Taco Soup Recipe with a Zesty Ranch Twist

Taco soup is a family favorite, and adding ranch dressing elevates it to a whole new level of deliciousness! This recipe combines the bold flavors of traditional taco soup with the creamy tang of ranch, creating a comforting and surprisingly addictive meal. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing recipe.

Ingredients:

This recipe serves 6-8 people. Adjust ingredient quantities as needed for larger or smaller batches.

• For the Soup:
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
  • 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
  • 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup ranch dressing (your favorite brand)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For Serving (Optional):
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Tortilla chips
  • Avocado slices
  • Chopped cilantro

Instructions:

This recipe is designed to be straightforward and simple, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.

3. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), black beans, corn, Rotel (undrained), beef broth, taco seasoning, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 15 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together.

4. Stir in Ranch Dressing: After simmering, stir in the ranch dressing. This adds a unique creamy texture and a tangy flavor that complements the spiciness of the taco seasoning. Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.

5. Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, avocado, and cilantro.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less taco seasoning, or by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with 1 (15 ounce) can of vegetarian chili for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Slow Cooker Adaptation: This soup is perfect for a slow cooker! Brown the beef as instructed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
• Make it a Meal Prep Star: This soup is great for meal prepping. Make a large batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.

Why Ranch Dressing Works:

The creamy texture and tangy flavor of ranch dressing provide a delightful contrast to the savory and spicy flavors of the taco soup. It adds a depth of flavor that elevates the dish beyond a typical taco soup recipe. The acidity of the ranch also helps to balance the richness of the ground beef and beans.

This Taco Soup with Ranch Dressing is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Enjoy! Remember to share your culinary creations on social media using #TacoSoupRanch!