Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my easy taco soup with ranch! This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s just so incredibly simple and bursting with flavor. I first whipped it up one chilly evening when I wanted something comforting but didn’t want to spend hours cooking. The combination of taco and ranch seasonings makes it absolutely irresistible. Plus, it’s packed with hearty ingredients, so you’ll feel satisfied without the guilt! Trust me, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings with friends. You’re going to love it as much as I do!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef, browned
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
How to Prepare Easy Taco Soup with Ranch
Making this easy taco soup with ranch is a breeze, and I promise you’ll be savoring each and every spoonful! Let’s break it down step-by-step so you can whip this up without a hitch.
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. You want it nicely browned and no longer pink—this is where all that flavor starts!
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Next up, toss in the diced onions and bell peppers. Cook them for about 3-5 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. Seriously, the smell alone is enough to get your taste buds excited!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring in the heavy hitters! Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Just a quick reminder—make sure you’ve drained and rinsed the beans to keep things from getting too mushy. We want a hearty texture!
Step 4: Season the Soup
Grab those taco and ranch seasonings and sprinkle them over your mixture. Pour in the beef broth, and give everything a good stir to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed. This is where the magic happens, folks!
Step 5: Simmer
Bring the pot to a boil, and then reduce the heat to let it simmer gently. Allow it to bubble away for about 20 minutes. This gives all the flavors time to mingle and develop that delicious richness we’re after.
Step 6: Serve the Soup
When you’re ready to serve, ladle the soup into bowls while it’s still hot. Top it off with your favorite goodies like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or even some sliced jalapeños for a kick! Feel free to get creative with your toppings—you can’t go wrong!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of my easy taco soup with ranch! Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying in each delicious bowl. Here’s the breakdown per serving:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 15g
This soup is not only satisfying but also packed with protein and fiber, making it a great choice for a low-calorie meal that keeps you feeling full and energized!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: It comes together in just about 40 minutes, making it perfect for those busy nights when you need something hearty and delicious fast!
- Flavorful: The combination of taco and ranch seasonings creates a mouthwatering taste that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.
- Healthy: Packed with protein, fiber, and veggies, this soup is a nutritious choice that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
- Low-Calorie: At only 250 calories per serving, you can enjoy a filling meal without the guilt.
- Adaptable: Feel free to switch up the ingredients to suit your tastes—add more veggies, use ground turkey, or play around with different toppings!
Tips for Success
Let me share some of my favorite tips for making this easy taco soup with ranch an absolute knockout! Trust me, these little tweaks can take your soup from good to wow!
- Season to Taste: Don’t be shy with the seasonings! If you like a bit more heat, add some cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños. You can always adjust the taco and ranch seasonings to fit your personal preference.
- Fresh Herbs: For a burst of freshness, try adding some chopped cilantro or green onions just before serving. It really brightens up the flavors!
- Beans Galore: Feel free to mix and match different types of beans. Chickpeas or pinto beans can add a nice twist and extra texture to your soup.
- Slow Cooker Option: If you have a bit more time, consider making this in a slow cooker. Just brown the meat and veggies first, then toss everything else in and let it simmer on low for 6-8 hours. Perfect for a busy day!
- Don’t Skip the Toppings: The right toppings can elevate your soup! Try adding crushed tortilla chips for crunch, a sprinkle of cheese for creaminess, or even avocado slices for a rich flavor.
- Store Leftovers Wisely: If you have leftovers, store them in airtight containers in the fridge. It keeps well for a few days. You might even find the flavors deepen as it sits!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making a taco soup that everyone will rave about! Enjoy the cooking adventure!
Variations
One of the best parts about my easy taco soup with ranch is how versatile it is! You can easily switch things up to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, leaner option. It’s just as delicious and a great way to reduce calories!
- Extra Veggies: Don’t hesitate to load up on veggies! Add in diced zucchini, bell peppers, or even sweet potatoes for an extra nutritional boost and flavor. The more, the merrier!
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, toss in some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. You can also try adding a can of diced green chiles for a flavorful punch.
- Different Beans: Experiment with various beans! Chickpeas, pinto beans, or even lentils can add unique textures and flavors. It’s a great way to use what you have on hand!
- Herbs and Spices: Feel free to infuse your soup with different seasonings. Try adding cumin, smoked paprika, or even a sprinkle of chili powder to take it in new flavor directions!
- Vegan Option: For a plant-based take, substitute the ground beef with a mix of lentils or crumbled tofu and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You’ll still get a hearty, satisfying soup!
These variations can make each pot of taco soup an exciting new experience! Enjoy experimenting and finding your perfect combination!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Let’s talk about how to store your delicious easy taco soup with ranch so that every bowl tastes just as good as the first! After you’ve enjoyed your fill, let the soup cool down to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. This helps lock in that amazing flavor while preventing any freezer burn if you decide to freeze some for later. You can keep the soup in the fridge for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for about 2-3 months.
Now, when it comes to reheating, I’ve got a couple of methods for you. If you’re warming it up on the stovetop, just pour the soup into a pot and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes, and be sure to taste and adjust the seasonings if needed—it’s amazing how flavors can deepen over time!
If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave. Just transfer a portion into a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely (to avoid splatters), and heat for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Keep an eye on it to avoid any spillovers. No need to rush, though! Enjoy the process as you bring that comforting aroma back into your kitchen.
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you’ll be able to savor your easy taco soup with ranch for days to come! Enjoy every delicious bite!
Easy Taco Soup with Ranch: 5 Steps to Comforting Bliss
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A simple and delicious taco soup with ranch flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add onions and bell peppers; cook until softened.
- Stir in black beans, kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.
- Add taco seasoning, ranch seasoning, and beef broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Can substitute ground turkey for beef.
- Add more vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Can be made in a slow cooker.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: easy taco soup with ranch
