Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 oz packet taco seasoning
  • 1 oz packet ranch dressing mix
  • 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 15 oz can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 15 oz can whole kernel corn, drained
  • 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with green chiles
  • 8 oz can tomato sauce
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup water

Instructions:

  1. Place a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking the meat apart into fine crumbles, until the beef is fully browned and the onions are translucent. Do not drain the fat unless it exceeds 2 tablespoons, as it carries essential flavor.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Sprinkle the taco seasoning and ranch seasoning directly over the meat and onions. Stir constantly for 60 seconds to bloom the fat-soluble aromatics.
  3. Add the rinsed black beans, pinto beans, drained corn, diced tomatoes with juices, tomato sauce, beef broth, and water to the pot. Stir well to incorporate the seasonings and emulsify the broth.
  4. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the broth to thicken slightly.