Crock Pot Taco Soup With Ranch Dressing Mix Recipe

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing better than a hearty, comforting bowl of soup to warm you up. And what if I told you there’s a way to make a soup that’s packed with flavor, takes little prep time, and is as easy as throwing everything into a slow cooker? That’s exactly what you get with this Crock Pot Taco Soup with Ranch Dressing Mix recipe. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel cozy, full, and satisfied, without spending hours slaving over the stove.

This soup is a brilliant mix of Tex-Mex flavors, combining seasoned ground meat, beans, corn, tomatoes, and-wait for it-Ranch dressing mix. The secret to this taco soup’s richness and depth lies in the creamy tang of ranch dressing, which complements the spicy taco seasoning in a way that’s nothing short of magic. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party, feeding the family, or preparing a meal for a busy week ahead, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite.

So, grab your crock pot and let’s dive into the recipe!

Crock Pot Taco Soup With Ranch Dressing Mix Recipe

This recipe is incredibly simple and flavorful, and it’s also versatile enough to suit a variety of tastes. The best part? You don’t need any fancy ingredients or cooking skills. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a comforting, delicious taco soup on your hands.

Ingredients Needed

Before we get into the cooking instructions, let’s gather everything you’ll need:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 packet of taco seasoning (choose mild, medium, or hot depending on your spice preference)
• 1 packet ranch dressing mix (you can find this in the salad dressing aisle at most grocery stores)
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained (or frozen corn works as well)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth (or beef broth if you prefer a richer flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Toppings (optional But Recommended)

  • Shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend)
  • Sour cream
  • Tortilla chips or crushed corn chips
  • Jalapeños
  • Cilantro

You can also throw in some extras like avocado or hot sauce for an extra kick!

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this comforting taco soup in your crock pot:

1. Brown The Ground Beef

   • Start by browning the ground beef (or turkey) in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s fully cooked, drain any excess fat and set the meat aside.

2. Prepare The Crock Pot

   • Place all the ingredients in your slow cooker. That includes the browned meat, taco seasoning, ranch dressing mix, beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with juices), green chilies, onion, garlic, and chicken broth.

3. Stir Everything Together

   • Stir well to combine all the ingredients, making sure the seasoning and ranch mix are evenly distributed throughout the soup.

4. Cook On Low

   • Cover your crock pot and cook on low for 6-7 hours. The longer you let it cook, the more the flavors meld together, so don’t be in a rush!

5. Check For Flavor

   • After the cooking time is up, give it a taste. You might want to add a little extra salt or pepper, depending on your preferences.

6. Serve And Add Toppings

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, cilantro, or any other toppings you love.

And that’s it! The hardest part is waiting for it to cook. The result? A creamy, savory taco soup with the perfect balance of spice, tang, and comfort.

Ingredient Insights

Every ingredient in this recipe contributes to the flavor and texture, but let’s take a closer look at why each one is important:

• Ground Beef: The base of your soup, adding richness and flavor. Ground turkey is a great option for a lighter version.
• Taco Seasoning: This brings in that bold, zesty flavor that gives taco soup its iconic taste. The seasoning mix has a combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, creating a complex, savory taste.
• Ranch Dressing Mix: This is the secret ingredient that makes this soup stand out. It adds a creamy, tangy flavor that balances the heat of the taco seasoning and enhances the richness of the soup.
• Beans: Kidney beans and black beans give this soup texture and make it more filling. They’re also packed with protein and fiber.
• Corn: Corn adds sweetness and crunch, giving the soup a fresh bite that contrasts with the soft beans and meat.
• Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies: These provide acidity and heat, as well as a burst of color. The green chilies add a subtle heat without being overpowering.
• Chicken Broth: The broth is the liquid base that brings everything together. It adds depth and a savory, comforting quality to the soup.

Expert Tips

• Customize the Spice Level: If you like your soup spicier, use hot taco seasoning or add extra diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce. If you prefer a milder version, stick with mild seasoning and skip the chiles.
• Use Leftovers for a Quick Meal: This soup reheats wonderfully, so make a big batch and enjoy it for lunches or dinners during the week.
• Add Extra Veggies: Try adding some diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach for more nutrients and texture.
• Make It Dairy-Free: You can easily make this soup dairy-free by skipping the ranch dressing mix and using a dairy-free sour cream and cheese alternative.
• Top it Off Right: Toppings really make a difference in this recipe. Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or crushed tortilla chips will elevate the flavors and add some crunch.

Recipe Variations

The beauty of this taco soup recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can swap out or add ingredients based on what you have on hand or what you prefer. Here are a few variations to try:

• Vegetarian Version: Swap out the ground beef for an extra can of beans (black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas). You could also add some roasted sweet potatoes or extra veggies for bulk.
• Spicy Taco Soup: If you’re a heat lover, use hot taco seasoning, add more diced green chilies, and toss in some fresh chopped jalapeños or a splash of sriracha.
• Cheesy Taco Soup: For extra creamy richness, stir in some cream cheese or heavy cream about 30 minutes before the soup finishes cooking.
• Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup: If you prefer chicken, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs instead of ground beef. Shred the chicken once it’s cooked, and you’ll get a delicious version of this recipe.

Final Words

This Crock Pot Taco Soup with Ranch Dressing Mix is not just a meal, it’s an experience. The layers of flavor from the taco seasoning, ranch mix, beans, and veggies create a comforting, hearty soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, especially when you can throw everything in the crock pot and let it do the work for you.

Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner, feeding a crowd, or preparing meals for the week ahead, this recipe checks all the boxes: tasty, satisfying, and versatile.