A little meal prep, a lot less stress

Well-being is often supported by small, everyday choices that make life a little easier. Planning ahead for meals is one simple way to reduce the stress of busy weeknights and make time for nourishing food.

This month's recipe spotlight is Easy Crockpot Taco Soup by Dr. Kristy Edwards! With hearty ground beef, beans, corn, and tomatoes, this comforting meal comes together with minimal preparation and can easily be doubled for leftovers or frozen for another day.

Easy Taco Soup Slow Cooker Meal 

1lb. lean ground beef browned with 1 diced medium onion 

• Drain beef and onion mixture

Add 1 package of taco soup seasoning and water per instructions

• Meal prep tip: Buy fresh beef, prepare 5-10 lbs. at a time and freeze in quart size 1 lb. portions

Soup preparation in Crock Pot

1lb. taco seasoned beef (can be frozen)

1 15 oz. can corn undrained

1 15 oz. can of black or red beans

1 15 oz. can of diced tomatoes (can add rotel for more spice) undrained

1 package of ranch dressing seasoning

Recipe easily doubles or triples and can be frozen.

Top soup with cheese, sour cream, and avocado slices. Serve with cornbread or corn chips.

May drain and serve on top of a bed of lettuce for taco salad. 

Your well-being takeaway: You don't have to plan every meal perfectly. Even one small step toward preparing ahead can help make a busy week feel more manageable.

Give this easy recipe a try and make a little more room in your week for what matters to you!