The Ultimate Easy 7-Can Taco Soup Recipe: A Hearty Slow Cooker Delight

Are you searching for a meal that’s both incredibly easy to prepare and packed with comforting flavor? Look no further than this fantastic 7 Can Taco Soup! This recipe is the ultimate solution for a quick, hearty, and satisfying dinner, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Crafted with lean ground beef, savory bacon, a medley of beans, zesty chilies, and robust taco seasoning, it delivers all the deliciousness of tacos without any of the fuss. Once simmering to perfection, this versatile soup can be served on its own or ladled over fluffy rice for an even more filling and satisfying meal.

This 7-Can Taco Soup holds a special place in our household, especially when the weather turns cool and a warm, comforting bowl of soup is exactly what’s needed. It’s a delightful blend of hearty beans, succulent ground beef, and classic taco flavors, all conveniently simmered to perfection in a slow cooker. The rich combination of seasonings, seasoned ground beef, and crispy bacon creates an irresistible aroma and taste that the entire family will adore. Forget the extensive prep work usually associated with tacos; this soup brings the fiesta directly to your spoon with minimal effort.

One of the best aspects of this 7-Can Taco Soup recipe is its adaptability. It’s incredibly simple to double or even triple the batch to accommodate larger families, unexpected dinner guests, or to prepare for meal prepping throughout the week. Plus, it freezes beautifully, allowing you to stash away leftovers for a quick and convenient reheat whenever a craving for savory taco soup strikes. If you’re exploring other comforting soup options, be sure to try our Chicken & Rice Soup or our classic Dutch Oven Chicken Noodle Soup for more delicious inspiration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This 7-Can Taco Soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary experience designed for maximum flavor and minimal fuss. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen:

• Unbeatably Hearty: This soup is a powerhouse of nutrition and satisfaction. Loaded with chili beans, other nutrient-rich vegetables, and protein-packed ground beef, it provides essential fiber and protein that will keep you feeling full and energized long after your meal. It’s perfect for fueling up on a cold day.
• Richly Savory: Every spoonful bursts with a deeply savory profile. The combination of crispy bacon, diverse beans, and expertly blended taco seasoning creates a harmonious symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
• Full of Bold Flavor: The dynamic duo of taco seasoning and ranch dressing mix infuses this soup with an incredibly bold and utterly delicious taste. These seasonings work together to create a complex flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting, ensuring a satisfying culinary adventure with every bite.
• Just the Right Kick: For those who appreciate a touch of warmth, the green chilies and enchilada sauce provide the perfect amount of heat. It’s a subtle kick that enhances the overall flavor without overwhelming your palate, making this 7-Can Taco Soup enjoyable for most spice preferences.
• Effortlessly Easy: Designed with convenience in mind, this dish boasts a predominantly hands-off cooking time, especially when utilizing a slow cooker. This makes it an ideal recipe for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, allowing you to achieve gourmet results with minimal effort.
• Supremely Convenient: The prep time for this recipe is remarkably quick. Most of the ingredients are simply canned items that you’ll be tossing directly into your slow cooker, significantly reducing chopping and measuring. This convenience makes it a lifesaver on those hectic days when time is of the essence.
• Perfect for Large Families & Gatherings: Since this recipe is incredibly easy to scale up, it’s an excellent choice for feeding larger families or entertaining a crowd. Whether you’re making a week’s worth of lunches or hosting a party, this soup ensures everyone gets a generous, delicious serving.

The Magic of 7 Cans & Key Ingredients

The beauty of this 7-Can Taco Soup lies in its ingenious use of readily available canned ingredients, making it a pantry-friendly and stress-free meal. While the “7-can” concept focuses on convenience, each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the soup’s incredible depth of flavor. Here’s a closer look at the stars of this recipe and how they contribute to its deliciousness:

• Kosher Salt: In all our recipes, we meticulously test with Morton kosher salt due to its superior crystal size and flavor profile, which makes it ideal for everyday cooking. If you opt for table salt, remember to reduce the quantity significantly as it’s much finer and saltier by volume. We highly recommend grabbing some kosher salt during your next grocery run; it truly makes a difference in your culinary endeavors.
• Enchilada Sauce: This ingredient is key for that authentic Mexican flavor and a delightful hint of warmth. Any variety of enchilada sauce will work wonderfully for this 7-Can Taco Soup. For those sensitive to spice, a mild sauce is recommended. If you enjoy a bolder flavor and can handle more heat, feel free to use medium or hot versions to elevate the dish to your preferred spice level.
• Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika is a secret weapon that introduces a beautiful depth and a subtle smoky aroma to the soup, perfectly complementing the other rich flavors. Should you desire a slightly sweeter or spicier note, you can easily substitute it with sweet paprika or hot paprika, respectively, tailoring the soup to your taste.
• **The Canned Wonders:** The core of this “7-can” recipe typically includes black beans, pinto beans, corn, diced tomatoes, green chilies, chicken broth, and enchilada sauce. These pre-packaged ingredients drastically cut down on prep time, ensuring a delicious meal is always within reach. The variety of beans adds texture and protein, while the tomatoes and chilies provide essential acidity and a touch of heat.
• **Ground Beef & Bacon:** These fresh additions bring a foundational savory richness to the soup. Browning the ground beef and bacon before adding them to the slow cooker develops a deep umami flavor that permeates the entire dish.
• **Taco Seasoning & Ranch Dressing Seasoning:** These two seasoning packets are the flavor heroes, transforming simple ingredients into a vibrant taco experience. The taco seasoning brings the classic Mexican spice blend, while the ranch seasoning adds a creamy, tangy depth that perfectly balances the robust flavors.

