Baked Tacos Ground Beef (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Taco Shells

01 - 8 to 10 hard corn taco shells

→ Filling

02 - 1 cup (approximately 170 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
03 - 450 g ground beef
04 - 1 yellow onion, finely diced
05 - 28 g taco seasoning (1 oz. packet)
06 - 285 g diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained (10 oz.)
07 - 60 ml beef broth (may substitute with chicken broth or water)
08 - 14 g softened cream cheese (optional, approximately 1 tablespoon)

→ Cheese

09 - 140 g cheddar cheese, shredded (1 1/4 cups)

→ Optional Toppings

10 - Salsa
11 - Sour cream
12 - Shredded lettuce
13 - Diced avocado or guacamole

# Instructions:

01 - Drain and rinse black beans thoroughly. Spread beans onto a paper towel-lined plate and allow them to dry.
02 - Preheat oven to 200°C. Place 8 to 10 taco shells upright in a 23 x 33 cm baking dish. Bake for 5 minutes if using a light-colored dish, or 3 minutes if using a dark dish, to crisp the shells.
03 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook and crumble ground beef with diced onion until onion is softened and beef is fully browned, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
04 - Add taco seasoning, undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies, and beef broth to the pan. Bring mixture to a boil and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to slightly reduce liquid. Lower heat to a simmer, stir in softened cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated, and allow liquid to further evaporate until the mixture is moist but not soupy.
05 - Distribute black beans evenly on the bottom of each taco shell. Spoon prepared beef mixture on top of the beans.
06 - Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over beef filling. Return baking dish to oven and bake, uncovered, for 7 to 10 minutes until cheese is melted and taco shells are golden.
07 - Remove tacos from oven. Add desired toppings such as salsa, sour cream, shredded lettuce, and diced avocado or guacamole. Serve immediately.

# Notes:

01 - For a lighter variation, substitute shredded chicken for ground beef and cook over medium heat to prevent dryness.
02 - Monterey Jack can be used in place of or blended with cheddar cheese for alternative flavor.
03 - Refried beans can be replaced for or used alongside black beans based on preference.
04 - Use sturdy taco shells such as Stand 'N Stuff style to maintain structural integrity after filling and baking.

Back