Let me tell you, my easy taco soup with ranch is a game changer! It’s one of those cozy, comforting meals that you can whip up in no time, and trust me, the flavor is absolutely out of this world. The secret? A packet of ranch dressing that adds a creamy, zesty twist to the classic taco soup. I stumbled upon this recipe during a busy week when I needed something quick yet satisfying, and it quickly turned into a family favorite. My kids absolutely love it, and I adore how easy it is to customize with whatever I have on hand. Whether it’s a chilly night or just a hectic day, this soup is my go-to, and I bet it’ll become yours too!
Ingredients for Easy Taco Soup with Ranch
Here’s what you’ll need to make my fabulous easy taco soup with ranch! It’s all about simple, straightforward ingredients that pack a punch of flavor.
- 1 pound ground beef, browned
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese (for topping)
- 1 cup sour cream (for topping)
Feel free to play around with these ingredients! You can add more veggies or even swap in turkey or chicken for the beef. Just remember, the ranch seasoning is the secret star here, so don’t skip it!
How to Prepare Easy Taco Soup with Ranch
Now, let’s dive into making this delicious easy taco soup with ranch! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together.
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
First things first, grab a large pot and heat it over medium heat. Add your pound of ground beef and cook it until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This step is crucial because browning the meat adds incredible flavor to the soup. You’ll want to see those lovely brown bits forming at the bottom of the pot—trust me, they’re flavor gold!
Step 2: Add Beans and Vegetables
Once your beef is nicely browned, it’s time to add in the fun stuff! Toss in the black beans, kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes right into the pot. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and ranch seasoning packets and give everything a good stir. You want to make sure all those ingredients are well-coated with the seasonings—this is where the magic happens!
Step 3: Incorporate the Broth
Now, carefully pour in the beef broth. This is what will bring everything together into that lovely soup base. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. This step is important because it allows all those fabulous flavors to mingle before we let it simmer!
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes. This is where the flavors really deepen and develop. You’ll notice the aroma filling your kitchen, and honestly, it’s hard to resist sneaking a taste! Just make sure to stir it occasionally to keep things from sticking.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Finally, it’s time to serve! Ladle the soup into bowls and top it with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream. I love to add some fresh cilantro or jalapeños too if I’m feeling spicy! Remember, you can customize it with your favorite toppings—maybe some avocado, tortilla chips, or even a squeeze of lime. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: Whip it up in just 40 minutes, perfect for busy nights!
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of taco and ranch seasonings creates a deliciously rich taste.
- Customizable: Tailor it to your liking with your favorite toppings or ingredient swaps.
- Great for Meal Prep: This soup freezes beautifully, making it a fantastic option for future meals.
Tips for Success with Easy Taco Soup with Ranch
Alright, let’s talk about how to make this easy taco soup with ranch even better! First off, if you want to lighten it up a bit, feel free to swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken—just as delicious and a bit leaner! You could also go for canned diced tomatoes with green chilies for an extra kick. My favorite trick is to add a splash of lime juice right before serving; it brightens everything up and adds a fresh zing! And don’t be shy about mixing in some chopped bell peppers or zucchini while you cook for a veggie boost. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! Oh, and remember to taste as you go; adjusting seasoning is key to making it truly yours!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of my easy taco soup with ranch is super simple! Just let the soup cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to enjoy it later, this soup freezes beautifully! Just portion it out in freezer-safe containers and it’ll last for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to dig in, thaw it overnight in the fridge or pop it in the microwave for a quick defrost.
To reheat, simply pour the soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. If it seems a little thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up! Oh, and don’t forget to taste it before serving—you might want to add a little more cheese or sour cream for that just-made flavor!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
It’s important to note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. On average, each serving of my easy taco soup with ranch contains around 350 calories, 20 grams of protein, and 35 grams of carbohydrates. You’ll also find about 15 grams of fat, including 6 grams of saturated fat. If you’re keeping an eye on sodium, it’s roughly 800 milligrams per serving. For the most accurate nutritional information, be sure to calculate based on the exact ingredients you use!
FAQ about Easy Taco Soup with Ranch
Got questions about my easy taco soup with ranch? I’ve got answers! First off, if you’re wondering, “Can I make this soup vegetarian?” Absolutely! Just swap the ground beef for a plant-based alternative or even some hearty lentils. You can also add more beans or veggies to fill it out.
Now, if you’re looking to spice things up, try adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce when you’re cooking. You can also use spicy taco seasoning for an extra kick! And for those who love a little heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes just before serving does the trick.
As for freezing leftovers, yes, you can! Just make sure to cool the soup completely before storing it in airtight containers. It’ll last a couple of months in the freezer, and when you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it overnight and reheat it on the stove. It’s just as delicious the second time around! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask—I’m here to help you enjoy this cozy dish to the fullest!
For more delicious recipes, check out these vegetarian tacos or these irresistible tacos.
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Easy Taco Soup with Ranch: A Comforting 40-Minute Delight
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A simple and delicious taco soup with ranch dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and ranch seasoning.
- Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes.
- Serve with cheese and sour cream on top.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite toppings.
- This soup freezes well.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: easy taco soup, taco soup with ranch, quick taco soup
