Eat like a Texan: Taco Soup

I know I don't usually write about food, and this is not about to turn into a cooking blog of any kind, but I wanted to share the recipe I've got cooking right now.  Most every Texas kid I know grew up eating some kind of Taco Soup.  Our family's recipe is super easy and takes no talent and very little preparation to make.  It's definitely going to stay in the dinner rotation until I'm an old lady because it makes me feel like a kid every time I eat it.

1 - 1.25 lbs ground beef (I substitute ground turkey and it still tastes great)
1-2 green bell peppers, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 can ranch style beans
1 can diced tomatoes (I use 2 if I'm using more meat)
1 can corn
1 can cream style corn
1 packet taco seasoning
Chili powder and cumin, if you like more spice
Grated cheddar cheese and sour cream (to garnish)

Brown the meat with the onion and bell peppers and drain the grease.  In a large pot, add all canned ingredients (don't drain them) and the taco seasoning and then dump in your meat mixture and stir.  Simmer for 30-45 minutes.  Serve topped with cheese and sour cream.

You can also make this in the crock pot if you cook your meat ahead of time.  Just combine everything and then cook on high for 4 hrs or low for about 7.  

This is certainly not health food, but there are far worse things you could be eating.  I like to eat the leftovers with tortilla chips like frito pie, since the soup is almost as thick as chili.

Enjoy!