Taco Soup

I generally love the process of cooking each meal just before it's served.....but I also live in this busy world, so it's not always a reality. This day, for example was a day when I was running almost all day. My favorite meals on days like this are Crock-Pot meals. It's just so easy to throw it in and forget about it. I used ground beef for this one, but it's also great with chicken, cubed sirloin or even veggie style. Here's the details:

Brown ground beef- I used 2 pounds. to this add 1 cup chopped onions 2 tablespoons minced garlic 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon ground pepper

Once it's cooked, move to crock-pot. Add: 2 cans Rotel, or off brand equivalent 3 cans black beans 1 tablespoon chili powder. Mexene has been my favorite brand for a really long time. This amount is variable. 2 teaspoons cumin 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper. This amount is variable also, depending on your preference for spicy food. 2 cups corn. I used frozen, but canned is great as well. Salt and pepper to taste

Let this cook on low for 6 hours, or high for 4. If you are home and able, I like to remove the lid about 2 hours before serving and let some of the liquid reduce. Add 1 cup chopped cilantro just before serving and mix well.

We like to top our with red onions, grated cheese and sour cream. Normally we also eat it with tortilla chips, but this time I had fresh bread to go with it.