Unknownchef86's Empty-the-pantry Taco Soup

The first time I had this, I knew it was a winner. We like to crush the tortillas on top of the soup, like crackers, eat them out of the soup...and repeat! Other than the hamburger/chicken and the cheese, all of these ingredients can be stored in your pantry, making it a good "emergency" dish in case of sudden, unexpected guests or foul weather. A bag containing all the canned goods and the tortilla chips (with the meat and cheese separate), along with this recipe, makes a nice gift for someone that is housebound or unable to spend a lot of time cooking.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 1  lb lean ground beef or 1  lb  cubed chicken, browned
• 2 (15 ounce) cans pinto beans with jalapeno peppers, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, undrained
• 1 (12 ounce) can hominy, drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can  cut green beans, drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can Mexican-style stewed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can cajun-style stewed tomatoes
• 1 (1 1/4ounce) package  taco seasoning
• 1 (1 1/2ounce) package  spaghetti  seasoning
• 1 (1 ounce) package  buttermilk ranch salad dressing mix
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
•  tortilla chips (optional)
•  cheddar cheese, grated (optional)

Directions

1. Heat thoroughly.
2. Top each bowl with grated cheese and lightly crushed tortilla chips, if desired.