Hardy Taco Soup

Greg calls his Mom a “reluctant cook” because she’s really good at what she makes, but doesn’t necessarily want to cook. Me, I just don’t cook. Greg laughs at me and says, “For someone who doesn’t cook, you have a fully stocked kitchen.” What can I say? I like gadgets too!


With it being so cold and household budget cuts, going out to eat isn’t in the cards. I can’t leave the cooking all to Greg. That wouldn’t be fair. As long as he doesn’t gag when he tries my cooking, I’ll make attempts.

As I thumbed through recipes (yes, oh my, I really do have recipes)… I came across one that said, “Hardy Taco Soup.” Sounded perfect for a winter night. I read the ingredients and directions and it had my name all over it! In fact, it was so easy to make, I didn’t want to share the recipe instructions with Greg. I wanted to get credit for slaving over a hot stove. But, alas, the truth is out.

(Side Note: I wrote on FB that I was going to attempt a Taco Soup recipe. Roda, my sister-in-law, replied, “Greg will love you more for it.”)

To the recipe (warning – it makes a LOT, which is great when you want to stretch the budget and freeze some for later):

Ingredients:

1 pound of lean ground turkey (don’t make that face, it really comes out good)
1 large onion
1 pack of Taco Seasoning (I used mild)
1 pack of Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix (yes, odd, but it is vital)
1 can of Pinto Beans
1 can of Rotel Tomatoes (I didn't use the spicy kind)
1 can of diced Tomatoes (I used the Garlic Roasted diced tomatoes)
1 can of tomato sauce
1 can of black beans
1 can of kidney beans
1 can of water

Instructions:

Brown meat and onions (mix hidden valley ranch and taco seasoning into meat – which I forgot to do as I browned it, so I ended up adding it to the soup when I mixed everything together and it still came out delicious)
















Without draining any liquids, add all other items
Simmer for 1 hour (yep, that’s it)





































After it has simmered for an hour, it looks a lot thicker than in the picture. I took this right after combining the ingredients.



Oh my gosh, it was good and spicey (I still don't know how it came out spicey, when everything I picked out was mild for the ingredients.)! Greg went back for seconds. He even said, “I’d order this in a restaurant.” Then he laughed and added, “Roda was right, I love you more!” Hehe




















When Greg went back for seconds, he asked, “Where did you get the pot from?” I replied, “Kim gave it to me, along with the other brides maids from the first wedding.” I paused and continued, “She knew I wouldn’t know what to pick out for pots and she wanted me to have quality cooking equipment. She said these would last.” Greg replied, “Well, they lasted longer than the first marriage!” He said it in a jokingly way and hey, what’s the truth but to be able to smile at it. Greg went on, “I’m going to last LONG after these pots. It means a lot to me that you cooked, especially when I know it’s not something you like to do.”

I love you, Sweetheart XOXO