MSR-Houston has released the dates for the 2012 Red Meat and Race Fuel events, first one's going to be on March 22nd:
Red Meat & Race Fuel
These are very informal track events, and it's the cheapest option I've seen for getting some time on a real track close to Houston. I don't see prices on the new page, but last year it was $75 to drive + eat, and $3 for guests that just show up to eat. They're on Thursdays starting in the mid-afternoon, and BBQ is included at the end of the day.
No instructors and the track staff is pretty light on these days, so you're kind of on your own. It would probably be ideal to at least do one weekend with an instructor-led program first, especially if you're not confident in your ability to get out on the track with other random cars. However, the other drivers all tend to be pretty nice and accommodating guys on and off the track, and there's plenty to learn, especially talking after the sessions. The passing rules are strictly straights-only with a wave from the front car before passing, like you'd expect in a beginner group.
I went to three of these events last year, and I'm planning to hit every single one I can in 2012, hopefully at least half of them.