Ranch Taco Soup

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped (1 cup)
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped (1 cup)
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
• 1 (1 ounce) packet ranch dressing mix
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Toppings: Sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, tortilla chips

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

30 minutes

Difficulty Level:

2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the onion and green bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, ranch dressing mix, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the soup has thickened.
4. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with desired toppings.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 270 per serving
• Fat: 10 grams
• Protein: 15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Savory and flavorful
• Thick and hearty
• Customizable with various toppings
• Perfect for a quick and easy meal or as a party appetizer

User Comments:

• "This soup is so easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. I love that I can customize it with my favorite toppings." - Sarah
• "The ranch dressing mix gives this soup a delicious twist. It's a great way to spice up a classic taco soup recipe." - David
• "I'm not usually a soup person, but this one is an exception. It's so creamy and flavorful." - Jessica

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If you don't have ranch dressing mix on hand, you can make your own by combining 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup milk, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/4 teaspoon dried onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.
• To make the soup vegetarian, omit the ground beef and add an additional 15 ounce can of black beans.
• For a spicier soup, add an extra teaspoon of chili powder or a few diced jalapeño peppers.