Ranch Taco Soup is a hearty and tasty dish made with ground beef, beans, corn, and a zesty ranch flavor. It’s perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week!
This soup is super easy to make and great for feeding a crowd. I love to top mine with crunchy tortilla chips and cheese—because who doesn’t love extra cheese? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of the soup, providing flavor and protein. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works just as well. For a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or a mix of beans.
Beans: Black beans and pinto beans give the soup texture and heartiness. If you don’t have pinto beans, kidney beans are a great substitute. You can also go entirely bean-free for a low-carb version.
Ranch Seasoning: This is what gives the soup its zingy flavor. If you don’t have a ranch mix, try sprinkling in some dried herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder. You can make your own blend, too!
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles: They add a nice kick to the soup. If you prefer milder flavors, you can use regular diced tomatoes or even fresh tomatoes from your garden in the summer.
How Do I Get My Soup to Taste Perfectly Balanced?
One key to a well-seasoned soup is to taste as you go! Start with your meat and onion, then gradually add your spices and ingredients. After adding the broth, let the soup simmer so all the flavors meld together. If it’s too salty, add more water or broth to balance it out. Spice not strong enough? A dash of hot sauce can boost the flavor!
- When cooking the ground beef, make sure to break it apart well for even cooking.
- If time allows, let the soup sit covered after cooking—this enhances the flavors even more!
- Also, don’t forget to top the soup with the cheese and sour cream just before serving—it adds a creamy finish!
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 pinto beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese, plus more for garnish
- Sour cream, for topping
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped for garnish (optional)
- Tortilla chips (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Ranch Taco Soup takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes to cook, bringing your total to about 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef and Onion:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat it over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is brown and the onions are soft. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat so your soup isn’t greasy!
2. Add Garlic:
Next, toss in the minced garlic. Cook it for another 1-2 minutes, stirring around until it becomes fragrant. You’ll love the smell!
3. Mix in the Beans and Veggies:
Now, stir in the black beans, pinto (or kidney) beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and diced tomatoes with green chiles. This step packs your soup with lots of flavor and nutrition!
4. Add the Broth:
Pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a boil. This will make your soup nice and hearty.
5. Season the Soup:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Add the ranch seasoning and taco seasoning mixes, stirring until everything is well combined. Let it simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. This allows the flavors to mingle and the soup to thicken a bit.
6. Stir in the Cheese:
After simmering, add in about 1 cup of shredded cheese. Stir it until it melts into the soup, creating a creamy texture that’s just divine!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to serve! Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with extra cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and maybe a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro for that extra flair. Don’t forget to have some tortilla chips on the side for scooping!
Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Ranch Taco Soup! It’s a warm hug in a bowl! 🌮❤️
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, but you can enhance it by adding additional spices or seasoning as desired.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can add extra beans or some diced bell peppers for additional flavor and texture.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Ranch Taco Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure it cools down before placing it in the fridge to maintain freshness!
Can I Freeze the Soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