A complete list of all ingredients and their exact quantities can be found on the recipe card below.

How to Make 7 Can Taco Soup

Creating this delicious 7-Can Taco Soup is incredibly straightforward, making it an ideal recipe for busy days when you crave a homemade meal without the hassle. Follow these simple steps for a truly satisfying slow cooker experience.

Quick Overview

• Sauté ground beef and aromatics.
• Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker.
• Simmer to perfection.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula or meat masher as it cooks. Sauté until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains.

Step 2: Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Then, add the diced onion and diced bacon to the browned beef. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion has softened and become translucent, and the bacon is lightly crispy. This step builds a rich flavor foundation for your soup.

Step 3: Carefully transfer the cooked beef, onion, and bacon mixture into your slow cooker. Now, add the remaining “can” ingredients: the drained and rinsed black beans, pinto beans, and corn; the can of diced or crushed tomatoes; the low-sodium chicken broth (or water); the enchilada sauce; and the green chiles. Finally, sprinkle in the ranch dressing seasoning, taco seasoning, ground cumin, granulated garlic, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir everything gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well distributed.

Step 4: Cover your slow cooker with its lid. Cook the 7-Can Taco Soup on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours, or if you’re short on time, cook on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. The longer, slower cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a more complex and satisfying soup. Once cooked, the soup should be bubbling gently, and the aromas will fill your kitchen.

Recipe Serving Suggestions

This 7-Can Taco Soup is fantastic on its own, but it truly shines when dressed up with your favorite toppings. Think of it as a deconstructed taco in a bowl, ready for your creative garnishing!

For a classic finish, garnish each serving with a generous dollop of cool sour cream, a sprinkle of freshly shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack are excellent choices), a handful of vibrant diced tomatoes, and a scattering of crunchy tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also add delightful textural contrasts.

To transform this delicious soup into an even more substantial and satisfying meal, I highly recommend serving it over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice. The rice soaks up the flavorful broth, making each bite incredibly satisfying. You can also pair it with other Mexican-inspired side dishes to create a complete and festive spread. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Simple Mexican Red Rice: A flavorful and authentic side that complements the soup perfectly.
• Hot Elote Dip: A creamy, cheesy, and spicy dip that makes a fantastic appetizer or side.
• Easy Mexican Potatoes: Tender, seasoned potatoes that add another hearty element to your meal.
• Mexican Pickled Onions: A tangy and vibrant topping that adds a pop of color and acidity to balance the richness of the soup.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Achieving the best possible 7-Can Taco Soup is simple with these expert tips and tricks:

• Always Drain and Rinse Canned Beans & Corn: This crucial step helps reduce the overall sodium content of your 7-Can Taco Soup. Canned goods are often packed in a salty liquid, and rinsing them not only moderates the saltiness but also removes any starchy residue, ensuring a cleaner, more balanced flavor for your soup. Without this step, your dish can easily become overly salty.
• Consider Homemade Taco Seasoning: While store-bought taco seasoning packets are incredibly convenient, if you have a little extra time, making your own homemade taco seasoning can truly elevate this easy taco soup recipe. A homemade blend allows you to customize the spice level, control the sodium content, and tailor the flavor profile to your exact preferences. Many recipes are available online, using common pantry spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Maximize with Doubling and Freezing: This 7-Can Taco Soup, infused with the delightful ranch dressing mix, is remarkably easy to double or even triple for larger gatherings, meal prepping, or simply ensuring you have delicious leftovers. It’s an excellent candidate for making ahead. To freeze extra soup, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it into airtight, freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored, this soup can maintain its quality in the freezer for up to six months, offering a quick and satisfying meal solution whenever you need it.
• Don’t Skip Browning the Meat and Onions: While it might seem like an extra step, browning the ground beef and sautéing the onions and bacon before adding them to the slow cooker is essential. This process develops a deeper, richer flavor through the Maillard reaction, which simply isn’t achievable by just adding raw ingredients to the slow cooker. It creates the foundational savory notes that make this soup so delicious.
• Adjust Broth for Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, start with slightly less chicken broth and add more as needed. Conversely, if your soup turns out too thick, you can always thin it out with a little extra broth or water towards the end of the cooking cycle.

