Spicy Chipotle Ground Beef Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Crema and Pickled Onions

Ingredients

• 6 rolls Ace Bakery Rolls (used as taco shells)
• 1 lb Ground Beef (80/20)
• 1-2 tbsp (to taste) Frank's RedHot Sauce
• 2 (minced) Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce
• 1 tbsp (adjust to taste) Taco Seasoning
• 1/2 (diced) Yellow Onion
• 2 cloves (minced) Garlic
• 2 ripe Avocado
• 1/2 cup Sour Cream (full-fat)
• 2 tbsp (freshly squeezed) Lime Juice
• 1/4 cup (chopped, plus more for garnish) Cilantro
• 1 cup Shredded Lettuce (iceberg or romaine)
• 1 cup Diced Tomatoes (Roma or cherry)
• 1 cup Shredded Cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar)
• 1/4 (thinly sliced) Red Onion
• 1/4 cup White Vinegar
• 1 tbsp Sugar
• 1/2 tsp Salt

Instructions

1. Prepare Pickled Onions: Combine thinly sliced red onion, white vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Let sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to an hour) while preparing the rest of the recipe. This adds a tangy, bright element to the tacos. *Enhancement:* Pickled onions can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for several days.
2. Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with diced yellow onion and minced garlic. Drain any excess fat. *Technique Refinement:* For enhanced flavor, consider using a higher fat content ground beef (80/20) and browning it until slightly crispy.
3. Add Chipotle and Seasoning: Stir in minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, Frank's RedHot Sauce, and taco seasoning to the ground beef. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. *Flavor Enhancement:* Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers and hot sauce to your desired level of spice.
4. Prepare Cilantro-Lime Crema: In a blender or food processor, combine ripe avocado, sour cream, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add salt to taste. *Flavor Enhancement:* Adding a small clove of garlic to the avocado crema provides an extra kick. A pinch of cumin can also enhance the flavor.
5. Warm Taco Shells: Warm the Ace Bakery Rolls slightly. You can do this in a dry skillet, oven, or microwave. *Technique Refinement:* Toasting the taco shells in a skillet with a little oil or butter can add a nice crispy texture.
6. Assemble Tacos: Fill each warmed taco shell with the seasoned ground beef. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, pickled onions, and a generous dollop of cilantro-lime crema.
7. Serve and Garnish: Serve immediately and garnish with extra chopped cilantro. *Flavor Enhancement:* Offering additional toppings such as crumbled cotija cheese, sliced jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime can allow for a customizable taco experience.

Cuisine: Mexican

Suitability:

Prep Time: mins

Cook Time: mins

Serving Size:

Meal Type: dinner