Easy Incredible Taco Soup

Okay - this soup is very yummy! I didn't believe it until I tried it - a web friend from Memphis sent me this recipe - I thought it was made with too many cans, packages, etc....and come on - a package of dry ranch dressing mix?! But it only took 20 mins to put together and I was short on time - it turned out great - dad loved it - and I did too. Great for working moms, cold snowy weekend afternoons, sons who have to feed aggravating widowed fathers (My Story - LOL) , etc.... I used 95% lean beef and saved the draining step, instead of the tortilla strips, I just served it with restaurant style Taco Chips and we crushed them a bit and stirred them in while eating. Yummy. You can sub chicken stock for the beer - but the beer is best - all the fun effects boil off! Even better the next day!

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 8-10
• Yields: 10 Cups

Ingredients

• 1  lb ground beef
• 1 (15 1/2ounce) can pinto beans
• 1 (15 1/4ounce) can whole kernel corn
• 1 (14 1/2ounce) can green beans
• 1 (15 ounce) can  ranch style beans, undrained (can be harder to find in the North, try seasoned chili beans as a sub)
• 1 (14 1/2ounce) can stewed tomatoes
• 1 (12 ounce) can beer (We use Miller Light, may sub chicken broth)
• 1 (10 ounce) can  diced tomatoes and green chilies (We use Rotel Brand)
• 1 (1 1/4ounce) envelope  taco seasoning mix
• 1 (1 ounce) envelope  ranch dressing mix
• 5 (6 inch)  corn tortillas
•  salt

Directions

1. Brown beef in a stockpot, stirring until it crumbles and is no longer pink; drain. Return beef to pot. Rinse and drain pinto beans, corn, and green beans. Stir pinto beans and next 8 ingredients into beef; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 30 minutes.
2. Cut tortillas into 1/4-inch strips. Place on a baking sheet; coat with cooking spray. Sprinkle with salt. Bake at 400° for 5 to 8 minutes. Ladle soup into bowls, and top with tortilla strips.
3. Yield: Makes 10 cups.