Vegetable Beef Soup

This is based on a recipe I got from Taste of Home several years ago. I have added and subtracted and got it just how I like it.

Saute 1/2 onion, chopped, and some chopped celery. Remove from pan, then brown one pound ground meat sprinkled with garlic salt and Italian seasoning. Add 2 cans beef broth, 2 cups water, 1 can diced tomatoes, and vegetables: potatoes (sweet potatoes are good), carrots and the onion/celery mixture, and a bay leaf or two.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender.

Serve with grated cheese and fresh hot rolls or bread. So good!

Taco Soup

There are very few recipes that are a sure hit with every member of the family, but this is one of them. From Jason to Jake, we all LOVE this soup. Let's be honest, most taco soups are good. I've tried millions of them. Well, okay, several different kinds, and while they are all good, this one wins because of its simplicity and flavor. My mother in law gave me this recipe as a "bag meal" where you have all the ingredients for a meal in one bag and can just grab it and go. I add ground meat (don't ask what kind, just pretend it's beef). This is originally a crock pot recipe, but I use my cast iron pot for a quick one-pot meal.

1 lb. ground beef or meat of your choice
1 16 oz can diced tomatoes
1 8 oz can tomato sauce
1 can chili with meat
1 can black beans
1 can corn (I like to use frozen corn)
2-3 Tbs. taco seasoning (about 1/2 a packet)


Brown the hamburger in a skillet or cast iron pot. Drain fat if you want to. Add the rest of the ingredients and heat through! Add taco seasoning to taste. Serve with grated cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, etc. The end.

Mom's Baked Beans

These are seriously the BEST baked beans ever! This is a recipe of my mom's that I think came from my Aunt Deb. These are a staple in my family and all my sibling's families. Pair them with a baked potato and it is a complete meal! Or bring them to your next BBQ and wow your friends. Everyone loves them!

2 cans Van Camp's Pork & Beans
1/2 cup ketchup
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 Tbs. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 - 1 lb. ground beef
optional but amazing: bacon!

Brown hamburger (I usually add a few tablespoons of frozen onion). Add remaining ingredients. Bake in a casserole dish at 350 for 45 minutes.