Easy "not-so-bad-for-you" Taco Dip

This recipe is my healthier, more nutritious take on a very popular and common super bowl dip. Most renditions include ground beef, Ro-tel canned diced tomatoes and Velveeta cheese. I tasted this dip for the first time about six years ago and though it was very tasty and addictive it wreaked havoc on my stomach and my conscious. I set out immediately from that day forward to come up with a recipe that was comparable but less deadly. The following recipe is what I came up with. My children love it, I love it, and I have yet to serve it to someone who has complained.

Large slow cooker

• 1 can vegetarian fat free refried beans
• 1 can black beans
• 1 can El Pato spicy tomato sauce
• 2lbs ground turkey (or ground chicken, tofu or textured vegetable protein)
• 1 pkg McCormicks taco seasoning
• 2 Tbps minced garlic
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 3 Tbps Oil (canola, vegetable, etc.)
• 2-3 cups grated cheese (Mexican blend, sharp, Colby, whichever suites your fancy)

1. Add onions and oil to your slow cooker on high heat. When onions begin to sizzle keep them stirred and cook until onions are transparent.
2. When onions are ready add minced garlic and let cook for about two minutes.

3. Add ground turkey and taco seasoning. Completely brown your meat and add more taco seasoning if desired for more taco taste.

4. Once your meat…or no meat, is ready begin to add all other ingredients except cheese. Mix thoroughly and let dip heat up to boiling.

5. Once your dip begins to bubble reduce heat to low and add cheese to taste.

6. Serve with tortilla chips and a smile and watch your dip disappear.

I make this dip every year for the super bowl and I look forward to it each time. I always have to make a large batch to split between my house and the host house. My children eat this dip like a chili and I let them because of all the fiber and protein they get in each bite. Give this recipe a try for your next big game, or your next casual pot luck at work, or better yet, just make it right now for the sake of tasting something yummy. For instructions on how to make your own mouth watering delicious tortilla chips, visit my article "Party Ready Chips and Salsa", or "Hummus and Chips."