Taco Soup with a ranch seasoning twist is the cozy, 30-minute dinner that tastes like taco night in a bowl. It’s creamy, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser—perfect for busy evenings or game day spreads.
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe layers warm chili spices with a subtle tang from ranch seasoning, turning a classic tomato-chile base into something extra craveable. You’ll brown the meat, add pantry cans, simmer briefly, and finish with a creamy swirl so every spoonful is rich but not heavy. It’s budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and easily scaled for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey (lean; halal), browned
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 (10 oz) cans diced tomatoes with green chiles (with juices)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned, drained)
- 3 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 3 Tbsp homemade)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning (dry mix)
- 3–4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (halal)
- ½ tsp fine sea salt, to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 4 oz cream cheese or ½ cup half-and-half (optional for extra creaminess)
- Juice of ½ lime
For serving (optional): sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, shredded cheddar, avocado, crushed tortilla chips, lime wedges.
Instructions
- Brown & build flavor: Heat oil in a soup pot over medium. Add ground meat and cook until browned. Stir in onion and cook 3–4 minutes; add garlic for 30 seconds.
- Dump & simmer: Add tomatoes with chiles, beans, corn, tomato paste, taco seasoning, ranch seasoning, and 3 cups broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 12–15 minutes.
- Make it creamy (optional): Lower heat. Stir in cream cheese or half-and-half until smooth. Add lime juice. Thin with extra broth if you prefer.
- Season & serve: Taste, adjust salt and pepper, and ladle into bowls with your favorite toppings.
Health Benefits
- Protein + fiber: Beans and lean meat create a satisfying, steady-energy bowl.
- Lycopene & vitamin C: Tomatoes and chiles bring antioxidant benefits that pair well with active lifestyles.
- Calcium (if creamy): A dairy finish adds calcium; Greek yogurt is a lighter option.
Variations
- Healthy Taco Soup: Skip the cream cheese and use extra broth; top with yogurt and lots of cilantro.
- Chicken version: Swap in shredded cooked chicken and chicken broth.
- Veggie swap: Omit meat and add zucchini or bell pepper for a hearty vegetarian pot.
Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips
Refrigerate up to 4 days; freeze up to 3 months (freeze without dairy for best texture, stir dairy in after reheating). Thaw overnight and reheat gently, adding broth to loosen.
Serving Ideas
Offer a topping bar: cilantro, lime, avocado, crushed chips, and cheddar. Add warm cornbread or a crisp salad for a fuller meal.
Troubleshooting
- Too thick? Loosen with warm broth.
- Too mild? Add chipotle powder or cayenne.
- Too tangy? Balance with a pinch of sugar or extra cream.
Bookmark this creamy, tangy Taco Soup—it’s the quick comfort your week needs.
