Taco Soup

 
  My family came to visit this past weekend for my mom's birthday.  I decided Taco Soup was the perfect crockpot solution for Sunday dinner.  Fast preparation, cooks while at church, eat when we get home.  I looked up a bunch of different taco soup recipes to get a general idea of what to do and then I made up my own.  It turned out great, approved by all.  So, next time you're cooking for a crowd, try this out.

INGREDIENTS (Serves 8)

1 1/2 c. dried pinto beans

1 1/2 c. red kidney beans

1 lb. ground beef

1 lb. ground turkey 

3/4 c. onion, diced

1 (10 oz) can Mild Rotel

1 (10 oz. ) can Original Rotel

1 (14.5) oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 (14.5) oz. can corn, undrained
1 (14.5 oz.) can chicken broth

1 packet Ranch dressing seasoning mix

1 packet taco seasoning

1 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. chili powder

1/2 tsp. onion powder

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1 c. water

1/2 tsp. chicken bouillon
corn tortillas
fiesta blend cheese


DIRECTIONS

1.  Soak beans overnight in cold water.  In the morning, drain and rinse beans and add to crockpot. 

2.  Add both cans of Rotel, diced tomatoes, corn, and broth.  Turn slow cooker on to low. 

3.  Meanwhile, in a frying pan cook the beef, turkey, and onion together.  Drain grease.  Add the Ranch packet and taco seasoning to the meat and stir.  Add the meat mixture to the crockpot. 

4.  Stir in cumin, chili powder, onion powder and garlic powder. 

5.  Cook on low for 6 hours then on high for 2.  

6.  When beans are soft and cooked through, serve the soup and top with fiesta blend cheese and tortilla strips.  To make the tortilla strips, cut corn tortillas into strips, lay in a single layer on a baking sheet, spray with cooking spray and bake at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes, stirring/flipping half-way through.  

NOTE:  After I had served 6 bowls I discovered the soupy broth was just about gone.  That's when I added the water and chicken bouillon, along with sprinkling the same spices as earlier.  The reason I don't tell you to add the extra water in the beginning is because I don't know how big your crockpot is but it wouldn't have fit in mine.  Without the extra cup of water I had filled mine to the top.  So, if your pot is big enough, by all means add the water in the beginning! 

     Serve this tasty soup up with some cornbread (don't forget the butter and honey!) and enjoy the mild spice and great taco flavor!