Taco Soup with Ranch: A Flavor Explosion in a Bowl

This recipe for Taco Soup with Ranch takes the classic taco flavors and elevates them with a creamy, tangy ranch dressing twist. It’s a quick, easy, and delicious meal perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend gathering. Get ready for a flavor explosion in every spoonful!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe is designed to be flexible, so feel free to adjust the quantities based on your preferences and the number of servings you need.

• For the Soup:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef (or turkey, for a leaner option)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained (for extra flavor)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained (or frozen corn, thawed)
  • 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup prepared ranch dressing (your favorite brand!)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• For Garnish (optional):

  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Chopped green onions
  • Tortilla chips
  • Avocado slices

Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Taco Soup Bliss

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. Simmer the Soup: Stir in the diced tomatoes (both canned and fire-roasted), black beans, corn, Rotel, beef broth, and taco seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become.

4. Stir in the Ranch: Once the soup has simmered, stir in the cup of prepared ranch dressing. This is where the magic happens! The ranch adds a creamy texture and a delightful tang that complements the spicy taco flavors.

5. Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, tortilla chips, and avocado slices.

Tips and Variations for a Truly Personalized Bowl:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with 1 cup of cooked lentils or crumbled vegetarian crumbles.
• Make it a Slow Cooker Meal: Brown the beef as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
• Add Some Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the soup.

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Conclusion:

This Taco Soup with Ranch recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a flavorful, satisfying, and adaptable dish that you can customize to your liking. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare for a delicious culinary adventure! Enjoy!