Vegetarian or Vegan Taco Soup

I was reading a thread somewhere online with soup ideas when someone mentioned Taco Soup. I really liked the idea because the basis of the recipe is pretty much open cans, dump into pot. Very simple for work nights or when you need a quick lunch on the weekend. I did some tweaking to make it my own :)

Taco Soup

1 tbs oil of choice (optional)
1 large onion, chopped or 1/4 c. dried minced onion
1 pkg. taco seasoning (1/4 c. )
2 c. frozen corn
2 cups veggie broth or water
1 can black beans, undrained
1 can Kidney Beans, undrained
1 can fat free refried beans
1 can diced tomatoes
2 cups salsa or 1 can spicy seasoned tomatoes (think Rotel)
8oz fresh button mushrooms, roughly chopped
small handful fresh cilantro, chopped

optional add-ins

sliced avocado
sour cream (vegan or reg.)
shredded cheddar (vegan or reg.)
tortilla chips
black olives
chopped fresh tomatoes
1/2 c. rice per serving
chopped lettuce
lime wedges

Saute onions if using fresh in 1tbs oil of your choice until translucent

Dump everything except mushrooms, cilantro, and add ins into the pot

Simmer for 45 minutes

*You could also dump everything in a crockpot before heading out the door and set it to low

Turn off heat and add in chopped mushrooms. Stir to incorporate

Put into bowls to serve. Top with a few pinches of cilantro and your choice of add ins

Enjoy!