2 Tbs olive oil
2 yellow onions, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 lb ground beef (or 1 pound of Smart Ground Taco Flavored Meat Substitute)
1 28 oz can Petite Diced Tomatoes
3 15 oz cans beans, rinsed and drained (I used a can of black beans, a can of red beans, and a can of red kidney beans)
1 can hominy (optional)
46 oz V8 Juice
1 pack taco seasoning
1 Tbs Cumin
2 tsp chili powder
dash of cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
juice of lime
2-3 Tbs brown sugar (optional)
Salt to taste
Serve with chopped red onions, sour cream, cheddar cheese, fritos, and chopped avocado.
Heat olive oil over medium-high heat and add chopped onions, celery, carrots, and bell pepper. Saute until softened, about 10 minutes. Add ground beef to veggies and, using a potato masher, press the meat until ground into tiny pieces. Brown beef and then add spices and cook until fragrant, about a minute. Pour in V8 juice, diced tomatoes, and beans. Bring to a boil, cover, and lower heat, simmering for 30-40 minutes. Check for salt and add as needed, then add in lime juice, brown sugar (to balance out acidity), and cilantro.
This is great made the day ahead and warmed in a crockpot all afternoon on low the following day.