Description

A warm, comforting, and easy-to-make crockpot taco soup featuring ground beef, black beans, and smoky spices. Perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep with rich, layered flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
2 cans black beans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed
1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 150g / 5.3 oz)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon oregano
Salt and pepper to taste (start with 1 teaspoon salt)
1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado slices, tortilla chips, lime wedges

Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until mostly browned with a little pink left, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed and set beef aside.
In the same skillet, add a splash of olive oil if needed. Add diced onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and jalapeño, cooking 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Avoid burning the garlic.
Transfer browned beef and sautéed onion, garlic, and jalapeño to the crockpot. Add black beans, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until flavors meld.
Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or chili powder if desired. Stir in fresh chopped cilantro if using.
Serve soup in bowls with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips, and lime wedges.

Notes

Brown the beef well to develop flavor and texture. Use fire-roasted tomatoes for smoky depth. Add salt towards the end to control saltiness. Adjust spice level by adding or omitting jalapeños or chili powder. Soup tastes better the next day. Avoid freezing as beans and tomatoes may change texture.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximatel
Calories: 350
Sugar: 5
Sodium: 550
Fat: 12
Saturated Fat: 4.5
Carbohydrates: 30
Fiber: 8
Protein: 22

Keywords: taco soup, crockpot recipe, ground beef soup, black beans, easy dinner, slow cooker, comfort food, spicy soup