Better Than Paula's Taco Soup

Experience ultimate comfort food with "Better Than Paula's Taco Soup," a hearty, flavor-packed dish that's as easy as it is delicious. This one-pot wonder combines ground beef, savory onions, and garlic with a medley of pantry staples like diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, and sweet corn for a robust, zesty base. Enhanced by the bold flavors of taco seasoning and the unique creaminess of ranch dressing mix, this soup delivers a perfect balance of spice and tang. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s a weeknight-friendly recipe that’s sure to wow your taste buds. Customize your bowl with fresh cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and crunchy tortilla chips for a complete, restaurant-quality experience. Perfect for cozy nights, game-day feasts, or potluck gatherings, this taco soup is comfort food at its finest!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cans diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can corn kernels (drained, if canned)
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix
• 1 packet ranch dressing mix
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for serving)
• 0.5 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
• 2 cups tortilla chips or strips (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease and return the beef to the pot.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the taco seasoning mix and ranch dressing mix, coating the beef and onion mixture evenly.

Step 5

Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), kidney beans, pinto beans, corn kernels, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the pot. Stir everything together well.

Step 6

Season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if desired. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 7

Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a little more beef broth to reach the desired consistency.

Step 9

Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and crumbled tortilla chips or strips if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(4121.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4454.0

Total Fat 235.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 83.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.4g
Cholesterol 506.1mg	0%
Sodium 8635.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 413.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 75.2g	0%
Total Sugars 54.7g
Protein 202.8g	0%

Vitamin D 24IU	0%
Calcium 1747.4mg	0%
Iron 33.2mg	0%
Potassium 7189.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.2%

Protein: 17.7%

Carbs: 36.1%