Weeknight Tex-Mex Burritos (Or Tacos or Taco-Burgers)

• ground beef↗2 lbs

  (80 or 90% fat free)

• garlic powder↗3 teaspoons
• onion powder↗3 teaspoons
• chili powder↗3 teaspoons
• paprika↗2 1⁄2 teaspoons
• ground cumin↗1 1⁄2 teaspoons
• dried oregano↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• cayenne↗1⁄8 - 1⁄4 teaspoon
• salt↗1⁄2 - 1 teaspoon

  (to taste)

• water↗1⁄4 - 1⁄2 cup
• refried beans1

  (16 ounce) can

• chopped green chilies1

  (4 1/2 ounce) can

• taco shells or hamburger buns↗8
• Toppings
• shredded cheddar cheese or colby cheese↗
• chopped tomato
• shredded lettuce
• salsa
• guacamole
• sour cream↗
• chopped onion

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   In large skillet, brown ground beef over medium to medium-high heat. Drain off fat.

2. 2

   Add in all spices. Stir in water, cooking over medium heat until water cooks off. (Water helps ensure even distribution of spices throughout meat).

3. 3

   Stir in refried beans and green chilies. Heat through. Adjust seasonings to taste.

4. 4

   Burritos: Warm flour tortillas in microwave or in oven. Spread meat and bean mixture on each flour tortilla. Garnish with preferred toppings. Enjoy.

5. 5

   Tacos: Toast taco shells in oven according to package directions. (Note: toasting the taco shells is a MUST). Spoon meat and bean mixture into each taco shell. Garnish with preferred toppings.

6. 6

   Taco-burgers: Toast hamburger buns in oven until light golden brown. Spread meat and bean mixture onto bottom half of buns. If making taco-burgers, you may want to substitute sliced cheese (such as American). Garnish with preferred toppings.