Healthy Tacos with Easy Seasoning
Tacos are a weekly favorite in our house. The trick that makes them both wholesome and filling is adding black beans. Beans bring extra nutrition and stretch the meal—handy when feeding a family of six.
Sometimes I stir a can of drained black beans directly into the taco meat. Other times I puree them in my blender so they blend into the sauce and go unnoticed by picky eaters. I often add another can of diced tomatoes and any other cooked or pureed vegetables I have on hand to boost flavor and nutrients.
To prepare, brown your ground meat, then add taco seasoning—either store-bought or the homemade blend below:
DIY Taco Seasoning
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 1/4 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp dried oregano
Mix the seasoning into the browned meat, then stir in the beans, diced tomatoes, and any pureed vegetables. Let the mixture simmer briefly so the flavors meld.
Serve family-style with bowls of toppings—chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced onions, sour cream, and cheese—so everyone can build their own tacos.
Tip: When beans and vegetables are pureed into the filling, they add nutrition and bulk without altering the familiar taco taste. It’s an easy way to make tacos healthier and more economical without sacrificing flavor. Don’t tell the kids—let it be our secret!