Taco Mess

Taco mess, pico de gallo, and homemade salsa

This super simple meal is one of our go-tos. I think the bean mixture started as a tostada topping that we used to make, but since my husband has been mostly low-carb for more than ten years, we long ago left the tostada shell behind. Now, most of the time, we just plop the meat mixture on a plate and pile on the toppings, hence the name, "taco mess." Sometimes we make a big batch of it and serve it in different configurations throughout the week: tacos, nacho topping, burrito filling, part of a layered dip, etc.

I've been making this for years, but didn't think it was blog-worthy until we stopped eating meat last month. I adapted the recipe by substituting textured vegetable protein (TVP) instead of meat, and it tasted SO GOOD I had to write about it. Funnily, the day after I made it, enough time had passed apparently, that I momentarily forgot that it was meatless, and surprised myself when I remembered!

Taco Mess
1 T butter or oil
1 lb lean ground beef or turkey, 12 oz Impossible ground "beef" or 4 oz textured vegetable protein (TVP), soaked in 1 cup hot water for 5-10 minutes
1/2 medium onion, diced (optional)
1 bell pepper or jalapeno, diced (optional)
1 T cumin
1 T oregano
1 T ground paprika, smoked paprika, chile, or chipotle
2 t Worchestershire sauce (if using TVP; adds a meaty color and flavor)

1 15 oz can refried beans

1 15 oz can pinto, black, or kidney beans, drained
Adobo seasoning or salt to taste

Saute meat or TVP (drained), onion, and pepper if using in large saucepan. Add spices. Once meat or TVP is browned, add beans. You'll need to add some liquid to loosen the beans enough to stir. Water is fine here, but it's even better if you drain some of the juice that accumulates in the pico de gallo (below) into it. Add enough liquid to make a thick paste consistency, heat through, and serve.

Toppings
pico de gallo (see recipe below)
shredded cheese
sour cream
guacamole, if you're feeling fancy

Pico de gallo
1/2 medium onion, diced
3 large tomatoes, diced
handful of cilantro, chopped
fresh or pickled jalapenos to taste, chopped

1 t Adobo seasoning or salt
1 T lime juice

Combine all ingredients. Done!