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Cozy One-Pot Taco Soup with Ranch Seasoning (Easy Dinner)

one pot taco soup - featured image

A hearty, creamy taco soup made in one pot with ground beef, black beans, corn, and a secret blend of taco and ranch seasoning. Perfect for cozy nights and ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (85/15 or 93/7)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet (3 tbsp) taco seasoning
  • 1 packet (3 tbsp) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 can (10 oz / 284g) diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 411g) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425g) corn, drained (or 1.5 cups frozen corn)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium beef broth
  • 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, crushed tortilla chips, sliced jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef (5 minutes): Place a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and onion is soft (5-7 minutes). Spoon off excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
  2. Add the Aromatics (1 minute): Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Season the Base (1 minute): Sprinkle taco seasoning and ranch seasoning over the beef. Stir well and cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  4. Add the Canned Goods (2 minutes): Pour in undrained diced tomatoes with green chiles and undrained diced tomatoes. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  5. Add the Beans, Corn, and Broth (2 minutes): Stir in drained black beans, drained corn, and beef broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
  6. Simmer (15 minutes): Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Add the Cream Cheese (5 minutes): Remove lid. Add cubed cream cheese and stir gently until completely melted and soup is creamy (2-3 minutes). Do not boil.
  8. Taste and Adjust (1 minute): Taste and add salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lime if desired.
  9. Serve and Top (2 minutes): Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheddar, sour cream, cilantro, and tortilla chips. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best texture, use full-fat cream cheese and add it over low heat to prevent graininess. The soup thickens as it sits; add a splash of broth when reheating. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco soup, one-pot soup, easy dinner, ranch seasoning, ground beef soup, comfort food, 30-minute meal