Taco Soup

Taco soup is a pretty easy go to meal for me, especially if I have people coming over at the last minute. It also makes for a good meal when the weather is cold and you want to stay in. There are tons of variations of taco soup around, but this is the one I use. Instead of taco seasoning, I usually throw in some cumin, coriander, chili powder and cayenne, but you can use whatever you like.

1 lb. lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped
28 oz. can tomatoes
8 oz. can tomato sauce
15 oz can kidney beans
15 oz can corn
3-4 cups water
1 pkg. taco seasoning
1 lb. cheese, shredded
1 lg. pkg. corn chips
8 oz. sour cream (optional)

In a large pot, brown beef with onion. Drain off grease and add the seasoning. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, corn and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer covered about 20 minutes. Serve with corn chips, cheese and sour cream.

Mom's All-Purpose Italian Sauce

 Mom found the basic recipe on a TV cooking program and then adapted it and it came out well.  It's a great spaghetti sauce, but it makes an awesome lasagna sauce, also.  Vary the amounts of each ingredients as desired.

1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes

1  6 oz can tomato paste

1 medium onion, chopped

6 cloves garlic, minced

¾ lb hamburger

½ Tsp salt

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil (we actually used fresh)

⅓ C. red grape juice

Pasta

Mushrooms to taste

Brown hamburger, onion, garlic together

Add other ingredients (may need additional water to allow enough liquid to cook down)

Simmer 20 min.

Prepare pasta according to package instructions