This fabulous crockpot taco soup is loaded with flavor and great ingredients, and you'll be surprised at how simple it is to prepare. Taco seasoning and ranch dressing mix give the soup its superb flavor, so you don't have to have a dozen individual spices on hand. Top the soup with crunchy tortilla chips or tortilla strips (found in the salad and croutons section of the supermarket) or garnish the soup with chopped fresh cilantro, green onions, shredded cheese, or avocado. The soup is open to all kinds of possibilities. Feel free to swap out the beans for other canned beans. Navy beans, great northern beans, and small red beans are all good choices. Or saut some chopped fresh onion and diced bell peppersgreen or redalong with the ground beef, or add some sliced mushrooms. For a little more zing, mince a jalapeo pepper and add it along with the tomatoes and vegetables, or add a can of chopped mild green chili peppers. Crushed red pepper flakes are another good option if you crave the heat. If you find the soup a little too thick for your taste, add a cup or two of unsalted beef stock or water. Serve this ground beef and beans taco soup with crusty bread or cornbread, along with a simple tossed salad for a delicious family meal. It's a great soup for lunch, too