Main Ingredients:
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 1/4 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 2 cloves garlic minced (approximately 2 tsp)
- 1 jalapeno seeded and finely chopped (optional)
Canned and Pantry Staples:
- 2 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1 14 oz can low-sodium beef broth
- 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
- Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 Tbsp chili powder double for a stronger flavor
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 3/4 tsp ground paprika
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1 1/2 Tbsp dry ranch dressing mix
- Alternative: Use 1/3 cup chopped cilantro and 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice for a fresher flavor.
Additional Ingredients:
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups frozen corn
- 1 14.5 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 14.5 oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
Toppings (Optional):
- Shredded Mexican blend cheese
- Chopped green or red onions
- Diced avocados
- Corn tortilla strips or chips
Build the Flavor:
Add the diced tomatoes with green chiles, beef broth, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and ranch dressing mix (or cilantro and lime juice if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add Final Ingredients:
Stir in the frozen corn, black beans, and pinto beans. Cook for a few minutes until everything is heated through. If the soup is too thick, add 1/2 cup of water to thin it out.
Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, diced avocado, chopped onions, and tortilla strips.
Mild Option: Replace jalapeno with 1/3 cup chopped bell pepper for a less spicy version, or omit it altogether.
Flavor Adjustment: For a more intense flavor, double the spices.
Updated Version: Although the original recipe used ranch dressing mix, substituting it with cilantro and lime juice offers a fresher taste.
Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 387kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 53mg | Sodium: 804mg | Potassium: 1326mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 759IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 105mg | Iron: 6mg