Taco Soup

I got this recipe from my scrapshare friend Stacy.  It has been a hit every time I make it.  Here's the original recipe:

1 1/2 lbs. ground beef

1 can Ranch style beans (or pinto beans if you can't find Ranch)

1 can pinto beans

1 can kidney beans

1 can black beans

1 can diced tomatoes

2 cans corn

1 pkg. dry ranch dressing

1 pkg. dry taco seasoning

Brown the beef and drain then add everything else.  Don't drain the cans!  Simmer, simmer, simmer then serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, olives, jalepenos, avocados or whatever else sounds good!

Variations and hints:

*Leave out the meat

*Replace the meat with 1 cup TVP

*Replace the beef with chicken

*Rinse out cans with water to get the flavor and extend the soup, making it more soupy

*Freezes well...which is good because it makes a lot!

*Works well in the crock pot, too