These classic tacos contain lean ground beef, refried beans, and a variety of seasonings. The taco mixture makes a delicious filling for taco shells. Another way to enjoy the filling mixture and garnishes is on nachos. Make a big platter of nachos with the ground beef and refried beans along with lots of shredded cheese and your favorite garnishes.
If you're counting carbs, turn these tacos into a hearty supper salad! Serve the ground beef mixture on lettuce leaves with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and sour cream. Add salsa and avocado wedges if you'd like.
Ingredients
- 1 to 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 cup onion (chopped)
- Optional: 1/2 cup bell pepper (red or green, chopped)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/3 cup refried beans
- 1/2 cup taco sauce
- 8 to 12 taco shells
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded, or Mexican blend cheese)
- Optional: 1 head lettuce (shredded)
- Optional: diced tomatoes
- Optional: sour cream
Steps to Make It
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Put the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-low heat and break it up with a wooden spoon. Add the chopped onions and the red or green bell pepper, if using. Stir in the chili powder, salt, and garlic powder.
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Continue cooking, stirring, until the beef is no longer pink. Drain off excess fat.
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Add the refried beans to the beef mixture and use the wooden spoon to blend well. Stir in about half of the taco sauce.
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Spoon ground beef mixture into the taco shells.
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Top each taco with shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream, if desired.
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Sprinkle each taco with more taco sauce or pass it at the table.
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Serve the tacos with easy Mexican rice and avocado wedges.
Tips and Variations
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Replace the ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken. Use ground turkey or chicken thighs or half white meat and half dark meat for best flavor and texture.
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Part or all lean ground pork may be used in the tacos.