Taco Soup

Living in South Louisiana is like riding a weather roller coaster!  We are well into November and we're wearing shorts and running the A/C.  But, not long ago, we were in sweaters.  And from what I heard the weatherman say last night, we will be in heavy coats this weekend.  It's a never ending up and down experience.  You know how most people get to put the summer clothes away and bring out the winter clothes for the "season"?  Well, we can't do that here in South Louisiana.  We may need a sweater or perhaps a sundress.  Sometimes you can wear both on the same day!  You never know how the day is going to unfold.  This cartoon pretty much nails it:

When it does get cold around here, I love a steaming bowl of soup to warm up.  Who doesn't?  Here's a recipe that is easy to make and I usually have all the ingredients on hand.  The best part is that it's hearty, warm and delicious on a cold day.

TACO SOUP

1/2 lb. ground beef (or turkey)
1/2 an onion, chopped
1/2 a bell pepper, chopped
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 pkg taco seasoning
4 cups water
1 cup frozen corn

Brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and bell pepper.

Drain off any excess grease.  Add the tomatoes (including the juice), water, taco seasoning and beans.  Bring to a boil, then lower the heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the corn.

Simmer, uncovered for 5 - 10 minutes more, stirring occasionally.

I serve it with a few tortilla chips (for the hubby) or with sour cream, chopped green onions and crushed tortilla chips (for me).

This soup really warms you up and fills you up.  The meat and beans are very filling.  It has a great flavor, thanks to the taco seasoning, and a bit of sweetness from the corn.  The sour cream adds creaminess (obviously) and the chips add crunch and that great tortilla flavor.

If you live in a part of the world where the cold is constant throughout the season, make this soup to warm your belly.  If you live in South Louisiana and time it just right, it might warm you up, too.  (Or it might make you sweat.  Oh well, just crank the A/C).