Baby it’s cold outside! When it’s cold outside I love to make soup. Some people (my husband included) don’t really think of soup as a meal. I get it. Sort-of. But I love soup. I think when it is made with some sides and a salad it works great as a dinner meal. I also think it’s a great option for a lunch date or party. It’s nice to throw in a slow-cooker to cook all day. It’s even great for leaving on the stove if you have guests coming into town and you don’t know exactly when they will arrive. Most people love to walk into the smell and warmth of soup if they’ve been traveling. So go get your soup on!
Here is a great soup recipe from my sister-in-law who is wonderful in the kitchen. Really…she can make anything! I have made it for moms with new babies at home, friends coming over, out of town guests and our family many, many times over the years! Trust me- it is good!
Auntie Shannon’s Taco Soup
Ingredients:
· 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey (you can also use pre-cooked chicken)
· 1 cup onion(chopped)
· 1 can tomatoes w/ liquid (16 oz.)
· 1 can corn w/ liquid (16 oz.)
· 1 can kidney beans w/ liquid (16 oz.)
· 1 can tomatoes sauce (8 oz.) (I’ve used Rotel when out of tomato sauce)
· 1 package taco seasoning (1.25 oz or whatever you have on hand that you use in tacos)
· salt & pepper (to taste)
*Garnish topping options: avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, corn chips, Fritos, green onions, green chilies, jalapeños, cilantro
Directions:
Brown meat in a large stock pot (if using shredded pre-cooked chicken just add after the vegetables are browned). Add onion & mix while they brown up. Add the remaining ingredients & bring to a boil. I used some garlic salt and cumin but you can play around with spices depending out what you like and how spicy you like things. Also, some people like to add a ranch seasoning package (1.25 oz) for a different twist. I have also added some chicken broth to make the soup stretch a bit more! Cover and simmer at least 30 minutes. The longer it simmers the better it will taste. Garnish with toppings. Fast & Easy! Yum!
*Pre-Cooked Chicken: it can be shredded from a “store-bought” rotisserie chicken or Trader Joe’s “just chicken” or even canned chicken if you are in a pinch
This is was originally posted on 1/22/12 and has been updated for clarity.
