Craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's ready in a flash? Look no further! This easy taco soup recipe with ranch dressing is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's a delicious twist on a classic, combining the familiar tastes of taco seasoning with the creamy tang of ranch for an unexpectedly delightful combination. This healthy meal is packed with flavor and protein, making it a fantastic choice for the whole family. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its simplest and tastiest!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 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 kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips
Instructions:
-
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.
-
Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
-
Combine Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), kidney beans, black beans, Rotel (undrained), beef broth, taco seasoning, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil.
-
Simmer and Blend Flavors: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
-
Stir in Ranch: Once the soup has simmered, stir in the ranch dressing. This adds a creamy texture and a delightful tang that complements the taco seasoning perfectly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, or crushed tortilla chips.
Tips for the Best Taco Soup:
- Spice it up: For a spicier soup, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce along with the taco seasoning.
- Vegetarian Option: Easily make this a vegetarian taco soup by omitting the ground beef and adding 1 cup of your favorite cooked vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Slow Cooker Magic: This recipe is easily adaptable for a slow cooker. Simply brown the ground beef separately, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Variations:
- Chicken Taco Soup: Substitute ground chicken for ground beef.
- White Chicken Chili: Use chicken breast, white beans, and omit the taco seasoning, instead adding cumin, chili powder, and oregano. Consider using a creamy white chili seasoning blend.
- Beef and Bean Chili: Leave out the ranch dressing and add more beans for a heartier chili.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 (depending on toppings and meat choice)
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This easy taco soup recipe with ranch dressing is a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. It's a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas that are both healthy and flavorful, making it a welcome addition to your repertoire of best recipes. Enjoy!