Taco Soup with ranch dressing is one of those hearty, crowd-pleasing recipes that bring the warmth of comforting flavors to your dinner table in no time. The combination of spicy taco seasoning and the creamy tang of ranch dressing creates a savory explosion of taste that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. What makes this recipe even better is its versatility; whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping for a cozy dinner party, or just craving a simple yet delicious meal, this soup does not disappoint.
When you’re in the mood for something flavorful but not overly complicated, Taco Soup with ranch dressing is a great option. The addition of ranch dressing makes it richer and creamier compared to the traditional taco soup, adding a luscious twist to a well-loved dish. The recipe is simple, but the flavor depth is impressive. Let’s dive right into how to make this wonderful soup, explore the ingredients, and unlock some tips and variations for customizing it to your tastes.
Original Taco Soup With Ranch Dressing Recipe
This recipe is everything you want in a taco soup-hearty, flavorful, and comforting. The rich taste of taco-seasoned beef is paired with the smooth creaminess of ranch dressing, making each spoonful utterly delicious. It’s an easy meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.
Here’s the original taco soup recipe with ranch dressing:
Ingredients Needed
The ingredients for this recipe are straightforward, but the magic is in how they all come together to create something special. You probably already have most of these pantry staples at home, and if not, they’re easy to find at any grocery store.
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (choose mild or spicy based on preference)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (this is the star of the show-don’t skip it!)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz, undrained)
- 1 can corn kernels (15 oz, undrained)
- 1 can kidney beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed)
- 1 can black beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed)
- 1 can green chilies (4 oz, undrained)
- 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth, if you prefer)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (this is what makes the soup creamy and extra tasty)
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, or tortilla chips
Cooking Instructions
This is the beauty of Taco Soup with ranch dressing: you can have it ready in just under 30 minutes with minimal prep. Let’s get into the cooking instructions:
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Brown The Meat
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat a little olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until it’s browned and fully cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Drain off any excess fat if necessary.
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Add Taco And Ranch Seasoning
Once the meat is browned, sprinkle the taco seasoning packet and the ranch seasoning mix over the meat. Stir well to coat the beef in the seasoning mix, letting the flavors develop for a minute or two.
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Combine The Rest Of The Ingredients
To the seasoned meat, add the diced tomatoes (with juice), corn (with juice), beans, green chilies, and beef broth. Stir everything together to combine, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
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Simmer
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, and the soup to thicken slightly.
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Stir In Ranch Dressing
After the soup has simmered, stir in the ranch dressing, making sure it’s fully blended into the soup. This will give it that signature creaminess and make the soup rich and velvety.
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Serve And Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes-cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, tortilla chips, or any other topping you love. Serve hot and enjoy!
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in this Taco Soup with ranch dressing plays an important role in building its flavor profile. Let’s break down the star ingredients:
- Ground Beef (or Turkey): This forms the hearty base of the soup, providing rich, savory flavor. Ground beef gives it a classic taco taste, but turkey can lighten it up if you prefer a leaner protein.
- Taco Seasoning: The taco seasoning is essential for that deep, spiced flavor we associate with tacos. It’s a blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and sometimes a little paprika. The seasoning is what makes the soup feel like a familiar taco experience.
- Ranch Dressing Mix: This is the secret ingredient. It’s the tangy and creamy element that cuts through the richness of the beef and beans, offering a smooth, indulgent texture to the soup. If you’ve never tried ranch in taco soup, it’s a game-changer!
- Beans and Corn: The beans (black beans and kidney beans) add fiber and heartiness to the soup. Corn brings a sweet crunch, offering contrast to the smoothness of the broth and ranch dressing.
- Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies: Tomatoes are essential for the soup’s base, adding acidity and a juicy element. Green chilies add just the right amount of heat and tang.
Expert Tips
Here are some expert tips to elevate your Taco Soup game:
- Beef Broth vs. Chicken Broth: Both are good choices, but beef broth adds a deeper, more savory base. Chicken broth will create a lighter, more delicate flavor. Choose based on your preference!
