My Version of Taco Soup

My crock pot is a kitchen tool I really wouldn't want to be without. On days where we plan on being busy it is so nice to come home to a nice, hot meal simmering away.  Another plus is if I'm out later than dinner time the members of my family that are home can go ahead and eat if they want to.

This recipe could easily be cooked on the stovetop or in a pressure cooker.  I just usually make it in the crock pot.

Taco Soup

1 lb. ground beef, turkey, or pork (your preference)
2 c. cooked black beans
1 cup corn
2 c. tomato sauce
1 c. diced tomatoes w/green chili's (or just use plain diced tomatoes if you're not into spicy)
2 T. taco type seasoning
1 T. chili powder
1 tsp. onion powder (or could use 1/3 cup chopped onion)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper

Brown your meat & drain off any fat.  Then pour everything else into the crockpot.  Add in just enough water to where everything is just covered.  Cook on low for about 7 hours or high for about 4.

You can serve this as is or you can pour some over some tortilla or frito chips. Then sprinkle on a little shredded cheese.

This is so easy & you can adapt pretty much any of the ingredients to suit your taste.

This makes about 7 good sized bowls.

Easy Meatloaf Dinner

Tonight we're having one of my favorite comfort meals.  Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, English peas, & apple crisp.  mmm...  It's in the oven right now & smells delicious. 
I make meatloaf several ways but thought I'd share the easiest recipe & the one I made tonight.

Easy Meatloaf

1 1/4 lbs. ground beef
1 cup old fashioned oats
1 egg
1/3 c. ketchup
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper

Mix all together in a big bowl with your hands until well combined. Place on broiler pan and shape into loaf. (broiler pan will make the grease fall underneath but you can use a regular pan too)
Bake at 350* for about 45 minutes or until cooked though.

Bomb Diggity Meatloaf

I slightly adapted this recipe from a cookbook and let me tell you it was the best gosh darn meatloaf I've ever made!  So I'm dubbing it "Bomb Diggity!"  I wish I had a picture but we've ate on it a couple of days and it's gone...

Bomb Diggity Meatloaf

2 1/2 lbs. ground beef
3 eggs
1 cup chunky salsa
1/2 cup sour cream
1 slice Ezekiel bread, torn into small pieces
1 T. taco seasoning

Mix all very well with hands. (It was much moister than my usual recipe)
Put into an ungreased 9x9 inch square baking dish.
Bake at 350* for about an hour or until cooked through.
Pour off grease and allow to set for 5 minutes.

Slice & serve up the deliciousness!

I served it with salad, rice, & zucchini.  YUM!