This Ranch Taco Soup is a cozy bowl full of hearty goodness! Packed with beans, ground meat, corn, and zesty ranch seasoning, it’s a real crowd-pleaser.
It’s super easy to make, just toss everything in one pot and let it simmer. I love serving it with crunchy tortilla chips for extra fun—who can resist a scoop? 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I love using lean ground beef for this recipe, but you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you’re vegetarian, try black bean crumbles or lentils for a similar texture.
Canned Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add a nice base to the soup. If you want more flavor, consider using fire-roasted diced tomatoes. You can also substitute with fresh tomatoes—just chop them and use about 3 cups.
Beans: Black beans are great for their texture and flavor. Feel free to swap with kidney beans or pinto beans. If beans aren’t your thing, you can skip them or double the corn for a sweeter twist.
Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but feel free to use Monterey Jack or even spicy Pepper Jack for an extra kick. For a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese or skip it entirely.
How Do I Make Sure My Soup Is Well-Seasoned?
Seasoning is key to making your Ranch Taco Soup flavorful. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use two seasoning mixes: ranch and taco seasoning, which complements the beef and veggies perfectly.
- Always taste as you go! After adding seasonings, let the soup simmer for a few minutes before tasting it.
- If it needs more flavor, add a pinch more salt, pepper, or even a splash of hot sauce for heat.
- Fresh cilantro at the end adds a nice burst of flavor and brightness.
Ranch Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream, for topping
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: tortilla chips for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Ranch Taco Soup will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes of cooking time. So, you’ll have a warm, comforting dish ready in just under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, place the ground beef over medium heat. Cook it until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once it’s done, drain any excess fat from the pot.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Stir them in and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent. This adds great flavor!
3. Mix in the Goodness:
Now, stir in the diced tomatoes (remember to include the juice), black beans, corn, beef broth, ranch seasoning, and taco seasoning. Mix it all together well.
4. Simmer Away:
Raise the heat until the mixture starts to boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and let it gently simmer for about 20-25 minutes. Give it a stir now and then to prevent sticking.
5. Final Touches:
After simmering, taste your soup and season with a little salt and pepper if needed. Adjust to your preference!
6. Serve it Up:
When you’re ready to enjoy, ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each bowl with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for that burst of flavor.
7. Optional Crunch:
If you like some crunch, serve the soup with tortilla chips on the side. They’re perfect for dipping!
This hearty Ranch Taco Soup is not only easy to make but also bursting with flavor that’s perfect for cozy dinners! Enjoy each spoonful! 🍲
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just follow the recipe as usual to ensure it remains flavorful!
How Can I Make This Soup Spicier?
If you want to spice things up, consider adding diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce. You can also use spicy taco seasoning or Pepper Jack cheese for an added kick!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with black bean crumbles, lentils, or extra beans for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Enjoy again soon!