Crockpot Taco Soup

Mike and I are trying to control our financial lives. One way to begin this process is to smooth out some spending areas. We've streamlined our bills and now we have to work on other expenses- in this case groceries.

I love groceries! I do. I like to cook (though Mike would disagree) and I have to admit that I go into Kroger with a small plan. We know what we need but don't know what for. It is my challenge to start actually planning meals and shop around those meals. I know that Real Simple and other media focus on just that- planning simple, delicious meals with built in grocery lists. I am a fan, however, our tastes and schedule don't always allow for featured meals. Case in point, today.

This is Monday. We agree. Mike and I have Choral Society this evening from 7.30 to 9.30. We have to leave by 7 to get a good parking space and to have a chance to socialize beforehand. Mike however gets home around 6.30. Well that doesn't leave much time for a well-prepared meal. Let's not also forget the fact that we'll spend the next few hours singing. We don't need any gastronomical adventures, understand.

So, I've found some delightful looking crockpot meals for Mondays and possibly Wednesdays (yoga class). The choice: Taco Soup. It is very easy and surely will be a nice treat on this cool October evening. I found a few recipes and blended them to suit my needs. Here is the recipe for you to try. Feel free to mix it up with your favorites, add some, delete some, go gluten free, watch your sodium, whatevs!

Ingredients:
1 can black beans
1 can pinto beans
1 can red beans
1 can white corn
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can diced tomatoes with chiles
1 lb. ground beef (I used a little more because I had it available)
1/2 packet of taco seasoning
1/2 packet ranch dressing mix
cheese and sour cream for garnishing.

Prep
1. brown the meat and drain the fat
2. rinse and drain the beans
3. add drained beans and entire cans of tomatoes and corn to the crockpot
4. add meat into the mix
5. this is where I add the seasonings. I also added 1/4 c. water, a splash of lime, and about 2 eye-balled tablespoons of lemon juice.

Slow cook on low for 8ish hours or on high for 4ish hours. Garnish with sour cream, onions, chives, or cheese in any combo. Enjoy with a spoon or your favorite tortilla chip!

Mmmmm....super hungry now. Oh slow-cookers!