Recipe of the Week: Soft Tacos

1 pound hamburger meat

1 can tomatoes and green chilies (Ro-tel or similar)

1 packet low salt taco seasoning mix

1 can refried beans

Tortillas (my favorite are the Carb Balance ones)

Your favorite condiments: shredded cheese, lettuce, salsa, sour cream, guacamole

In a large pan, brown meat thoroughly. If there is a lot of fat, drain most of it from the pan. Add tomatoes and green chilies, a can of water, and taco seasoning mix. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is gone. Add refried beans. Stir to mix. Continue cooking until the beans are thoroughly incorporated and are hot. Spoon meat mixture into tortillas. Add condiments of your choice. Fold over to form a soft taco. Enjoy!

If you need to suddenly feed more people - the recipe can be stretched to feed a few more. Cut up an onion and add it while you are browning the meat. Add a cup of pre-cooked rice and additional salsa when you add the tomatoes and green chilies and seasoning packet.

Note: to enjoy the flavor of taco meat but dramatically reduce the meal’s calories --- use the meat mixture as a dip for celery stalks or green pepper wedges. Limit condiments to lettuce and/or salsa.