Crispy Chipotle Beef Tacos with Chipotle Lime Crema

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp red chili powder
• 2 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp smoked red paprika powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp black pepper powder
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp salt (For taco seasoning; additional salt is added to taste to the beef.)
• 2 lb ground beef, 80% lean and 20% fat
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning (Use less or more, adjusting to taste; made from the seasoning ingredients above.)
• 1 onion (Diced.)
• salt (To taste, for the beef.)
• 1 tbsp clarified butter or oil (For cooking the onion and beef.)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1.5 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (Roughly chopped; use 1–2 tbsp and adjust to taste.)
• 0.5 cup warm water
• 1 tbsp garlic (Minced.)
• 0.333 cup sour cream (For the chipotle lime crema.)
• 0.333 cup mayonnaise (For the chipotle lime crema.)
• 0.333 cup buttermilk or water (Use buttermilk or water for the crema.)
• 1.5 lime lime juice (The source states 1–2 limes; use the juice.)
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning (Use less or more, adjusting to taste.)
• 2 tsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (Chopped, for the crema.)
• 1 tbsp dried parsley
• 13 mini flour tortillas (Use 12–15 tortillas.)
• oil (For lightly frying the tortillas.)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (For assembling the tacos.)
• salsa (For serving.)

Steps

1. 1

   Make the taco seasoning. In a bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, red chili powder, and dried oregano. Mix thoroughly to combine.

2. 2

   Heat the clarified butter or oil in a pan over medium heat.

3. 3

   Add the diced onion and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.

4. 4

   Add the ground beef and cook over medium heat until it changes color.

5. 5

   Add the minced garlic and mix it into the beef.

6. 6

   Season the beef with taco seasoning, then add the tomato paste and roughly chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Mix well.

7. 7

   Sauté the beef mixture for 2–3 minutes. Taste and add more salt if needed.

8. 8

   Add the warm water and cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the beef is fully cooked and the water has evaporated.

9. 9

   Make the chipotle lime crema. In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk or water, chopped chipotle peppers, taco seasoning, lime juice, and dried parsley.

10. 10

    Mix the crema until smooth and creamy.

11. 11

    Heat oil in a pan over medium heat for lightly frying the tortillas.

12. 12

    Place a tortilla in the pan and add shredded mozzarella cheese over it.

13. 13

    Top one side of the tortilla with the cooked beef, then close the taco by flipping the empty half over the filling.

14. 14

    Cook until the tortilla is crispy and golden. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, cheese, and beef.

15. 15

    Serve the tacos warm with salsa and chipotle lime crema.

Notes

The source does not specify the exact amount of oil used for frying, the tortilla size beyond mini tortillas, or a specific salsa. Adjust taco seasoning and chipotle peppers to taste. The taco seasoning recipe makes more than the amount used in the beef and crema; reserve the remainder for another use.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• Mexican
• tacos
• beef
• crispy
• stovetop
• spicy
• cheese