Beef Tacos with Refried Beans

These classic tacos are the perfect weeknight meal for the entire family!

Make your own beef taco meat with homemade taco seasoning and refried black beans.

Stuff the filling in your favorite toasted taco shells and top with lettuce, tomato, Greek yogurt and thick cut cheddar cheese.

Delicious, nutritious and easy to make!

Step-by-Step Instructions

How to make your own taco seasoning

Making your own taco seasoning is super easy and quick, and you likely have most of the spices in your pantry!

Simply mix together the spices and herbs and store in an airtight container until you're ready to use.

Here's my easy recipe:

• 1 ½ tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• Optional add-ins: 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano or dried oregano leaves, ¼-1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

It's easy to make, customizable and healthier than most store-bought taco seasoning packets.

How to make your own taco meat

1. Heat a little oil in a large skillet.
   • I personally like to use avocado or organic canola oil, but use whatever you have on hand.
2. Rinse and drain a can of black beans.
   • Dry them off a bit, then add them to the skillet.
   • "Fry" them while using the back of a fork or potato masher to mash the beans.
   • Remove them from the pan and set aside.
3. Add a pound of ground beef or whatever ground meat you have on hand.
   • Saute the meat while breaking it up into pieces using a wooden spoon, until it's browned.
   • If you're using a higher fat meat, drain the excess fat.
4. Add the refried beans back to the pan with ¼ cup of water.
   • Add the taco seasoning and simmer for a few minutes. And voila!
   • You have your own homemade taco meat with homemade seasoning and refried black beans.

How to build your tacos

Taco making is great because everyone loves tacos and the filling, shells and toppings are totally customizable.

• Tortillas: I like to use whole wheat tortillas (grab a lower sodium option for the kiddos) or corn tortillas.
  • I always toast them in a hot, dry skillet before building my tacos.
  • If you're up for making your own, here is a great recipe.
• Taco Meat: See above for my favorite filling recipe with ground beef and refried beans!
• Toppings: The sky is the limit here, folks!
  • For this classic recipe, I used shredded romaine lettuce, diced tomato, thick cut shredded cheddar cheese and dollops of plain Greek yogurt.
  • You could also add diced or sliced avocado, sliced green onion, diced bell peppers and onions and salsa (tomato salsa, fruit salsa, salsa verde, etc.).
  • Whatever you love to put on tacos, put on your tacos!
• Sauce: I feel like Greek yogurt or sour cream counts as sauce, but you could also add hot sauce or taco sauce, fresh lime juice, a mixture of Greek yogurt, sour cream or mayo with lime juice and chopped chipotle chilies, etc. Drizzle away!

In summary: toast your shells, add your filling and put your favorite toppings and sauce on top. And enjoy!

Equipment

• A large skillet (non-stick or stainless will work)
• A wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks
• Measuring cups and spoons
• A colander to rinse and drain the beans
• A fork or potato masher to mash the beans
• A cutting board and chef's knife to chop the toppings

More Beef Recipes from the Vault:

• Classic BBQ Meatloaf Cups
• Dutch Oven Pot Roast
• Instant Pot Beef and Barley Soup
• Ricotta and Beef Zucchini Roll-Ups
• Sticky Ginger Beef Short Ribs
• Cheesy Taco Pasta

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