Hearty Slow Cooker Nacho Soup Recipe

Super Cozy Slow Cooker Nacho Soup Recipe for Game Day

Steaming bowls of slow cooker nacho soup promise a comforting meal that delivers pure culinary magic.

Packed with robust flavors and incredible textures, this recipe blends classic nacho ingredients into a creamy, satisfying dish.

Ground beef and zesty spices mingle beautifully, creating a delightful soup that feels like a warm hug.

Melted cheese cascades through each spoonful, bringing irresistible southwestern charm to your dinner table.

Every bite carries the essence of nachos, transformed into a hearty soup that warms you from the inside out.

Spoon into this delectable creation and let the rich, bold flavors transport you to comfort food paradise.

Tools To Make Slow Cooker Nacho Soup

  • Slow cooker: Essential for simmering and blending all the delicious ingredients together.
  • Skillet: Perfect for browning ground beef and sauteing onions and garlic.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and breaking up meat while cooking.
  • Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions and slicing jalapenos.
  • Sharp knife: Helps with precise chopping and slicing of ingredients.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Ladle: Ideal for serving the soup into individual bowls.

Steps To Simmer Slow Cooker Nacho Soup Easily

  • Brown the Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into delicious crumbles. Toss in chopped onions and garlic, letting them dance and become translucent. Drain away any extra grease for a cleaner flavor profile.

  • Dump and Mix

Transfer the beefy mixture into your trusty slow cooker. Pour in black beans, zesty diced tomatoes, sweet corn, and savory chicken broth. Sprinkle in taco seasoning, cumin, and smoky paprika for an explosion of flavor. Stir everything together until perfectly combined.

  • Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and let your slow cooker work its magic. Let it simmer on low for 6-8 hours or speed things up on high for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to mingle and deepen.

  • Cheese It Up

Thirty minutes before serving, introduce cream cheese and cheddar to the party. Stir until they melt into a creamy, luxurious blend. Taste and season with salt and pepper to make it sing.

  • Serve and Celebrate

Ladle the soup into bowls and crown with your favorite toppings. Dive into this nacho-inspired comfort feast that’ll make taste buds dance with joy.

Tasty Tips For Slow Cooker Nacho Soup Flavor

  • Slow Cooker Nacho Soup: Cooking Tips & Variations
  • Meat-Free Magic: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a vegetarian version that's just as delicious and protein-packed.
  • Spice Control: Adjust the heat level by reducing or increasing jalapeños, or using mild or hot taco seasoning to match your taste preferences.
  • Cheese Lover's Dream: Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack, Monterey jack, or queso fresco for unique flavor profiles.
  • Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare the soup base a day ahead and store in the refrigerator, then reheat in the slow cooker for an easy meal with intensified flavors.
  • Gluten-Free Hack: Use gluten-free taco seasoning and verify all ingredients to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Serve Slow Cooker Nacho Soup Hot And Loaded

  • Nacho Soup Party Platter: Create a build-your-own nacho soup station with small bowls of crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and extra shredded cheese for guests to customize their soup.
  • Fiesta Side Kick: Pair the soup with warm cornbread, crispy quesadilla wedges, or a fresh Mexican-style salad to complete the meal and add extra texture and flavor to your dining experience.
  • Game Day Delight: Serve this hearty soup during sports watching parties, movie nights, or casual gatherings as a crowd-pleasing comfort food that's easy to prepare and satisfies hungry crowds with its rich, cheesy goodness.
  • Leftover Magic: Transform remaining soup into a quick dip by thickening slightly, or use as a sauce over nachos, baked potatoes, or shredded chicken for a delicious meal remix.

Store Slow Cooker Nacho Soup With Care

  • Refrigerator Recovery: Transfer leftover soup to airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Sealed containers keep soup fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining delicious flavors and food safety.
  • Freezer Friendly Technique: Cool soup completely before freezing in freezer-safe containers. Soups with dairy can slightly separate when thawed, so stir well after reheating. Frozen batches stay delicious for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated soup in microwave or stovetop, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Add splash of chicken broth if soup seems thick after cooling. Low and slow reheating prevents cheese from separating.
  • Portion Control Strategy: Divide soup into individual serving containers for quick grab-and-go lunches. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking. Perfect for meal prep enthusiasts wanting convenient, tasty options.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high

Total Time: Approximately 6 to 8 hours

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 7

Everything In Slow Cooker Nacho Soup

For Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef: Brings robust, hearty flavor and protein punch to the soup, perfect for creating a filling meal; choose lean beef for less grease and better texture.
  • Onion: Adds sweet, aromatic depth and foundational flavor; select firm, bright onions without soft spots.
  • Garlic: Provides intense, zesty undertone that complements beef and enhances overall taste; look for firm, plump cloves.
For Liquid and Vegetable Components:
  • Black Beans: Introduces creamy texture and extra protein; opt for low-sodium varieties for better control of salt levels.
  • Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Delivers tangy, slightly spicy kick and moisture; choose canned versions with balanced heat.
  • Corn: Brings sweet crunch and bright color; fresh or frozen kernels work wonderfully.
  • Chicken Broth: Creates smooth, rich liquid base; select low-sodium options for customizable seasoning.
For Flavor Enhancers and Cheese:
  • Taco Seasoning: Infuses authentic Mexican-inspired taste; look for blends without excessive additives.
  • Ground Cumin, Smoked Paprika: Adds complex, smoky undertones and warm depth to the soup's profile.
  • Jalapeno: Provides optional fresh, sharp heat; remove seeds for milder spice.
  • Cream Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Transforms soup into luxurious, melty nacho-style experience; select high-quality, full-fat versions for best melting.
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Hearty Slow Cooker Nacho Soup Recipe

Hearty Slow Cooker Nacho Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: Approximately 6 to 8 hours
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Simmering with zesty flavors, this slow cooker nacho soup delivers a hearty Mexican-inspired meal. Rich cheese, crisp toppings, and spicy seasonings invite you to savor each comforting spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel), undrained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeno, sliced (optional, for added heat)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • sour cream
  • additional shredded cheese
  • tortilla chips
  • sliced avocado or guacamole
  • diced tomatoes
  • sliced black olives
  • chopped green onions
  • fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking into fine crumbles. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until onions turn translucent. Drain excess fat to maintain a clean flavor profile.
  2. Slow Cooker Assembly: Transfer seasoned meat mixture into slow cooker. Combine black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn kernels, and chicken broth. Integrate taco seasoning, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and optional sliced jalapenos to create a robust flavor foundation.
  3. Cooking Process: Cover and simmer on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, allowing ingredients to develop a rich, deep taste. During the final half-hour, introduce cream cheese cubes and shredded cheddar, stirring until completely dissolved for a creamy consistency.
  4. Final Touches: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls. Enhance with classic nacho toppings like chopped cilantro, crispy tortilla strips, sour cream, or additional cheese. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

  • Manage Meat Browning: Ensure ground beef is finely crumbled and excess fat is drained for a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile.
  • Control Spice Intensity: Adjust jalapeno quantity or remove seeds to customize heat level, making the soup adaptable for different spice tolerances.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Add cream cheese and cheddar during the final 30 minutes to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Dietary Flexibility: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternative for lighter or vegetarian versions, maintaining the soup’s rich flavor structure.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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