Dinner at Our House: Taco Soup

Tonight we tried something new! And SURPRISE it was really yum. I'm kind of weird about anything with "tomato juice" in it so I've always been hesitant when it comes to soups with tomatoes...but I was brave and we tried this version of taco soup.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef 
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium green pepper, chopped
• 1 envelope reduced-sodium taco seasoning
• 2/3 cup water
• 4 cups reduced-sodium V8 juice
• 1 cup chunky salsa
• 
  TOPPINGS:
• 3/4 cup shredded lettuce
• 6 tablespoons chopped fresh tomatoes [Mom thankfully put these to the side]
• 6 tablespoons shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup fat-free sour cream
• Tortilla chips, optional

Directions

• In a large saucepan coated with cooking spray, cook the beef, onion and pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in taco seasoning and water; cook and stir for 5 minutes or until liquid is reduced.
• Add V8 juice and salsa; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes or until heated through. Top each serving with 2 tablespoons of lettuce, 1 tablespoon of tomato and cheese, and 2 teaspoons of green onions and sour cream. Serve with tortilla chips if desired.

My mom also made this sort of taco-pizza too. It was good but it dried out before we could all get home to eat it.