This Ranch Taco Soup is a fun and hearty dish that’s perfect for any time you need a warm meal. It’s loaded with beans, corn, and your favorite taco seasonings!
It’s like having a taco party in a bowl! I love serving it with some crunchy tortilla chips on top—so tasty! You get full while feeling cozy, what’s not to love?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef adds richness to the soup. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, you can substitute with lentils or a meat alternative like crumbled tofu or tempeh.
Beans: Black beans provide protein and texture. If you don’t have black beans, pinto beans or kidney beans work well too. Canned beans are convenient, but dried beans can be cooked ahead of time for a fresher taste.
Corn: Sweet corn adds a nice burst of flavor and crunch. You can use frozen corn as a substitute, which is often fresher than canned. If you’re avoiding corn, try adding diced bell peppers instead.
Seasonings: Ranch and taco seasoning are key for flavor. If you’re short on seasoning packages, you can make your own taco seasoning with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. For ranch, try mixing dried herbs like dill and parsley with some buttermilk powder.
How Do I Make the Best Taco Soup Base?
The base of this soup is super important for great flavor! Start by browning the ground beef to develop a rich taste. Don’t rush this step! Drain off excess fat to keep the soup from being greasy. Then, cook the onions and garlic together until soft; this brings nice depth to the flavor.
- Heat your pot on medium and add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Once browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic. These should cook for just a few minutes until the onion is soft and sweet.
After that, all your canned ingredients and seasonings can go in. Just remember to let the soup simmer so that everything combines beautifully!
Ranch Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 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
- 1 (14 oz) can diced green chilies
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
For Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Sour cream, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Optional: tortilla chips for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation time, followed by 25-30 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll have a delicious soup ready in about 40 minutes or less!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it is fully browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the soup from being greasy.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the ground beef. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent. This will add great flavor to your soup!
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Next, stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (including their juice), diced green chilies, and the beef broth. Mix everything well to combine. The colors will start to look amazing!
4. Add Seasonings:
Sprinkle in the ranch seasoning mix and taco seasoning mix. Stir again to make sure all the flavors mix nicely throughout the soup.
5. Simmer the Soup:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat. Let the soup simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. This helps all the flavors meld together and makes it even more delicious!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, ladle the soup into bowls. Top each bowl with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and some fresh chopped cilantro. If you like some crunch, add tortilla chips on the side or crushed on top!
Enjoy your warm, comforting bowl of Ranch Taco Soup!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean substitute for ground beef in this recipe. It will still provide good flavor and keep the soup hearty.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! For a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, you can freeze Ranch Taco Soup! Just let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It will last for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.