My father makes this recipe all the time. he got it from a stew and soup cookbook, but we have made moderations to it over the years. I made this and brought to the office, it filled my crock pot one and a half times, and all I had left was one very small bowl. Everyone said it was the best soup they ever had. (I like the heat, so I add 2 cans of Rotel tomatoes for the heat!)