There’s something incredibly cozy about a bowl of soup that’s packed with bold flavors and just feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. This Slow Cooker Taco Rice Soup Recipe is exactly that—a hearty, flavorful meal that practically makes itself while you go about your day. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with enticing aromas and your belly with comfort.

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

Honestly, this Slow Cooker Taco Rice Soup Recipe has won me over because it strikes the perfect balance between convenience and flavor. It’s one of those “set it and forget it” dishes that produces a rich, satisfying meal with minimal effort—exactly what busy weeknights need.

Hands-off cooking: You brown the beef quickly, dump everything in the slow cooker, and let it do the rest while you relax or tackle other things.
Comfort in a bowl: The combination of taco seasoning, beans, tomatoes, and rice creates a hearty soup that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
Loaded with texture and flavor: The beans add creaminess and bite, the beef adds richness, and the rice brings a nice, filling body to the soup.
Super adaptable: You can easily tweak ingredients or toppings to fit your tastes or what’s in your pantry, making it your own every time.

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 magic with this Slow Cooker Taco Rice Soup Recipe is how straightforward ingredients come together to create deep, layered flavors. The taco seasoning is your flavor powerhouse here, blending spices that make everything taste vibrant and comforting.

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

Ground beef: I always go for lean to keep the soup hearty but not greasy.
Taco seasoning: Using a packet is fine, but homemade seasoning can bring even more nuance.
Onion & garlic: They form the flavor base and fill the kitchen with irresistible aromas.
Fire roasted tomatoes: These add a smoky sweetness that elevates the soup beyond just “taco-flavored.”
Chili beans & black beans: Beans add creaminess and protein, plus they soak up all those delicious spices.
Tomato sauce: Brings a slightly thicker texture and a smooth tomato flavor.
Beef broth: The liquid that pulls it all together — I prefer homemade or low sodium so I can control saltiness.
Cooked rice: Folded in at the end, it turns the soup into a filling meal that feeds a crowd.
Salt & pepper: Simple seasonings to taste. I always recommend tasting near the end; slow cooker soups often intensify their 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 love playing around with this soup depending on what I have on hand or my mood that day. It’s a great base to customize—feel free to experiment and make this Slow Cooker Taco Rice Soup Recipe truly yours.

Variation: I’ve swapped out ground beef for ground turkey or even plant-based crumbles when I want a lighter or vegetarian-friendly twist, and it still turns out amazing.
Spice level: Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne if you like a little heat, or skip it for a milder version that kids adore.
Beans: I sometimes use pinto beans or kidney beans instead of black and chili beans—whatever you like or have in your pantry.
Rice: Spanish rice adds a colorful, flavorful touch, but plain white rice is a perfect blank canvas too.

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

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Season

I start by browning the ground beef over medium-high heat in a skillet, breaking it apart with my spatula as it cooks. Once it’s no longer pink, I sprinkle on the taco seasoning and stir everything together, letting the spices bloom for about 1-2 minutes. This quick step locks in loads of flavor before it hits the slow cooker.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker

Next, I transfer that perfectly seasoned beef to the slow cooker and add chopped onions, minced garlic, fire roasted tomatoes, chili beans, black beans (rinsed and drained so the soup isn’t too thick), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Give it all a good stir to combine the flavors right away.

Step 3: Slow Cook and Let Flavors Marry

I cover the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. This simmering time is where the magic happens—everything melds together into a rich, tasty soup that smells incredible even before you taste it.

Step 4: Stir in Rice and Finish

Right near the end, I stir in the cooked rice and let it warm through for about 5 more minutes with the lid on. A quick taste test lets me adjust salt and pepper, and then it’s ready to serve.

Top Tip

Having made this Slow Cooker Taco Rice Soup Recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few little tricks to make it even better. A few small tweaks can ensure your soup comes out flavorful, perfectly textured, and a real crowd-pleaser every time.

Don’t skip browning the beef: It adds richness and depth you just can't get throwing raw meat straight into the slow cooker.
Use fire roasted tomatoes: They add a smoky note that makes the soup taste homemade and special.
Timing your rice: Stir it in last so it stays fluffy and doesn’t turn mushy.
Avoid overseasoning early: Add salt later after everything has cooked—liquids can reduce and concentrate the saltiness.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Taco Rice Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my bowls with a handful of freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime—it brightens the flavors and adds a fresh zing. A dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese is a must-have for creamy richness, and if you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle on some crushed tortilla chips for crunch.

Side Dishes

This soup stands tall on its own, but I often serve it with warm cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Sometimes I put out soft flour tortillas for dipping, which the kids especially enjoy.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual get-togethers, I like serving this soup in small mason jars or cups as a fun taco soup shooter with layered toppings. Another fun idea is to fill crispy taco shells with the soup and top with cheese for an impressive taco soup taco—granted, it’s a bit whimsical but always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I find the flavors even deepen overnight, so it’s a perfect lunch or easy dinner option for the following days.

Freezing

I usually freeze this soup without the rice, as rice tends to change texture after freezing and thawing. When reheating, I add fresh cooked rice to maintain that perfect fluffiness. The rest freezes like a dream—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat this soup is on the stovetop over low to medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick. This keeps the soup fresh and comforting without losing that homemade vibe.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Slow Cooker Taco Rice Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply skip the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can add extra beans or diced veggies like bell peppers and corn to keep it hearty and flavorful.

What kind of rice works best in this soup?

I recommend using cooked white rice or Spanish rice for this Slow Cooker Taco Rice Soup Recipe. Avoid adding uncooked rice directly, as it needs a specific cooking time and can absorb too much liquid if cooked in the soup.

How spicy is this soup, and can I adjust the heat?

The spice level mainly depends on your taco seasoning and any added peppers. This recipe is moderately spiced but you can easily adjust by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning packets, or adding fresh jalapeños or hot sauce to increase heat.

Can I prepare this soup in advance and reheat it later?

Absolutely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld more. Just store it in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stovetop or microwave. Add fresh rice after reheating if you froze the soup without rice.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Taco Rice Soup Recipe has become a staple in my home because it delivers on comfort, flavor, and ease all at once. Whether you're busy during the week or hosting friends, it’s a fail-proof way to share something hearty and satisfying. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.