Name: Slow Cooker Taco Rice Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (or 1 1 oz packet); 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 so comforting about a bowl of rich, flavorful soup that fills the house with warmth. This Slow Cooker Taco Rice Soup Recipe combines the best of cozy home cooking with vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors – perfect for busy days when you want a satisfying meal with minimal fuss.

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

This soup has quickly become one of my go-to meals when I want something hearty but easy. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, melding spicy taco flavors with the creaminess of beans and the comforting texture of rice. I love how versatile it is too — you can throw it together and walk away while it simmers to perfection.

Hands-Off Cooking: Dump everything into your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you tackle your day.
Rich, Layered Flavors: The combination of taco seasoning, fire-roasted tomatoes, and beans gives every spoonful a delicious depth.
Perfectly Filling: The rice rounds out the soup, making it a complete meal that sticks to your ribs.
Customizable Toppings: You can make it yours with avocado, sour cream, fresh cilantro, or whatever you love.

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

The ingredients in this Slow Cooker Taco Rice Soup Recipe work beautifully together, creating a perfect balance of spicy, smoky, and hearty. Choosing quality canned tomatoes and fresh spices really makes a difference, and using pre-cooked rice is a little shortcut that saves cooking time without compromising texture.

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: Adds a meaty, satisfying base without too much fat that could make the soup greasy.
Taco Seasoning: Brings that iconic taco flavor you’re craving, with cumin, chili powder, and a hint of garlic and paprika.
Onion: Sautéed with the beef to build a sweet and savory foundation.
Garlic: Adds aromatic warmth that complements the spices.
Fire Roasted Tomatoes: Give the soup a smoky sweetness and a little texture that’s hard to beat.
Chili Beans: Their spicy, saucy flavor deepens the dish and helps thicken the broth.
Black Beans: Rinsed for a clean taste and added creaminess.
Tomato Sauce: Blends everything together with a smooth, tomatoey richness.
Beef Broth: The savory liquid that carries all the flavors and adds depth.
Cooked White or Spanish Rice: Added near the end to warm through and provide body without overcooking.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: To season to your personal taste and elevate the 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

I like to tweak this soup depending on what I have on hand or to suit different tastes. Sometimes I swap out the ground beef for ground turkey to lighten it up, or I add extra heat with diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce. It’s so flexible, and you’ll enjoy making it truly yours!

Variation: One of my favorite tweaks is stirring in some corn and chopped bell peppers halfway through cooking for added color and sweetness — it works wonders for family dinners.
Make it Vegetarian: Skip the beef and add more beans plus some diced mushrooms or textured vegetable protein. Just increase the seasoning to punch up the flavor.
Rice-Free Version: You can serve this over cauliflower rice or simply omit it for a lighter soup.

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

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Season

Get your skillet heated over medium-high and cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink — breaking it up as it goes. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and let it cook with the beef for a minute or two so those spices bloom and infuse every bite.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Transfer the spiced beef to your slow cooker. Toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, fire-roasted tomatoes, chili beans, black beans, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Give it a quick stir to combine everything.

Step 3: Slow Cook Low and Slow

Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 4 to 5 hours, or if you're short on time, high for 2 to 3 hours. This lets the flavors meld together beautifully without you having to babysit the pot.

Step 4: Stir in Rice and Season

When the cooking time is up, stir in the cooked rice, seasoning the soup with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cover again to let the rice warm through—about 5 minutes is just right.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Now the fun part—ladle into bowls and pile on your favorite toppings. Grab a spoon and enjoy the comforting, spicy goodness you just made!

Top Tip

After making this Slow Cooker Taco Rice Soup Recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned some simple tricks to boost flavor and texture that you might find super helpful.

Don't Overcook the Rice: Adding pre-cooked rice at the very end keeps it from becoming mushy and keeps the soup's texture just right.
Use Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Their smoky flavor really elevates the soup above basic tomato versions, giving it a restaurant-quality taste.
Brown Beef Well: Taking the extra minute to brown the meat and let the spices toast releases more flavor than simply dumping in raw ground beef.
Reserve Some Toppings: Cilantro, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime brighten every bite — prepare these fresh and serve on the side for maximum impact.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Taco Rice Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I can’t resist topping my bowl with creamy diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, some freshly chopped cilantro, and a little shredded cheddar. A squeeze of lime juice on top adds an irresistible zesty punch. If you’re feeling spicy, a few jalapeño slices or a dash of hot sauce does wonders.

Side Dishes

This soup stands beautifully on its own, but I love pairing it with warm tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch or a simple green salad to keep things fresh. Cornbread is another cozy side that complements the smoky flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For game day or casual entertaining, I like to serve this soup in small, shallow bowls with an assortment of toppings in little dishes so everyone can build their own bowl. It’s fun, interactive, and looks vibrant on the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, let leftovers cool completely, then transfer them into an airtight container. I keep mine in the fridge for up to 4 days — the flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day soup even tastier.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup successfully by leaving out the rice before freezing—rice doesn’t always hold up well when frozen. When reheating, simply cook fresh rice and add it to individual servings. This way, your soup stays fresh and rice fluffy.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, just add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen things up. Remember to add fresh rice if your leftovers don’t already have any mixed in.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Slow Cooker Taco Rice Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can simply omit the beef and add extra beans or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and peppers to keep it hearty and flavorful. Just make sure to boost your taco seasoning for great taste.

When should I add the rice to the soup?

The rice should be added near the very end of cooking, after the slow cooker time is done. Stir it in and let it warm through for about 5 minutes so it doesn’t get mushy.

Can I use brown rice in this recipe?

You can use cooked brown rice, but keep in mind it will take longer to heat through and has a chewier texture. Adding it at the end, like white rice, works best to avoid overcooking.

What toppings pair well with this soup?

Fresh garnishes like avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, and lime juice are fantastic. For a spicy kick, sliced jalapeños or hot sauce are great additions.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Taco Rice Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that always feels like a warm hug—easy enough for weeknights and delicious enough to make again and again. I hope you find as much joy in cooking it and sharing it with your loved ones as I do. Remember, it’s all about making it your own and savoring every bite!