Customizing Your Taco Soup

One of the many joys of making this 7-Can Taco Soup is its incredible versatility. It serves as a fantastic base for a variety of additions and substitutions, allowing you to tailor it perfectly to your taste, dietary preferences, or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

• Try Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner and healthier alternative, easily transform this into a turkey taco soup or chicken taco soup recipe. Simply replace the ground beef with an equal 1:1 ratio of ground turkey or ground chicken. Be sure to brown the poultry thoroughly before adding it to the slow cooker to develop maximum flavor.
• Boost Flavor with Extra Cheese: A generous layer of shredded cheese melted on top of each bowl can significantly enhance the soup’s flavor and give it an even closer resemblance to the classic taco experience. Feel free to use your favorite variety, such as sharp cheddar, creamy Monterey Jack, a Mexican blend, or even a sprinkle of cotija cheese for an authentic touch.
• Add a Crispy Garnish with Tortilla Strips: For an irresistible textural contrast, garnish each serving of taco soup with a sprinkle of crispy tortilla strips or crumbled tortilla chips. This adds a delightful crunch that complements the soft, hearty ingredients of the soup.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: To make this soup vegetarian-friendly, substitute the ground beef with your favorite vegetarian crumbled protein alternative (many excellent brands are available in most grocery stores). You’ll also need to omit the bacon and swap the chicken broth for a vegetable broth. When making this switch, it’s often a good idea to taste the soup before covering it and turning on the slow cooker, as you may need to increase the amount of taco or ranch seasoning to compensate for the flavor difference from the meat.
• Spice It Up (or Down): If you love heat, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper, a few slices of fresh jalapeño, or a splash of your favorite hot sauce. If you prefer it milder, use mild enchilada sauce and be mindful of any spicy garnishes.
• Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional value and texture by incorporating other vegetables. Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even a handful of spinach can be stirred in during the last hour of cooking.

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Easy 7 Can Taco Soup Recipe

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Easy 7 Can Taco Soup

Brianna May

★★★★★

5 from 64 votes

This 7 Can Taco Soup is the perfect meal for an easy, quick, and hearty dinner. Made with ground beef, bacon, chilies, taco seasoning, and various beans, it’s a flavorful slow cooker delight. Serve it over rice for a more filling meal.

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cook Time:

3-8 hours

Total Time:

3 hours 10 minutes

Servings:

6 people

Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Meat Masher

Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound 90/10 ground beef
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 1 15.5-ounce can black beans, drained & rinsed
• 1 15.5-ounce can pinto beans, drained & rinsed
• 1 15-ounce can corn, drained & rinsed
• 1 14.5-ounce can diced or crushed tomatoes
• 1 15.5-ounce can low sodium chicken broth or water
• 1 15-ounce can enchilada sauce, red or green*
• 1 4-ounce can green chiles
• 1 1-ounce packet ranch dressing seasoning
• 1 1-ounce packet taco seasoning
• 1 Tablespoon ground cumin & granulated garlic
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, optional*

Instructions

• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef and begin to break it up, sautéing until browned. Drain any excess fat.
• Add the diced onion and diced bacon to the skillet with the browned beef. Continue cooking until the onion has softened and the bacon is lightly crisped.
• Transfer the beef mixture to a slow cooker. Add the black beans, pinto beans, corn, diced/crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, enchilada sauce, green chiles, ranch seasoning, taco seasoning, ground cumin, granulated garlic, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir well to combine.
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until heated through and flavors are well-blended.

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Notes

• Kosher Salt: All of my recipes are tested with Morton kosher salt unless noted otherwise. It is the best salt for everyday cooking because of its size and flavor. If using table salt, the amount should be reduced. I highly recommend picking up some kosher next time you are at the store!
• Enchilada Sauce: Any type of enchilada sauce will work for this 7-can taco soup. If you’re sensitive to heat, reach for the mild sauce. The medium or hot versions will also work well in this dish if you can handle spicier recipes.
• Smoked Paprika: This seasoning adds the perfect smokiness to the dish. Consider using sweet or hot paprika instead if you prefer a slightly sweeter or spicier taste.
• Drain and rinse beans & corn. Draining and rinsing the beans and corn helps lower the sodium content of this 7-can taco soup recipe. This extra step also ensures the dish does not come out overly salty.
• Make homemade taco seasoning. If you have extra time, you can make a homemade taco seasoning for this easy taco soup recipe. A homemade version of this seasoning ensures it meets your taste preferences. It also allows you to adjust this recipe’s salt amount further.
• Double the recipe. This 7-can taco soup with ranch dressing mix is easy to double or triple for larger get-togethers. It’s also a great recipe to make ahead and freeze. To freeze the extra soup, put it in airtight baggies, ensuring you remove as much air as possible. It can stay in the freezer for up to six months.

Nutrition

Calories: 382kcal

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Carbohydrates: 47g

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Protein: 26g

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Fat: 14g

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Saturated Fat: 4g

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Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g

|

Monounsaturated Fat: 6g

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Trans Fat: 0.5g

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Cholesterol: 54mg

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Sodium: 1762mg

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Fiber: 12g

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Sugar: 26g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.