This Ranch Taco Soup is the perfect cozy dish! It’s a tasty mix of ground beef, beans, and corn, all simmered together with ranch seasoning for an extra kick.
Gather your friends and enjoy a bowl together! I love topping mine with cheese and sour cream—seriously, what could be better than that? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the base flavor of the soup. You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Vegetarian? Try using lentils or a meat substitute for a hearty option!
Beans: Black beans add protein and texture. If you prefer, you can substitute them with kidney beans or pinto beans. Canned beans are quick, but you can also use cooked dried beans if you have the time.
Ranch Seasoning: This gives the soup its unique flavor. If you can’t find the packet, you can make your own with a mix of dried herbs like dill, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Tortilla Chips: They add crunch to the soup. If you’re avoiding chips, crushed crackers or crunchy vegetables like celery can work too.
How Can You Make Sure Your Soup is Packed with Flavor?
The key to delicious soup is letting all the ingredients mingle together. Once you’ve added everything in, let it simmer without a lid for at least 20-25 minutes. This helps deepen the flavors.
- Make sure to brown the ground beef well for a rich taste.
- Don’t skip sautéing the onions; this step adds sweetness.
- Taste during simmering to adjust seasoning; everyone’s palate is different!
Enjoy the process and feel free to adjust spices based on your family’s heat tolerance! A little tweak can make it just right for you.
Ranch Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies (optional for heat)
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 4 cups beef broth (or water with bouillon)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips or Fritos, crushed (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and around 30 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll spend about 40 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect quick meal for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until fully browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess grease from the pot.
2. Sauté the Onion:
Add the diced onion to the pot with the ground beef. Sauté everything together for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion is translucent and slightly soft.
3. Mix in the Beans and Tomatoes:
Next, stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and the optional Rotel tomatoes for some heat. Mix well so everything is nicely combined.
4. Add Seasonings:
Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix and taco seasoning mix over the mixture in the pot. Stir everything together thoroughly so the spices coat all the ingredients.
5. Pour in the Broth:
Now, add the beef broth to the pot and give it a good stir. Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low.
6. Let It Simmer:
Allow the soup to simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together nicely.
7. Taste and Season:
After simmering, taste your soup. Feel free to add salt and pepper to suit your taste preferences.
8. Serve It Up:
When you’re ready to eat, ladle the soup into bowls. Top with a dollop of sour cream, some crushed tortilla chips or Fritos for crunch, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro if you like!
Enjoy this flavorful and comforting Ranch Taco Soup that’s great for chilly days or anytime you want a satisfying meal! 😊
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef and will work perfectly in this recipe. Just be mindful that it might be a bit less flavorful, so you may want to increase the seasoning slightly.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, simply substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative like lentils, mushrooms, or a packaged veggie crumbles. You can use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, too.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Ranch Taco Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. You might need to add a splash of broth or water if it thickens up.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other veggies to boost nutrition and flavor. Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots would all be great additions. Just sauté them with the onion at the beginning for best results!
