By Nutrition Agent, Erin Stockton

Recipe of the Month: Hearty Taco Bean Soup

Serves: 8 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes (or 4 hours slow cooker)

This Hearty Taco Bean Soup is an easy one-dish meal that’s loaded with protein, fiber, and colorful veggies. It’s so quick and easy that you’ll even have time for a brisk evening walk after dinner. Pair with whole wheat tortilla chips, reduced fat shredded cheese, and a dollop of low-fat sour cream for a balanced, satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

– Vegetable oil cooking spray

– 1 medium onion, chopped

– 1 lb lean ground beef, turkey, or chicken

– 1 (28 oz) can no salt added crushed tomatoes

– 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies

– 1 (16 oz) can reduced-sodium chili beans

– 1 (15 oz) can no salt added black beans

– 1 (15 oz) can no salt added pinto beans

– 1 (14 oz) can no salt added whole kernel corn, drained

– 1 (1.2 oz) package reduced-sodium taco seasoning mix

– 3 ½ cups water

Stovetop Instructions:

1. Spray a large pot with vegetable oil cooking spray. Sauté onions until soft.

2. Add ground meat and brown well.

3. Add all remaining ingredients and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes.

Slow Cooker Instructions:

1. Sauté onions and brown meat in a skillet.

2. Transfer to slow cooker.

3. Add all remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.

Erin Stockton is a Nutrition Agent with the LSU AgCenter in DeSoto, Sabine, and Natchitoches Parishes. A certified educator for over 20 years, she provides research-based programs to help families make healthy food choices and stay active. For program requests or questions, contact her at 318-872-0533, estockton@agcenter.lsu.edu, or on Facebook at LSU AgCenter DeSoto & Natchitoches Nutrition & Community Health.