Cold Day Taco Soup

So, I'm a little under the weather today and I know a lot of people have been dealing with colds, etc the past few weeks.  This recipe is a delicious soup that is great for cold days when you aren't feeling well.  It's also very hearty for those people who do not really like soup.

Taco Soup

1 lb ground beef
1/2 large onion, chopped
1 tsp garlic
1 pkg taco seasoning
1 can tomatoes w/ diced green chiles
1 can tomatoes w/ diced jalapenos
2 cans light red kidney beans, drained
1 can black beans, drained
1 can beef broth (or 2 cubes beef bouillon & 1 1/2 c water)
2 cups frozen corn
4 cups water
cilantro, cheese, and sour cream
Brown ground beef with chopped onion and garlic, drain.  Add all ingredients to large soup pot.  Bring to boiling, stirring occasionally.  Reduce heat to medium, cover.  Cook at least 30 minutes (can cook longer).  Top with fresh cilantro, cheese, and sour cream.  Serve with bread or crackers.

Spicy Cheese Dip

I'm already getting sad that football season is almost over!  I am a HUGE football fan!  Clemson is obviously my favorite team, but I will watch anyone in any league.  I actually placed 1st place in my Fantasy Football league this past season...while playing with 9 other men!  So, in honor of Super Bowl Sunday quickly approaching, here is a little football appetizer to enjoy:

Spicy Cheese Dip 

There are 2 versions of this recipe, I am listing both---
1 16 oz block Velveeta cheese
1 lb ground beef
1 pkg taco seasoning
2/3 cup water
1 jar Pace Picante sauce (hot or medium depending on what you prefer)
Brown ground beef, drain.  Return to skillet, add taco seasoning and water, simmer about 5 minutes.  Chop Velveeta into small cubes, place in crockpot.  Top with seasoned meat and Picante sauce.  Heat in crockpot over high heat, stirring occasionally.  When melted, turn crockpot to low.  Serve with tortilla chips.

Easier version---
1 16 oz block Velveeta cheese
1 can Hormel chili with beans
1 jar Pace Picante sauce (hot or medium depending on what you prefer)
Chop Velveeta into small cubes.  Add all contents to crockpot.  Heat over high heat, stirring occasionally.  When melted, turn crockpot to low.  Serve with tortilla chips.