This Ranch Taco Soup is a warm and cozy dish packed with flavors. It combines tender meat, beans, and veggies, all simmered together with zesty ranch seasoning!
Perfect for a chilly day, you can top it with cheese or sour cream. Plus, it’s quick to whip up—who doesn’t love an easy dinner that tastes like a hug? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This adds hearty flavor to the soup. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute ground turkey or even a plant-based meat alternative.
Black Beans: Great for protein and fiber! If you don’t have black beans, kidney beans or pinto beans work well too. You can also use a mix of beans for added texture.
Ranch & Taco Seasoning: The mix gives this soup its distinctive flavor. If you want a homemade option, use garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder for taco seasoning, and some herbs like dill and parsley for ranch flavor.
Canned Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes with green chilies add a nice kick. If you prefer less heat, stick to plain diced tomatoes. Fresh tomatoes can be used too, just ensure to chop them finely.
Toppings: I love adding avocado and cheese to mine. If you’re dairy-free, use nutritional yeast or leave it out entirely. You can also consider avocado oil or lime juice as a fresh topping.
How Can I Make the Beef Cook Perfectly Without Burning It?
Getting that ground beef perfectly cooked is key to this soup. To avoid burning, use medium-high heat and break the meat up as it cooks. This ensures it cooks evenly.
- Start with a hot pan but don’t overcrowd it. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the meat apart and stir often.
- Once browned, drain excess fat if needed before adding onions and garlic for the best flavor.
How to Make Ranch Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning mix
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings:
- shredded cheese
- sour cream
- diced avocado
- tortilla chips
- chopped fresh cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Ranch Taco Soup takes about 10 minutes of prep time and roughly 30 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll be enjoying this tasty dish in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Use a spoon to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat if there’s a lot.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté them together until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. The aroma will be heavenly!
3. Mix in the Beans and Tomatoes:
Now it’s time to stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with their juices), ranch seasoning, and taco seasoning. Mix everything well to combine all those delicious flavors.
4. Add the Broth:
Pour in the beef broth and water, stirring to combine. This will become the hearty base of your soup.
5. Bring to a Boil:
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
6. Season to Taste:
After simmering, taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Adjust based on your taste preference—it’s all about what you love!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve the hot soup in bowls and top it with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, diced avocado, crunchy tortilla chips, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy a bowl of cozy deliciousness!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just follow the same cooking instructions, and you’ll have a lighter version of the Ranch Taco Soup.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or add more beans, like kidney or pinto beans. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for the base.
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bags and store it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What Are Some Good Topping Suggestions?
There are many tasty toppings you can try! Some favorites include shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, chopped green onions, tortilla chips for crunch, or even jalapeños for some extra heat. Get creative!