Kate's MIL's Chili

Kate also makes amazing chili. Easy. Freezes well. And (bonus!) there's a part where you can put your little minions to work. You know, make them earn their keep. Little slackers!

2 lbs ground beef/turkey
1 large onion
2 cups of tomato juice
2 cans of kidney beans, drained
2 cans of chili beans, UNdrained
2T of chili powder or more depending on the heat you want
1 cup of water (I add less water for the initial cooking and then add more when I reheat or defrost it)
3/4 cup of ketschup (or more depending on taste)
2 cans of diced tomatoes

Brown the ground beef and drain
Smash 1 cans of kidney beans and 1 can of chili beans (NOTE: Preschoolers can help with this part. Put 'em to work!)
Dump everything else in and let simmer
Serve with cheese and sour cream.

Kate's Taco Soup

This stuff is awesome. It freezes well. And it's easy to make. SCORE!

• 1 # lean ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 2 cans beans, undrained (I used black beans but you can also use kidney, caneloni, etc.)
• 1 can whole kernel corn
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 small can green chili peppers, chopped (I used only about 1/3 of the can to cut back on spice)
• 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
• 1 pkg taco seasoning
• 1 pkg Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix (use dry)
• 1 1/2 cups water

Brown meat and drain well. Combine all other ingredients and add water to desired consistency, about 1 1/2 cups. Simmer for 20 minutes. Top with cheese and sour cream. Yummy!