Spicy Ground Beef and Black Bean Tostadas with Chipotle-Lime Crema

Ingredients

• 1 can (540ml), drained and rinsed Unico Tomatoes, Chickpeas, Lentils or Beans (Black Beans)
• 1 lb Ground Beef
• 6 Tostada Shells
• 2 ripe avocados Avocado
• 2, juiced Lime
• 1/2 cup Sour Cream
• 1/4 cup, chopped, plus extra for garnish Cilantro
• 1/4 cup, finely chopped Red Onion
• to taste Frank's Hot Sauce
• 1 tbsp Chili powder
• 1 tsp Cumin
• 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 3 cloves, minced Garlic
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• to taste Salt
• to taste Pepper
• 1, minced (for crema) Chipotle Pepper in Adobo Sauce

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
2. Add minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for another minute until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Stir in the drained and rinsed Unico Black Beans. Add Frank's Hot Sauce to your preferred level of spice. Add a splash of beef broth or water to maintain moisture. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. This extended simmering enhances flavor penetration.
4. While the beef mixture simmers, prepare the chipotle-lime crema. In a blender or food processor, combine the avocados, sour cream, juice of 1 lime, minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with more lime juice or salt if needed.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly brush both sides of the tostada shells with olive oil. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until crispy and lightly golden. This baking technique creates a sturdier and more flavorful tostada.
6. Assemble the tostadas by spreading a generous layer of the ground beef and black bean mixture onto each tostada shell. Top with a dollop of chipotle-lime crema and a sprinkle of finely chopped red onion and fresh cilantro.
7. Serve immediately. Offer additional toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or crumbled Cotija cheese for customization. A side of Mexican rice and refried beans complements the dish perfectly.

Cuisine: Mexican

Suitability:

Prep Time: mins

Cook Time: mins

Serving Size:

Meal Type: dinner