Sesame Garlic Beef Tacos & Black Beans

This is one of my favorite meals that we keep on repeat here. The flavors are really good, and it's a nice spin on traditional tacos. I love the yellow corn tortillas (they just feel a little healthier!), and the slaw adds a nice crunch...not to mention the colors are really pretty!

 

And almost any time we have a Mexican dish I serve these black beans as a side. It's easy to put together, and they're really yummy and a little spicy.

 

 

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Sesame Garlic Beef Tacos

{Better Homes and Gardens}

 

8 white or yellow corn tortillas (I used yellow)

1 pound ground beef

2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce

3 tablespoons packed brown sugar

3 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon water

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1 recipe for Quick Pickled Cucumbers and Slaw (below)

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Stack tortillas; wrap in foil. Heat 10 minutes.

 

In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain fat; set aside.

 

Add sesame oil to skillet. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds over medium heat or until lightly browned. Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, water, and crushed red pepper. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Return beef to skillet and heat through.

 

To serve, spoon beef onto tortillas. Using a slotted spoon, top with Quick Pickled Cucumbers and Slaw. Serve with lime wedges and Sriracha if desired.

Quick Pickled Cucumbers and Slaw

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup vinegar, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add 1 cup very thinly sliced cucumber and 1 cup shredded red cabbage. Let stand 15 minutes or up to 6 hours.
 

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Best Black Beans

{Allrecipes.com}

 

1 (16 oz. can) Black Beans

1 small onion, chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Salt to taste

 

In a medium saucepan, combine beans, onion, and garlic, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Season with cilantro, cayenne, and salt. Simmer for 5 minutes, and serve.