Taco-Chili Beans

What do you do with leftover Taco Meat? Make Taco-Chili Beans! This easy-to-make dish is a family favorite! It's yummy delicious on those "Chilly" fall evenings!



What do I cook today? I looked in the refrigerator, and there was a container of Taco Meat from Taco Tuesday. I'll make Taco-Chili Beans, a recipe that I created many years ago when my boys were small. 

I remembered that Grandson Alex had eaten Chili at his Day-Care, and I asked what he ate with it. "Just meat and chili - that's all. And you have crackers - square crackers in a bag. It has to be 5", was his reply. I reminded him that since we were eating at Mamaw's, he could have as many crackers as he wanted. He decided to eat 6, but he still wanted them in a bag!!

Here's how I made Taco-Chili Beans for my boys, and I'm glad to be making it for the grand-kids today.

Taco-Chili Beans (serves about 6)

Ingredients:

2 - 3 cups of leftover Taco Meat
2 - 16 oz. cans pinto beans or chili beans (Do not drain!)
1 - 2 cans of water
8 oz. tomato sauce
1/2  Tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 - 1 teaspoon chili powder (according to taste)
Tabasco Sauce (optional)


Directions:

In a large pot, combine the Taco Meat, beans, water, tomato sauce, brown sugar, and chili powder.

Bring to a boil. Lower heat to medium and cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add extra water if needed for desired consistency.

Tabasco Sauce can be added to each bowl, if desired.

Serve with crackers, Frito's Scoops, or cornbread.

Mia didn't think she would like the
Taco-Chili Beans,
but she loved it and ate the whole bowl!

The Taco-Chili Beans was a hit with Noah, too.
He also enjoys his with Frito's Scoops.

Ms. Nancy's Notes:

When I make Tacos, I use about 2-1/2 lbs. of ground meat, usually a combination of ground turkey and ground chuck or Venison. I chop a medium onion and add it to the meat. As it cooks, I chop the mixture, adding water as needed. When it is cooked and chopped fine, I drain the grease from the meat. I then add 1-1/2 packets of Taco Bell Original Taco Seasoning Mix and 2 packets of water. Stir and let simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed (about 5-10 minutes).

Alex loved the Taco-Chili Beans! He ate 8 square crackers with it,
but he let me put them in a bowl instead of a bag!

Recipe Updated 6/27/2023