Instant Pot Taco Soup

 One thing I cannot stand about most cooking blogs are the excessive amounts of words LONG before the initial recipe is posted. I feel I have to scroll for AGES and AGES just to find out the ingredients and how to cook the meal. It's super frustrating! And on top of it, all those ads and random pictures that have nothing to do with the actual recipe at hand. I mean, sure...your kid is cute in their rain boots splashing in the bath tub, but what does that have anything to do with that baked chicken recipe?? So...no fear. You will NEVER have to endure that with my blog! (Rant over)

This Taco Soup is one of my cooler weather go-tos! SO simple to put together and the instant pot does the rest! This tastes even better served with tortilla chips but it's also pretty incredible as is. 

>>>Instant Pot Taco Soup<<<

Ingredients:

2 lbs ground beef

2 cans black beans

2 cans whole kernel corn, drained

1 can Rotel

1 can petite diced tomatoes

28 oz can crushed tomatoes

2 cans kidney beans (I use light red)

2 cups water

2 pkg dry ranch seasoning mix

2 pkg taco seasoning

1.) Put ground beef in instant pot, set to saute and brown (5-7 minutes). Cancel Saute setting then drain grease. 

2.) Add all other ingredients to pot along with beef, stirring to combine thoroughly. 

3.) Place lid on pot and select Pressure Cook, High Cook and change cook time to 13 minutes. 

4.) Once cook time is completed, quick release pressure before removing lid. 

5.) Serve in bowls topped with shredded cheddar and tortilla chips or just by it's good ol' self!

Skillet Sausage and Zucchini (Serves 4)

 So we are turning a new leaf around here and trying to eat healthier FINALLY. Sometimes it takes a major nudge in the behind to get you going but we are there and hopefully we will stick with it. Last night, I made this dish and my entire family loved it! Even my pickiest eater ate a full plate of it AND salad (she normally hates salad). That gave me the boost to keep going. Now I've given myself a new challenge...get that girl to eat what she never dreamed she would. Two of my kids said "you cook the best healthy stuff, mommy." This meal is easy, even for the cook that doesn't like being in the kitchen. Easy to prepare, easy to cook and extra bonus, even easier to clean up! I LOVE one pan meals...

Skillet Sausage and Zucchini - (Serves 4)

Ingredients:

2 1/2 tbsp olive oil

4 fully cooked sausages, sliced into circle 1/4inch thick

2 medium zucchini, cubed

1 chopped onion

1 bell pepper, chopped

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp basil

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp pepper

1 tsp garlic, minced

1.) Heat 1TBSP olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Once oil is hot, add sausage and saute, flipping often for about 2 minutes or until slices have some browning. Remove from pan and set aside. 

2.) Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 1/2 TBSP olive oil to skillet along with zucchini, onion and bell pepper. Add in seasonings then stir and let heat for a couple minutes. Serve immediately. (Served ours with a side salad)