- Spice Level: Control the heat by adjusting the taco seasoning. If you like it spicier, opt for a ’hot’ taco seasoning, add fresh jalapeños, or use spicy green chilies. For a milder version, stick with a ’mild’ taco seasoning and skip the spicy toppings.
- Adding Dairy: If you want your soup even creamier, consider adding a bit of heavy cream or half-and-half along with the ranch dressing.
- Freezer-Friendly: This soup is a great make-ahead meal. You can make a big batch and store leftovers in the freezer. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing and reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Double Up on Veggies: For added nutrition and flavor, throw in some chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the simmering stage. The veggies will absorb the soup’s flavors and make it even more hearty.
Recipe Variations
This Taco Soup with ranch dressing is incredibly versatile. Here are a few variations you can try based on your preferences:
- Vegetarian Taco Soup: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based protein like lentils or crumbled tempeh. Keep all the other ingredients the same, or add extra vegetables for a more filling meal.
- Chicken Taco Soup: Replace the ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time. You can even use leftover chicken from a previous meal.
- Cheesy Taco Soup: Add a generous amount of shredded cheese directly into the soup during the last few minutes of simmering. This will make the soup even creamier and add more flavor. You can also sprinkle extra cheese on top before serving.
- Spicy Taco Soup: Want some extra heat? Try using a hot salsa or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the soup while it simmers. You can also add diced fresh jalapeños for an additional kick.
Final Words
Taco Soup with ranch dressing is the ultimate comfort food that can be customized to fit your taste and dietary preferences. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and offers that cozy, satisfying feeling we all crave. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. Plus, the ability to tweak it to your liking ensures that it never gets old.
FAQs
What Are The Key Ingredients For Making Original Taco Soup With Ranch Dressing?
The key ingredients for making original taco soup with ranch dressing include ground beef or chicken, taco seasoning, ranch dressing mix, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, corn, onions, and broth (chicken or beef). You can also add shredded cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips for garnishing.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Meat For Taco Soup With Ranch Dressing?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian options like plant-based crumbles. The flavor will still be delicious, and it will accommodate different dietary preferences.
Is Ranch Dressing Essential To The Recipe, Or Can It Be Omitted?
Ranch dressing is a key component that adds a creamy, tangy flavor to the soup. While you can omit it, it will alter the flavor profile of the soup. You can consider using a homemade ranch dressing mix if you want more control over the ingredients.
Can I Make Taco Soup With Ranch Dressing In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, taco soup with ranch dressing can be easily made in a slow cooker. Brown the meat and then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
How Do I Make Taco Soup With Ranch Dressing Spicier?
To make the soup spicier, you can add ingredients such as diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or spicy taco seasoning. Adjust the spice level to your preference.
Can I Use Homemade Taco Seasoning In Place Of Store-bought Seasoning?
Yes, homemade taco seasoning can replace store-bought taco seasoning. Typically, homemade seasoning includes chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Adjust quantities according to your taste.
What Type Of Broth Works Best For Taco Soup With Ranch Dressing?
Chicken broth is commonly used in taco soup with ranch dressing as it provides a mild base flavor. However, beef broth or vegetable broth can also work well, depending on your preference or dietary needs.
Can Taco Soup With Ranch Dressing Be Made Ahead Of Time?
Yes, taco soup with ranch dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often improve as they sit. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months and reheat it when needed.
What Can I Serve With Taco Soup With Ranch Dressing?
Taco soup with ranch dressing pairs well with a variety of sides such as tortilla chips, cornbread, Mexican rice, or a simple green salad. You can also top the soup with shredded cheese, sour cream, and sliced avocado for extra flavor.
Is Taco Soup With Ranch Dressing Suitable For Vegetarians?
Yes, taco soup with ranch dressing can be made vegetarian by substituting the meat with plant-based alternatives like beans, lentils, or tofu. Ensure the ranch dressing mix is also vegetarian-friendly, or make your own version.