Picture a steaming bowl of Taco Soup, filled with vibrant colors and rich aromas that dance through the air.
It’s a comforting dish that’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it a go-to favorite for cozy nights.
As the ground beef browns and the spices meld together, the soup transforms into a hearty and flavorful delight.
Let’s bring this deliciously simple dish to life and savor every spoonful.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 can opener
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Taco Soup with a Ranch Packet, you can follow this timeline:
Preparation Timeline
- Reading and Gathering Ingredients: 5 minutes
- Before starting, take a few minutes to read through the recipe and gather all necessary ingredients and equipment. This will help guarantee a smooth cooking process.
- Prep Work: 10 minutes
- 0:00 – 2:00 minutes: Chop the onion.
- 2:00 – 5:00 minutes: Open and drain the cans of black beans, kidney beans, and corn.
- 5:00 – 10:00 minutes: Measure 2 cups of beef broth and set aside the taco seasoning and ranch dressing mix.
Cooking Timeline
3. Cooking: 30 minutes
- 0:00 – 2:00 minutes: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- 2:00 – 5:00 minutes: Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- 5:00 – 10:00 minutes: Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
- 10:00 – 12:00 minutes: Stir in taco seasoning and ranch dressing mix with the beef.
- 12:00 – 15:00 minutes: Add black beans, kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes to the pot.
- 15:00 – 17:00 minutes: Pour in beef broth and stir to combine all ingredients.
- 17:00 – 20:00 minutes: Bring the mixture to a boil.
- 20:00 – 30:00 minutes: Reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Resting Time: 5 minutes
– 30:00 – 35:00 minutes: Remove the pot from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Optional Toppings and Serving
5. Serving: 5 minutes
– 35:00 – 40:00 minutes: Prepare optional toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and cilantro. Serve the soup hot with your choice of toppings.
Recipe Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
Stir in taco seasoning and ranch dressing mix with the beef.
Add black beans, kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes to the pot.
Pour in beef broth and stir to combine all ingredients.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Remove pot from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve hot with optional toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and cilantro.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: Pair the taco soup with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
- Tortilla Chips: Serve with a side of tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast to the hearty soup.
- Avocado Slices: Add fresh avocado slices for a creamy texture and a boost of healthy fats.
- Rice: Spoon the soup over a bed of rice for a more filling and satisfying meal.
- Salad: Accompany with a light salad to add freshness and balance to the meal.
Storage
To store taco soup, let it cool.
Then, transfer it to airtight containers.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Alternatively, freeze for up to 3 months for longer preservation.
Freezing
Allow the taco soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
Label and date them.
Then freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat taco soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Alternatively, microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, stirring halfway to guarantee even heating.
Adjust seasoning if needed.
Final Thoughts
Taco soup is a versatile and hearty dish that brings together a medley of flavors and textures. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.
With simple ingredients like ground beef, beans, and corn, this soup is both filling and satisfying.
The addition of taco seasoning and ranch dressing mix adds a unique twist that elevates the flavor profile.
Don’t hesitate to let the soup simmer longer, as this will enhance the richness of the spices.
Remember to customize your bowl with your favorite toppings for an extra touch of deliciousness.
Enjoy this comforting meal with family and friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can This Recipe Be Made Vegetarian?
You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by swapping the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. These changes keep the flavors rich while catering to a vegetarian diet.
Is There a Lower-Sodium Option for the Beef Broth?
You’ve got options for a lower-sodium beef broth! Choose a low-sodium or unsalted variety to control salt levels. You can also make homemade broth, allowing you to season it to your preference. Enjoy your delicious creation!
How Can I Make the Soup Spicier?
To spice up your soup, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also use spicy taco seasoning or diced tomatoes with extra green chilies, ensuring each spoonful delivers a fiery kick!
What Is the Best Way to Thicken the Soup?
To thicken your soup, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water, then stir it into the simmering pot. Alternatively, mash some of the beans with a fork before adding them, enhancing both texture and flavor.
Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead of Canned?
Absolutely, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned. Just chop them up, ensuring they’re ripe for maximum flavor. Consider adding a bit of extra liquid, like beef broth, to match the moisture content of canned tomatoes.
Taco Soup with Ranch Packet
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 can opener
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Stir in taco seasoning and ranch dressing mix with the beef.
- Add black beans, kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes to the pot.
- Pour in beef broth and stir to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Remove pot from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot with optional toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and cilantro.
Notes
