Craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further than this Taco Soup with Ranch recipe! This delicious and surprisingly healthy dish combines the zesty kick of taco seasoning with the creamy coolness of ranch dressing for a unique and satisfying flavor experience. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, this easy recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It’s one of those best recipes that's both simple and impressive.
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
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toppings: shredded cheddar 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, and taco seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
-
Simmer and blend flavors: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
-
Stir in ranch: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the ranch dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, and crushed tortilla chips.
Cooking Tips for the Best Taco Soup:
- For a richer flavor, use ground chuck instead of lean ground beef.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or zucchini. These additions make this a great way to incorporate more healthy meals into your routine.
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before adding the ranch dressing.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Taco Soup: Replace the ground beef with 1 cup of cooked lentils or crumbled vegetarian crumbles.
- Chicken Taco Soup: Substitute cooked shredded chicken for the ground beef.
- Spicy Taco Soup: Add a diced jalapeño pepper to the soup along with the onion and garlic.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30 grams
- Fat: Approximately 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35 grams
- Fiber: Approximately 10-12 grams
This Taco Soup with Ranch recipe offers a delicious and easy way to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a fantastic quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This recipe is a testament to how easy delicious dishes can be! Enjoy!