The Soup Diva

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 sweet onion, diced (1/2 cup) or 2 tbsp dried minced onion
• 1 jar salsa or picante sauce + 1 jar water
• 1 large can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 1 can diced tomatoes & green chilies or 1 small can diced green chilies
• 1 can hominy or sweet corn (or 2 cups frozen)
• 1 can pinto beans (or black, kidney, etc)
• 1 packet (2 tbsp) ranch dressing mix
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning (½ packet)
• Toppings as desired (see below)

Open all cans & jars except hominy or corn and pour entire contents into crock pot or large soup pot. Chop onion and add to pot; brown ground beef and add to pot. Add seasonings and stir. Cook for 4-6 hours in crock pot or at least 30 minutes on stove top. Add hominy or corn and continue heating another 5-10 minutes. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips.

This is my version of the tried-and-true “taco soup,” for which many recipes exist; but I am always asked for my recipe, so here it is. It is easy, colorful, delicious, and [mostly] nutritious!