The Best Taco Soup Ever

I first came across this delicious soup by way of my step-mom when I was 9. Since then I have made it more than 100 times, and each time it has improved. Now after 11 years of making this soup, I finally got the recipe just perfect! It' always best to modify this recipe to suit your tastes.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 1  lb hamburger meat or 1  lb ground turkey or 1  lb ground chicken
• 1  medium onion, diced
• 1 -4  garlic clove, diced
• 1  carrot, diced
• 1⁄2  a green pepper, diced
• 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans
• 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (10 ounce) can  of diced tomatoes and green chilies
• 1 (8 3/4ounce) can corn
• 1 (1 1/4ounce) package  taco seasoning mix
• 1 (1 ounce) package  ranch dressing mix
•  chili powder
•  cumin
• 1  teaspoon paprika
•  cayenne pepper
•  salt
•  pepper
•  cilantro, for garnish
•  grated cheese, for garnish
•  tortilla chips, for garnish

Directions

1. In a large pot or dutch oven, saute onion, garlic, carrot, and green pepper. Season veggies with salt and pepper. When the onion is translucent, add hamburger meat and cook until browned.
2. Dump all the cans into the pot. Do not drain the beans or corn, as they add flavor and liquid to the soup.
3. Add taco seasoning, ranch dressing mix, and other spices. Taste as you go!
4. Let cook together for at least 20 minutes. Serve with desired garnishes.
5. This soup freezes well and lasts for over a week in the fridge. It only gets better the more it sits!