautifully with this Slow Cooker Taco Rice Soup Recipe. Sometimes I toss together a Mexican street corn salad if I want to get fancy. Chips and salsa on the side also never disappoint!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at parties, I’ve served the soup in mini bread bowls or even inside hollowed-out bell peppers for a festive touch. These small changes make the meal feel special without adding fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep great in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I usually let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating to preserve the texture of the rice and beans.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup successfully by leaving out the rice before freezing and adding freshly cooked rice when reheating. This prevents the rice from getting mushy and helps maintain a fresh texture after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a little broth or water to loosen it up. For a quick fix, the microwave works well, just cover and heat in short intervals to avoid overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Slow Cooker Taco Rice Soup Recipe in advance?

Absolutely! This soup actually tastes better the next day once the flavors have melded. Just store it in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stove or microwave before serving.

What’s the best way to keep the rice from getting mushy?

The trick is to cook the rice separately and add it to the soup near the end of cooking, as the recipe suggests. This way the rice stays perfectly textured and doesn’t break down in the slow cooker.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to brown it thoroughly and season well with taco seasoning to keep the robust flavor.

Is this soup spicy?

It has a mild to moderate heat thanks to the taco seasoning. You can easily adjust the spice level by choosing a mild or hot taco seasoning blend, or by adding jalapeños or hot sauce to taste.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Taco Rice Soup Recipe has become one of my go-to meals, especially on busy weeknights when I want something filling, flavorful, and easy. It’s the kind of recipe I recommend to friends because it just works—comforting yet festive, with minimal effort and maximum goodness. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do!