Taco Soup

Ah the wonder of a great and flexible recipe. A few weeks ago I got to hang out and have lunch with Barry and our friend Chaz. As part of the conversation we talked a lot about food, and cool versatile recipes that make eating at home regularly a lot easier. I told Chaz I would post my recipe for Taco Soup, and then got flaky and forgot. Here it is Chaz, have fun.

Required Ingredients:
1lb of 10% or lower ground beef
1 pkg. of your favorite pre-made taco seasoning (I use McKormicks)
1 large can diced tomatoes (I use Muir Glenn)
1 can of your favorite beans (I prefer black o r kidney)
1 large onion

Optional veggies:
Corn (if you use fresh make sure you saute the kernals in a frying pan to make them sweet)
kale
chard
carrots
zuchinni
anything that sounds tasty

The general procedure is very simple. Saute the onion in a large frying pan. Add the ground beef and when it is almost done add in your taco seasoning. Once cooked, transfer to a crock-pot and add the tomatoes, beans, and any of the veggies that you like. The list I have included is not the end-all-be-all. You can add whatever you want, fresh or canned. Once it is all in the crock-pot add enough water to cover everything and turn it ot. It doesn't even matter how long you cook and at what temperature, this is a very forgiving recipe. If you are using something that has a long cooking time, like fresh corn and carrots, then cook them with the onion before adding the meat. If you are using canned veggies or something more delicate, add them to the crock pot or to the pan just before you transfer to the crock pot.

"But Lillis, I don't own a crock-pot" you say.

Simple, start the recipe in a large soup pot, skip that whole "transfer" step and let it all simmer for a while.

This is one of the most healthy weeknight dinners you can make, it is low in fat and loaded with healthy veggies. Refrigeration also makes this a great re-heat. It only gets better and can be dressed in a thousand different ways. Serve with corn chips, or cheese, or flour tortillas or anything your heart desires. Have fun and eat tasty food.

This Weeks Menu

Tandoori Chicken
Hungarian Cabbage and Brown Rice
Quiche
And Something with Chard in it

I will also spend some time doing laundry and practicing the Moto skills on Barry's bike. And maybe I will throw in a little sewing if I have time.