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Taco Soup
Taco Soup is a beloved American Tex-Mex–inspired comfort dish that combines the heartiness of chili with the zest of tacos. Popular in the American South and Midwest, it’s a one-pot wonder known for its bold flavor, easy preparation, and flexibility. This recipe blends ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and hominy with taco seasoning and ranch dressing mix for a savory, slightly tangy profile. Its origins trace to the mid-20th century home-cooking trend of “dump soups,” prized for quick, crowd-pleasing meals. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for weeknights or gatherings, especially topped with cheese and green onions.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Soup
Cuisine Tex-Mex
Servings 10
Calories 340 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large pot

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 onion (large, chopped)
  • 12 oz green chillies (chopped or diced)
  • 1 can pinto beans (rinsed and drained)
  • 1 can yellow hominy (drained )
  • 1 can kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
  • 1 can lima beans (drained)
  • 43 ½ oz tomatoes (chopped, 3 cans)
  • 2 packs Lowry's taco seasoning
  • 1 pack dry ranch dressing mix (* secret ingredient)
  • 1 ½ cups water
  • 1 dash salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • Cheddar cheese (garnish, to taste)
  • green onion (chopped, garnish, to taste)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Brown the Meat

  • Brown 2 pounds of ground beef with 1 large chopped onion in a large pot.
  • Rinse the browned meat with hot water to remove fat while retaining flavor.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

  • Add green chilis, pinto beans, yellow hominy, kidney beans, lima beans, and chopped tomatoes to the pot.

Step 3: Season and Mix

  • Stir in taco seasoning, ranch dressing mix, salt, pepper, and water.

Step 4: Simmer

  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Serve

  • Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese or chopped green onions. Serve warm.

Tips

  • Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • Add corn kernels for extra sweetness and texture.
  • Use hot green chilis for a spicier version.
  • Freeze leftovers for up to three months.
  • Top with sour cream, avocado, or crushed tortilla chips for added richness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cupsCalories: 340kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 880mgPotassium: 860mgFiber: 8gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 4mg
Keyword beans, cabbage soup, classic comfort food, cozy meals, easy meals, ground beef, hearty, Tex-Mex, weeknight dinner
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