Easy Taco-Bean Soup

This recipe is absolutely delicious - my kids devoured it. I was hesitant to use the packet of Ranch dressing mix the original recipe calls for, but its necessary! It is also a great crockpot recipe.

1 pkg (2 lbs) 15 bean soup mix or 2 lbs any dried beans
1 can petite-diced tomatoes with jalepeno or mild Rotel
1 can tomato sauce
6-8 cups water
1 pkg taco seasoning
1 pkg Ranch dressing mix
1 cup, plus or minus, fresh green beans, cut into 1" lengths
1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernals (you can use canned, but none of us like that texture)
Up to 1 cup additional misc. veggies (I added carrots and celery)

Place dried beans*, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and water in large pot or crockpot. Bring to a boil, add seasoning packets, lower heat and simmer until the beans are very tender. Add the veggies, and cook until they are tender.

You can serve this with a variety of "toppings", like sour cream, diced avocado, salsa, cheese, etc.

*If you want to cut down on cooking time, soak the beans the night before in cold water, or do a "quick" soak - bring the beans and about 8 cups water to a boil. Cover, turn off heat, and let soak 2 hours, then rinse & start soup!