Hearty Ranchero Soup

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Hearty Ranchero Soup is your go-to for a comforting, flavor-packed meal that combines the best of Tex-Mex and classic ranch flavors. It's perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something easy yet satisfying.

Ingredients for Hearty Ranchero Soup

The ground beef forms the hearty base of the soup, offering protein and richness. Onion and garlic add aromatic depth and a savory backbone. Kidney beans and black beans bulk up the soup with fiber and nutrients, while diced tomatoes with green chilies provide a slight tang and spice. The tomato sauce and beef broth create the liquid foundation, melding everything together. Ranch dressing mix and taco seasoning mix are the secret weapons, infusing the soup with a burst of herbaceous and smoky flavors. Finally, corn kernels add a touch of sweetness and texture.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a leaner option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
  • Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later on.
  • For a spicier kick, add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs wonderfully with a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up all the flavors. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup nicely. Alternatively, serve it with tortilla chips for a bit of crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely. Use about 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes and add a small can of green chilies for the kick.
How long will leftovers last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the soup will last up to 5 days.

Hearty Ranchero Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and adding the ground beef. Cook it until it's nicely browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for developing the soup's rich flavor. Once the beef is browned, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Let them sauté for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

Next, add in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Give everything a good stir to combine. Now, sprinkle in the ranch dressing mix and taco seasoning mix. Stir well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed.

Add the corn kernels to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once it's bubbling nicely, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste before serving hot.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A fusion of Tex-Mex and ranch flavors that offers something uniquely delicious.
  • Simple, straightforward ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.
  • Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
  • Customizable toppings allow everyone to tailor their bowl to their liking.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
2 cups beef broth
1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
1 cup corn kernels, drained
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, sautéing until the onion is translucent, approximately 3 minutes.
3. Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
4. Mix in the ranch dressing mix and taco seasoning mix, stirring until well combined.
5. Add the corn kernels, and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes to blend the flavors.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot with optional toppings.

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