I have always liked simple foods, big on texture and flavor and low on technique. So things like burritos, quesadillas, pizza, pasta, etc, have always been staples on the menu.
Being vegetarian doesn’t really make it more difficult, since most of these items were meatless as a matter of course. With the advent of “better eating through chemistry” it’s quite easy to slip some faux meat/protein into these things. These work well for stuff like tacos and the like.
A 12 oz bag of these equals a pound of ground beef. I generally use a cup of them, add a tbsp of salt-free seasoning (or one of the little packets in the spice aisle), and let that simmer with a 1/2 cup of water. Once that blends, add a cup of whatever octane picante sauce you like, and let that bubble away.
I then add a cup of frozen corn kernels and may add a 15 oz can of drained cooked beans (black or red). Once that all heats through, add a generous splash of lime juice (1-2 tbsp), mix well, stuff, and serve.
The crumbles also work well in marinara/bolognese sauce, shepherd’s pie, anything where ground beef is part of the mix. There is a sausage variety I’ve yet to find: could be useful.