Taco Soup

A Southern Favorite!

Ingredients
1 pound ground beef (or turkey - I like 85% lean)
1 package dry taco seasoning mix (I like Lawry's brand)
1 package dry ranch dressing mix (I use Hidden Valley Ranch brand)
1 can pinto beans (I use Ranch Style brand)
1 can Ranch Style Beans
1 can kidney beans (I use Ranch Style brand)
1 can whole kernel corn (I like a mixture of White and Gold corn)
1 can creamed corn
1 can diced tomatoes (I use Rotel brand - they have mild, regular or extra spicy)

This recipe can be as plain or spicy as you like depending upon how seasoned the cans of beans and tomatoes are that you buy. I like to buy them already seasoned because then I don't have to season the soup at all! My Mom likes to add a can of Ranch Style Black Beans as well.

Directions
Step 1
You have two options:
(1) Original Version: cook the meat in a skillet until just browned; drain. Add the taco seasoning packet and cook another minute or two.  Continue to Step 2.
Or
(2) My Version: most of the time I just skip browning the meat, and put the raw meat directly into the crockpot. I think it turns out the same. Continue to Step 2, adding the taco seasoning directly to the crockpot.

Step 2
Empty ENTIRE contents of remaining ingredients (liquid and all!) into a crockpot or a heavy soup/stew pot.

Step 3
Add the meat and cook on low overnight in the crockpot, or simmer in soup pot - the longer the better.

Step 4
Enjoy! Don't forget the Beano!