Messy Tacos

This is a first for me. I have never shared a recipe before, but this is a generations old family favorite, and I figured it was time that the rest of the world shared in the joy of its yummy-ness.

The recipe goes back years and years in my family. As far back as I can remember, my grandma would make it for us. At the time, everyone called it 'enchiladas', although is definitely not. I was 16 years old before I realized what a real enchilada was. But, that's sort of beside the point. I loved this dish. It was my very, very favorite food, and the thing thing that my brother and I always asked for as our special birthday dinner. I even remember how well our Japanese foreign exchange student liked our 'enchiladas'.

The first time I made the dish for my step kids, I knew it needed a new name. I was dealing with children who knew what an enchilada was. When I tried to explain it, I told them it was a cross between a Sloppy Joe and a taco. So, lo and behold, Messy Tacos were born.

Now, I never claimed it was health food (although I do use ground turkey instead of the ground beef used by my grandma and mom) but, I promise its yummy!

1-package ground turkey, browned
2 10 oz cans tomato soup
1/2 cup brown sugar (some of us like it a little sweeter, so you could go 3/4 cup)
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (depending how spicy you want it)

In a saucepan, mix all above ingredients (I've been know to add in a little cumin, as well, if I have it). Cook over medium heat until bubbly, then reduce to a simmer. In the meantime, lightly fry corn tortillas.

Top a warm tortilla with the meat mixture, and garnish with cheese, onions and lettuce. This amount will serve 3-4 people, depending on how hungry they are. When I am serving 6, I double the amount, but with a hungry teenage boy it's not quite enough anymore!!

As you can see in the picture, we stack ours for those who want more than one.

That's it!! Easy as pie. Go make it for your family and hopefully make them smile!