Description
This creamy taco soup comes together in under 30 minutes with just five main ingredients. It’s the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights, featuring a secret weapon of ranch dressing mix for a tangy, herby depth that makes it unforgettable.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (85/15 recommended)
- 1 packet (1 oz / 28g) ranch dressing mix (e.g., Hidden Valley)
- 1 packet (1 oz / 28g) taco seasoning mix
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 oz / 283g) diced tomatoes with green chiles (e.g., Rotel), undrained
- 1 can (15 oz / 425g) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz / 425g) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium beef broth
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, crushed tortilla chips, diced avocado
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Drain the excess fat from the beef using a colander, then return the beef to the pot.
- Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and taco seasoning mix over the beef and stir until evenly coated.
- Cut the cream cheese into chunks and add to the pot. Stir continuously over medium heat until completely melted and incorporated (2-3 minutes).
- Add the undrained diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained corn, drained and rinsed black beans, and beef broth. Stir until well combined.
- Increase heat to high and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and soup to thicken slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed (e.g., salt, pepper, cumin, lime juice, hot sauce).
- Ladle into bowls and serve hot with desired toppings.
Notes
For best results, let cream cheese come to room temperature before adding. Do not boil vigorously after adding cream cheese to prevent graininess. Soup thickens as it sits; add a splash of broth when reheating. Freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1.5
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 1300
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 25
Keywords: taco soup, creamy taco soup, dump-and-go soup, 5-ingredient recipe, easy weeknight dinner, ground beef soup, ranch taco soup