Texas Soup
A hearty and flavorful Texan-inspired soup combining ground beef, beans, corn, and tomatoes, seasoned with taco spices and ranch dressing. Perfect for a comforting family meal or casual gatherings, it offers bold flavors and easy preparation for a satisfying dish everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put all ingredients in a large pot, including the browned ground beef, beans, corn, chopped green chilies, pureed tomatoes, and water.
- Add the taco seasoning and Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix for seasoning.
- Stir all ingredients together thoroughly.
- Heat the mixture for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and flavors melded.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the ground beef with diced garlic and bell peppers. If you want a spicier kick, add jalapeños or cayenne pepper. Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. You can use canned black beans instead of pinto or kidney beans for a different texture. If you have fresh tomatoes on hand, diced fresh tomatoes can replace the canned stewed tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Texas Soup hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Cumin Rice for a complete meal. Consider offering tortilla chips or cornbread on the side for some crunch. This soup also makes a hearty filling for tacos or burritos.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, covering with a microwave-safe lid to prevent splatters.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Texas Soup contains roughly 432 calories, with 21g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (307% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), and protein (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1071mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this Texas Soup is gluten-free as long as you ensure the taco seasoning and ranch dressing mix are gluten-free. Always check labels when using packaged items to avoid any gluten-containing ingredients.
Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).