Taco Soup: Crock Pot Style!

This lovely is a family favorite! The whole family devours this one (even the little ones!). It is really easy too. Just dump all of these ingredients in a crock pot and go! There is a little prep (you have to brown the hamburger and saute the onions) but it is amazing!

Taco Soup
1 pound of hamburger
1 onion, chopped
2 cans of black beans
1 can tomato juice (32 oz...it's the bigger can)
1 can tomato soup
1 cup frozen corn
1-2 packets of taco seasoning (depending on desired spiciness)


cheese and sour cream for garnishing
Doritos or tortilla chips for added crunch


Brown pound of hamburger with the chopped onion. Drain.
Place all of the ingredients (not the garnish or the chips) into a large (4qt) crock pot and stir until combined. 
Cook for 4-6 hours on Low. (Mine is ready in 4!)
Serve hot with cheese and sour cream (and chips)
 

Tex-Mex Chicken & Rice

Looking for a quick meal tonight?! Here is an easy crowd pleaser! YUMMY! And it is healthy to boot...just don't go overboard on the Fritos!

Tex-Mex Chicken & Rice (adapted from Cook's Country 2011)
1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 cup long grain white rice
salt & pepper
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds)
Pam
1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes (10 oz)
1 can black beans (16 oz), drained & rinsed
Fritos
Shredded Mexican Cheese blend

1. Combine 1 cup broth and rice in a large bowl. Cover with plastic and microwave until liquid is absorbed, 6 to 8 minutes.
2. Pat chicken dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper. Spray a large saucepan with Pam. Cook chicken until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to plate.
3. Add remaining broth, parcooked rice from the microwave, tomatoes, and beans to now empty skillet. Bring to a boil. Return chicken and juices to skillet and cook, covered over medium low heat until chicken is cooked through and rice is tender, 12 to 15 minutes.
4. Remove chicken from the rice and let it rest on a plate tented with foil, for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, letrice mixture stand covered for 5 minutes.
5. Cut chicken into bite size slices. Serve with crushed Fritos and cheese.