Taco soup with ranch packet brings together the heartiness of classic taco flavors in a comforting and warm soup. This dish unites the richness of ground beef with the vibrant taste of beans, corn, and tomatoes, creating a delightful meal that can be enjoyed any time of the year. With the added kick of taco seasoning and the unique touch of ranch seasoning, your taste buds are in for a treat. This easy-to-make soup is not only delicious but also perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying.
Why We Love This Taco Soup with Ranch Packet Recipe
This taco soup is a favorite for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort while still delivering maximum flavor. You can have this soup ready in just under an hour! Moreover, it’s a one-pot meal, which means fewer dishes to clean afterward. The combination of different beans, corn, and tomatoes makes it nutritious while ensuring it is filling enough to serve as a stand-alone meal. Whether you’re looking for comfort food on a chilly evening or a quick dish to impress guests, this taco soup fits the bill. And with customizable toppings, each bowl can be made unique to your taste.
Ingredients about Taco Soup with Ranch Packet
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious taco soup:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
- 4 cups beef broth
Optional toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Fresh cilantro
How to Make Taco Soup with Ranch Packet Directions
To make your taco soup, start by browning the ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks. This should take around 5-7 minutes or until it’s nicely browned. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease after cooking; you want to keep the soup tasting fresh and light.
Next, add the chopped onion to the pot. Stir it into the ground beef and allow it to cook for about 5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. This step adds a lovely sweetness to the soup and complements the savory beef.
Once the onion is softened, it’s time to add the heart of your soup. Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, and drained corn. Don’t forget to include the undrained Rotel diced tomatoes and the undrained diced tomatoes. This mixture not only adds flavor but also provides a vibrant color to your soup.
After everything is in the pot, sprinkle in the taco seasoning and the ranch seasoning. Give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients evenly. The seasoning blends are what make your soup richly flavored, with the taco mix adding a zesty kick and the ranch seasoning providing a creamy depth.
Next, pour in the beef broth. This will help create a rich and hearty base for your soup. Bring your soup to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low. Cover your pot and let it simmer for at least 20-30 minutes. This simmering time allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, making each spoonful satisfying.
When it’s time to serve, give your soup a final stir. Ladle the hot taco soup into bowls. Be sure to offer your favorite toppings on the side. Shredded cheddar cheese adds a nice creaminess, while a dollop of sour cream balances the spicy flavors. Crushed tortilla chips add a crunchy texture, and fresh cilantro can brighten the dish with its freshness.
How to Serve Taco Soup with Ranch Packet
Serving taco soup is a joyous occasion, as it invites creativity and personalization. Start by dishing out the warm soup into individual bowls. You can encourage your guests or family to add their preferred toppings, enhancing the eating experience. Consider a topping bar with options like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, and freshly chopped cilantro laid out for everyone to choose from.
If you prefer a more filling meal, consider pairing your taco soup with warm cornbread or tortilla rolls on the side. This not only complements the soup but also provides additional texture and flavor. Set the stage for a comforting dining experience by placing the soup in the center of the table, allowing everyone to help themselves.
Expert Tips: Taco Soup with Ranch Packet
Elevate your taco soup experience with these expert tips. First, consider browning the ground beef and onions together for a deeper flavor profile. This will allow the juices from the meat to enhance the onions as they cook.
For a bit more kick, feel free to add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce when you stir in the beans and tomatoes. If you love spices, experiment with additional herbs such as cumin or chili powder for unique flavor dimensions.
If you’re short on time, prepare your ingredients in advance. Chop your onion and rinse your beans, so they’re ready to go when you are. This makes the cooking process much faster on a busy day.
Lastly, don’t hesitate to modify your soup based on what you have on hand. Substituting black beans with pinto or using fresh tomatoes instead of canned can add a fresh twist to the familiar recipe.
How to Store Taco Soup with Ranch Packet
Storing taco soup is straightforward and allows you to enjoy it later. Once your soup has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it a perfect option for meal prep.
If you wish to keep it longer, consider freezing the soup. Use freezer-safe containers and make sure to leave some space at the top, as the soup will expand when frozen. Taco soup can be kept frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a pot or microwave.
Variation of Taco Soup with Ranch Packet
There are countless ways to switch up this taco soup to fit your personal taste or dietary preferences. If you’re looking to make it healthier, consider using lean ground turkey instead of beef. This substitutes the flavors while reducing the fat content.
For a vegetarian version, swap out the ground beef for a plant-based protein or simply use an extra can of beans. You can add vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for additional nutrients and flavors.
Additionally, if you prefer creamier soup, consider adding a splash of cream or half-and-half just before serving. This gives the dish a rich, velvety texture that many find irresistible.
Another delightful variation involves making it a slow-cooker recipe. Just add all the ingredients to your slow cooker and let it do the work for 6-8 hours on low. This can enhance the flavors even more while giving you a hands-free cooking experience.
FAQ
What is Taco Soup with Ranch Packet?
Taco Soup with Ranch Packet is a flavorful and hearty soup made with ground beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, and seasoned with taco and ranch seasoning mix.
How long does it take to make Taco Soup with Ranch Packet?
The entire process to make Taco Soup with Ranch Packet takes about an hour, including cooking and simmering time.
Can I customize the toppings for Taco Soup with Ranch Packet?
Absolutely! You can customize your taco soup with a variety of toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, and fresh cilantro according to your preference.
How should I store Taco Soup with Ranch Packet?
You can store Taco Soup with Ranch Packet in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze it for up to three months.
Can I make Taco Soup with Ranch Packet vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make Taco Soup vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based protein or simply adding more beans and vegetables.
Taco Soup with Ranch Packet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- 1 medium onion, chopped Provides sweetness to the soup.
- 1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 15 oz can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 15 oz can corn, drained
- 1 10 oz can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained Adds a kick to the flavor.
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 1 oz packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 1 oz packet ranch seasoning mix Provides a creamy depth to the flavor.
- 4 cups beef broth Creates the soup base.
Optional Toppings
- 1 shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 sour cream
- 1 crushed tortilla chips
- 1 fresh cilantro
Instructions
Preparation
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Drain any excess grease after browning the meat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for an additional 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in black beans, kidney beans, corn, undrained Rotel diced tomatoes, and undrained diced tomatoes.
- Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and ranch seasoning and stir to combine.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for at least 20-30 minutes.
Serving
- Ladle the hot taco soup into bowls.
- Offer optional toppings on the side for guests to customize their bowls.
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