Name: Ranch Taco Soup
Prep time: PT-486998H22M46S
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef or turkey; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 packet taco seasoning; 1 packet dry ranch dressing mix; 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes; 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained; 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (15 oz) can pinto or kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce; 2 cups beef or chicken broth; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, tortilla chips, jalapeños, cilantro, avocado

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Ranch Taco Soup is a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy one-pot meal that blends all the best flavors of tacos with a creamy, tangy ranch twist. Loaded with ground beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, and zesty seasonings, it’s the kind of comforting soup I crave when I want something filling, bold, and simple to throw together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this soup because it’s fast, fuss-free, and packed with flavor. The combination of taco seasoning and ranch mix adds depth and zest, while the beans and ground beef make it hearty enough to satisfy any appetite. It’s perfect for weeknights, game days, or when I need a meal that everyone will devour. Plus, it’s easy to customize with toppings or pantry swaps.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef or ground turkey
Onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Taco seasoning mix
Dry ranch dressing mix
Canned diced tomatoes
Canned corn (drained)
Canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
Canned pinto or kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
Canned tomato sauce
Beef or chicken broth
Olive oil (for sautéing)
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Optional toppings:

Sour cream
Shredded cheddar cheese
Tortilla chips or strips
Sliced jalapeños
Chopped cilantro
Diced avocado

directions

In a large pot, I heat a little olive oil and sauté the onion until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
I add the garlic and ground beef, cooking until browned and fully cooked. I drain excess fat if needed.
I stir in the taco seasoning and ranch mix until the meat is evenly coated.
I add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, corn, black beans, kidney beans, and broth.
I bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
I taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
I ladle the soup into bowls and top with my favorite toppings before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6–8 people. It takes 10–15 minutes to prep and about 25 minutes to cook, so dinner’s ready in under 40 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I use shredded chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter version, or I toss in a can of green chilies for a little extra heat. I’ve also used Rotel tomatoes for a spicier, more vibrant base. If I want it creamier, I stir in a bit of cream cheese at the end.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop or in the microwave. It also freezes well for up to 2 months—just cool completely and freeze in portion-sized containers. I thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. I brown the meat first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours.

Is it spicy?

It’s mild as written, but I can easily add jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy taco seasoning for more heat.

Can I use ranch dressing instead of dry mix?

I don’t recommend it—the dry mix provides concentrated flavor without extra liquid.

What’s the best way to thicken the soup?

I simmer it uncovered to reduce slightly, or mash some of the beans into the broth to naturally thicken it.

What goes well with this soup?

Cornbread, tortilla chips, or a side salad all pair perfectly. I also love serving it with warm flour tortillas.

Conclusion

Ranch Taco Soup is everything I love in a comforting dinner: bold flavors, easy steps, and customizable toppings that let everyone make their bowl their own. It’s a go-to recipe in my kitchen for nights when I want something cozy, filling, and fun to eat. Whether I’m feeding the family or meal prepping for the week, this soup never disappoints.