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Taco Soup with Ranch Packet finished recipe

Taco Soup with Ranch Packet

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 cups servings

Ingredients
  

For the Taco Soup
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion about 6 ounces (170 g), diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper about 5 ounces (140 g), seeded and diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning about 1 ounce (28 g)
  • 1 packet dry ranch seasoning mix about 1 ounce (28 g)
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can diced tomatoes undrained
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles undrained
  • 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 can pinto beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 1/2 cups frozen corn no need to thaw
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Optional Toppings
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese optional
  • 1 medium avocado diced, optional
  • 1/2 cup sour cream optional
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro optional
  • 2 cups tortilla chips optional
  • 1 medium lime cut into wedges, optional

Method
 

Method
  1. Prepare the Pot: Heat the olive oil in a 5- to 6-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. This step builds a flavorful base for the soup, enhancing the overall taste.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Continue cooking until no pink remains and the beef reaches 160°F (71°C). If more than a thin layer of fat remains in the pot, carefully spoon off the excess. Properly browning the beef adds depth of flavor and prevents a greasy texture.
  3. Add the Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, taco seasoning, and dry ranch seasoning. Cook for 30 to 60 seconds, stirring constantly. The mixture should smell fragrant, but the spices should not darken or stick to the bottom. This step infuses the soup with aromatic flavors that enhance the overall dish.
  4. Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with their juices, tomatoes with green chiles, and beef broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. This helps to incorporate all the flavors and ensures nothing is wasted.
  5. Stir in the Beans and Corn

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