Suzette’s Recipe: There are nights when I just don’t have the energy to stand over the stove, chop a mountain of veggies, or think too hard about dinner. Those are the nights this Slow Cooker Taco Soup saves me. It’s my go-to dump and go recipe. Most of the ingredients come straight from the pantry, and the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. By the time dinner rolls around, I’ve got a pot of hearty, cozy, flavor-packed soup ready to serve with zero stress.
This isn’t fancy food, it’s comfort food that feels like a hug in a bowl. And bonus? It makes the best leftovers for lunch the next day.
1 can corn (do not drain)
1 can chili (do not drain)
2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cans black beans (do not drain)
4 Tbsp taco seasoning (or 1 store-bought packet)
1 can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
1 cup salsa (try mango salsa for sweetness or jalapeño salsa for heat)
4 Tbsp sour cream
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Return the chicken to the pot.
Finish with creaminess: Stir in the sour cream until the soup is smooth and creamy.
Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with your favorites: tortilla chips, shredded cheddar cheese, guacamole, extra sour cream, or sliced green onions.
Healthy Friendly: Add a dollop of plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Meal prep Win: Store leftovers in mason jars for grab-and-go lunches.
Do I have to use chicken?
Nope! Swap in ground beef, ground turkey, or even keep it vegetarian by skipping the meat entirely and adding an extra can of beans.
Can I make this in the Instant Pot?
Yes! Cook everything on high pressure for 20 minutes, then do a quick release. Shred the chicken, stir in sour cream, and you’re set.
Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely. Let the soup cool, then portion into freezer bags or airtight containers. It keeps well for up to 3 months. (Pro tip: Leave out the sour cream before freezing. Stir it in after reheating for best texture.)
What if I don’t like spice?
Use mild salsa and reduce the taco seasoning to 2 Tbsp. You’ll still get tons of flavor without the heat.
Can I make it creamier?
Add a block of cream cheese (cut into cubes) about 30 minutes before serving. Stir until melted—instant creamy upgrade!