I often get asked for healthy, quick recipe ideas that are kid-approved. When people ask me I always think of one of my favorite recipes that my family loves - Taco Soup!
This is such an amazing meal that tastes so good and you can make it super fast. It is also great because each person can add what they want to their bowl. They can build their own soup. This feeling of power allows your child the likeliness to actually eat their soup!
Ingredients
2 Tsp Olive Oil
1 Lb of Lean Ground Beef (or you can use chicken cutlets or no meat)
1 Medium Onion
2 Garlic Cloves Chopped
1 Jalapeno Chopped Finely (remove the seeds)
Two 14.5 Oz Cans of Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles
14 Oz of Broth (beef use beef broth, chicken use chicken broth, no meat use vegetable broth)
One 8 Oz Can of Tomato Sauce
1 ½ Tblsp of Chili Powder
1 Tsp of Ground Cumin
1 Tsp Paprika
½ Tsp Dried Oregano
½ Tsp Black Pepper
½ Tsp Salt
One 14.5 Oz Can of Black Beans
Two 14.5 Cans of Chili Beans or Pinto Beans
Juice from 1 Lime
Topping Options
Sour Cream
Red Onion
Cilantro
Avacado
Scallions
Corn Tortilla Strips
Instructions
Heat a large pot over medium heat and put in olive oil.
Add onion and saute.
If using meat, add the meat and continue to mix until browned.
Add the jalapeno and garlic. Saute for another minute.
Add all the remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer. Make sure to mix so you don’t burn the beans.
After 20 minutes, remove from the stove, serve in individual bowls and add toppings of your choice.
Note: I make Jasmati Rice and place about ¼ cup of cooked rice at the bottom of the bowl. Then I add the soup and add toppings.
This dish has such a wonderful presentation. Your children can make a bowl for you or you can copy each other's ideas.
This dinner works on many skills of mixing, using a can opener, measuring, pouring, scooping, cutting and so much more. Having your child partake in all the various steps is a great way to have them get used to being in the kitchen, and feel independent, and self-worth. Watching family members eat and thank them for such a great meal will make them feel such a sense of accomplishment. This will make dinner time more fun rather than a battle.
They will also get used to a variety of senses, smells, touches, and tastes that will help improve their sensory system.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does!