Taco Soup

I was never a big soup person growing up, mainly because there was almost always something in the soup I didn't like.  I liked raw vegetables, but I was pretty picky when it came to cooked vegetables.  Any soup I would eat usually came from a can.  My tastes have changed over time.  Since Anthony and I have been married, I have put together a pretty delicious arsenal of soup recipes.  Here is one of my favorites, taco soup.  There are a lot of taco soup recipes out there, but this one (in my humble opinion) trumps all of them.  It's quick, cheap, easy, and flavorful. 

Here's what you need:
1 lb. ground beef
2 (15 oz.) cans kidney beans, undrained
1 (15 oz.) can corn, undrained
2 (14.5 oz.) cans stewed tomatoes
1 pkg. taco seasoning mix
1 pkg. ranch dressing mix
1 1/2 C. water
tortilla strips (optional)
cheddar cheese (optional)

Here's how you make it:
1.  In a large pot, brown ground beef; drain.
2.  Stir in taco seasoning and ranch dressing mix.  Cook for 1-2 minutes of medium-low heat.
3.  Add in tomatoes.  Use a potato masher to smash the tomatoes into smaller pieces if desired. (I don't
     like big chunks of tomatoes.)
4.  Add in beans, corn, and water.
5.  Simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes.
6.  Top with cheddar cheese and tortilla strips if desired.

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The original recipe said to serve with tortilla chips, which I thought sounded uninteresting.  So as I was waltzing down the salad aisle, I found flavored tortilla strips (by the croutons).  We use New York Brand Chipotle Cheddar Flavored tortilla strips.  They make a lime flavor as well and other brands make various flavors.  I will never eat this soup without them, that's how unbelievably delicious they are.  So much so, it's hard to keep from snacking on them while I cook, but that's just me.  There are also some flavored tortilla chips that would go nicely with this soup.  Tostitos makes Hint of Pepper Jack Tortilla Chips that would be delicious as well.

I like dishes to look nice, so I usually buy 1 can of light red kidney beans and one can of dark red kidney beans to add some color variation to the soup, but I'm just strange like that.  Also, if you don't particularly like ground beef or you are a vegetarian, I have made this before without the beef and it was just as delicious.

Hope you enjoy this as much as we do!

Sincerely,
The Chipotle Cheddar Tortilla Strip Fanatic