Soup Of the Week

There is nothing more satisfying, filling, and home made than a delicious soup. Soup is a traditionally cost efficient item, if you do not try to overdo it! I try to one every other week. It serves as dinner and then lunch for several days. This week Chili. Here is how:
In a large pot or crock pot, dump one large can of Italian style diced tomatoes. One jar of chunky salsa (use hot medium mild what ever your family usually likes!). 2 cans light, 2 cans dark, store brand kidney beans, pre-drained. And one large can of vegetable juice, I use an off brand, because of price. One tablespoon of chili powder. Stir and put on low so it begins to warm.
Now the meat is a flexible. 1 1/2 pounds of ground turkey, or 2 pounds of cheap hamburger meat or combination of the two, work best. Break up and brown in a pan, drain fat. Now take two packets of McCormick Original chili dry seasonings. I have used some store brands and have only one I like as well, I have not seen it available as of late. Place the meat back in the pan, sprinkle the seasoning over it - stir add the next packet and stir. Keep stirring to avoid scorching. Once the meat is completely covered, put all in your tomato mixture. Now take the empty packets fill with cold water and dump in your pan. Heat the pan again allowing the drippings to make almost a sauce. Poor into the chili. Stir. You can leave this on low while at work - but 4 hours is plenty.
This is simple, you can dress it up with shredded taco cheese, sour cream, hot sauce. But for well under $20 you have meal , lunch , and munch all in one! (and a time saver in the long run, you have time to do other things and the dishes are minimal for clean up)