Taco Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef (can substitute ground turkey)
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes (undrained)
1 to 2 pkg. taco seasoning (depending on desired spiciness)
1 (1 oz.) pkg. Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
1/2 c. picante sauce
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
2 (17 oz.) cans whole kernel corn (undrained)
2 (15 to 16 oz.) cans pinto beans
2 c. water
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
tortilla chips and grated cheese (to garnish)

Preparation

Brown beef, onion and bell pepper in a large pot.
Cut up tomatoes; add to the pot with their juice.
Add taco seasoning, dressing mix, picante sauce, tomato paste, corn, beans, water, salt and pepper.
Simmer for 1 hour.
Serve in bowls; sprinkle each serving with tortilla chips.
Cover with cheese.
Makes a large pot, about 12 servings.