Ranch Taco Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting, and flavor-packed soup, Ranch Taco Soup is your new go-to. It’s like a big, warm hug in a bowl, loaded with zesty taco seasoning, creamy ranch flavor, and just the right amount of spice. And the best part? It’s easy to make, super satisfying, and sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. This soup is one of those recipes that you’ll find yourself making over and over again, especially when you want a meal that’s quick, comforting, and feels like a crowd-pleaser every time.

Why You’ll Love Ranch Taco Soup

Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients, this soup comes together in no time—perfect for busy nights when you want a delicious, filling dinner without the hassle.

Comforting and Hearty: Hearty beans, tender ground beef (or chicken!), and that creamy ranch seasoning make this soup a meal you can really sink your spoon into.

Flavor Explosion: The combo of ranch, taco seasoning, and the slight kick of chilies and tomatoes makes every bite burst with flavor.

Customizable: Add more heat with some extra chili powder, toss in some extra veggies, or swap out the meat for something else—this recipe can easily be tailored to your taste!

Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re feeding the family, hosting a casual get-together, or meal prepping for the week, this soup is bound to be a hit.

Ingredients in Ranch Taco Soup

Ground Beef or Chicken

The base protein that gives this soup a hearty, meaty flavor. You can also go for ground turkey or even keep it vegetarian with extra beans and veggies.

Taco Seasoning

The essential mix that gives the soup its signature flavor. If you prefer, you can use a store-bought packet or make your own seasoning blend.

Ranch Dressing Mix

This is the secret ingredient that brings a creamy, tangy, and zesty note to the soup, making it extra comforting.

Beans (Black, Kidney, or Pinto)

A medley of beans adds texture, bulk, and a lovely earthy flavor to the soup. Feel free to use what you have on hand.

Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles

Canned tomatoes and green chiles bring a little heat and a lot of flavor. You can swap for fire-roasted tomatoes for an extra smoky kick.

Corn

Sweet corn kernels add a touch of sweetness that balances the spices and makes every bite more enjoyable.

Onion and Garlic

These aromatics bring depth to the flavor and make the base of the soup smell as good as it tastes.

Beef or Chicken Broth

The liquid base that makes this soup perfectly slurpable and adds richness to the overall dish.

Optional Toppings:

Sour cream, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, avocado, and cilantro all make the perfect finishing touches to this already amazing soup.

Instructions

Brown the Meat

In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown your ground beef (or chicken) over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the meat and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.

Add the Seasonings

Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and ranch dressing mix, stirring to coat the meat and onions evenly. Let the spices toast for a minute to really bring out their flavor.

Add the Rest of the Ingredients

Pour in the diced tomatoes, green chiles, beans (with liquid), corn, and broth. Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the soup to a simmer.

Simmer and Combine

Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If you’d like a thicker consistency, you can let it simmer a little longer to reduce the liquid.

Taste and Adjust

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as necessary. You can add a pinch more taco seasoning for extra flavor or a squeeze of lime for a little extra tang.

Serve and Garnish

Serve your Ranch Taco Soup hot, and top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, tortilla chips, or sliced avocado.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: Varies
Calories per serving: ~300 (depending on ingredients and toppings)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Ranch Taco Soup

With Tortilla Chips: Crush some tortilla chips on top for that satisfying crunch.

With Cheese and Sour Cream: A generous sprinkle of shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream takes this soup to the next level.

As a Meal Prep: This soup stores beautifully, so make a big batch and have it ready for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

On a Cold Day: There’s nothing like a big bowl of this hearty soup to warm you up on a chilly evening.

Additional Tips

Make it Spicy: Add extra chili powder or a dash of hot sauce to turn up the heat.

Keep it Vegetarian: Omit the meat and use more beans or some veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for a lighter version.

Add More Veggies: Try throwing in some bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to bulk up the soup with more nutritious veggies.

Use Leftover Chicken: If you’ve got leftover cooked chicken, this soup is a great way to use it up. Just shred it and throw it in for an easy shortcut.

Top with Jalapeños: For even more heat, top your soup with some freshly sliced jalapeños.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey works great in this soup and is a leaner option.

Q2: How long does this soup last?
A2: It will stay good in the fridge for about 3–4 days in an airtight container.

Q3: Can I freeze Ranch Taco Soup?
A3: Yes! This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing and reheat thoroughly.

Q4: Can I make this in the slow cooker?
A4: Yep! Brown the meat first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Let it cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

Q5: Can I add more beans?
A5: Definitely! You can add more of any type of beans you like, or swap for different varieties to suit your tastes.

Q6: How can I make this spicier?
A6: Add more chili powder, a chopped jalapeño, or even a few dashes of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Q7: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A7: Yes! It’s actually even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop.

Q8: What toppings are best for this soup?
A8: Sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro, and crunchy tortilla chips are all fantastic options.

Q9: Can I use low-sodium broth?
A9: Yes, using low-sodium broth is a great way to reduce the salt content while still keeping the soup flavorful.

Q10: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A10: You can, but you may want to add a little extra seasoning to boost the flavor since fresh tomatoes are milder than canned.

Conclusion

This Ranch Taco Soup is the perfect mix of comfort, flavor, and ease. With its creamy, spicy, and hearty elements, it’s the kind of soup that satisfies both your hunger and your taste buds. Whether you’re cozying up on a cold evening or looking for a meal that’s easy to make ahead, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So grab a bowl, top it with all your favorite garnishes, and enjoy!

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