Taco Soup

I used the crockpot for this, but I'm sure stove top would work just as well. Sorry for the lack of a picture, I forgot! You can use your imagination. :) I made this recipe from a combination of several and it turned out excellent!

Taco Soup

1 lb ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
1 packet dry ranch dip mix
1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
1 4 oz. can chopped green chilies
1 can kidney beans
1 can corn
2 cups water

1. Brown beef in skillet. (I added some onion powder and a dash of Cumin to the beef. You could also cook it with a small chopped onion.)

2. Mix all remaining ingredients in crock pot. Add beef and mix well. Cover and set to HIGH on crockpot for about 2-3 hours. Serve hot with tortilla chips, sour cream, and a bit of shredded cheddar. Freezes well!

Tortellini Soup

This soup was ridiculously easy and quick to make.

..So easy a caveman could do it. :)

2 tsp olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
5 cups chicken broth
1/2 tsp baking soda
approx 2 1/2 cups dried cheese tortellini (I used more)
6 ounces prewashed spinach
approx 1/8 cup Parmesean cheese
1 cup zucchini, cubed (optional)
salt and ground black pepper



In a soup pot, heat oil and garlic over medium-high heat until garlic starts to sizzle. Add Italian seasoning, tomatoes, broth, and baking soda and bring to a boil. Add tortellini (and zucchini if you like it) and return to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, until almost tender, about 10 minutes. Add spinach and Parm cheese and simmer until spinach has wilted and tortellini is tender, about 2-3 minutes longer. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with a few dashes of Parm cheese on top. Enjoy!