Spicy Ground Beef & Black Bean Tacos with Chipotle-Lime Crema
Ingredients
- 1 (19 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed Unico Tomatoes, Chickpeas, Lentils or Beans
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 1 packet, or homemade blend (see instructions) Taco seasoning
- 1 medium, finely chopped Onion
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1-2, minced (or 1-2 tsp chipotle powder) Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 12, small street taco size preferred Corn tortillas
- 2 ripe Avocado
- 1/2 cup Sour cream or Mexican crema
- 2 tbsp, plus wedges for serving Lime juice
- 1/4 cup, chopped, plus more for garnish Cilantro
- 1 cup Shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Salsa, pickled onions, hot sauce Optional Toppings
Instructions
- Prepare Taco Seasoning (Optional, but highly recommended): In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp oregano, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or more, to taste), salt, and black pepper. (Flavor Enhancement: Homemade taco seasoning allows for better control of spice levels and flavor profile.)
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. (Technique Refinement: Crumble beef finely for even cooking and better distribution of flavor.)
- Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. (Flavor Enhancement: Cooking the onions until slightly caramelized adds sweetness and depth.)
- Stir in the taco seasoning (or homemade blend) and minced chipotle peppers (or chipotle powder). Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Add the drained black beans and 1/4 cup water. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. (Flavor Enhancement: The chipotle peppers add smokiness and heat. Simmering allows the spices to bloom.)
- Prepare Chipotle-Lime Crema: In a blender or food processor, combine avocados, sour cream (or Mexican crema), lime juice, and cilantro. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste. (Flavor Enhancement: Using Mexican crema instead of sour cream provides a richer, tangier flavor.)
- Warm corn tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or over an open flame until pliable and slightly charred. (Technique Refinement: Charring the tortillas adds a smoky flavor and prevents them from tearing.)
- Assemble the tacos: Fill each tortilla with the seasoned ground beef mixture, shredded cheese, and a generous dollop of chipotle-lime crema. (Ingredient Note: Adjust the amount of filling to prevent overflowing.)
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges. Offer optional toppings such as salsa, pickled onions, or hot sauce. (Flavor Enhancement: Fresh toppings add brightness and complexity.)
Cuisine: Mexican
Suitability:
Prep Time: mins
Cook Time: mins
Serving Size:
Meal Type: dinner