Meal on a Budget and Under 30 Minutes: Oven Baked Beef & Bean Tacos

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp Vegetable Oil (use a neutral oil such as canola or vegetable)
• 0.25 medium Onion (diced)
• 1 lb Ground Beef (80/20 lean‑to‑fat ratio for flavor)
• 1 Tbsp Chili Powder
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground if possible)
• 0.5 tsp Ground Cumin
• to taste Salt
• 2 Tbsp Tomato Paste (use a small can or tube)
• 1 cup Refried Beans (canned, warmed)
• 14 Corn Tortillas (small taco‑size, 6‑inch)
• 1 Tbsp Avocado Oil (for greasing the baking sheet)
• 0.5 cup Medium Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
• 0.5 cup Lettuce (shredded, preferably romaine or iceberg)
• 0.25 cup Salsa (store‑bought or homemade)

Instructions

1. Heat oil

   Add 1 Tbsp vegetable oil to a large skillet and heat over medium heat until shimmering.

   Time: PT1M

2. Sauté onion

   Add the diced onion and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften.

   Time: PT2M

3. Brown ground beef and season

   Add the ground beef to the skillet. Sprinkle with chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, ground cumin, and salt. Break the meat apart and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes until browned.

   Time: PT3M

4. Drain excess grease

   If a lot of fat has rendered, carefully tilt the pan and spoon out the grease or drain onto a paper towel.

   Time: PT1M

5. Incorporate tomato paste

   Stir in 2 Tbsp tomato paste, mixing thoroughly to coat the meat.

   Time: PT1M

6. Add refried beans

   Fold in 1 cup refried beans, mixing until the filling is uniform and heated through.

   Time: PT1M

7. Preheat oven

   While the filling finishes, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 400°F

8. Warm tortillas

   Heat each tortilla in a dry skillet for about 15‑20 seconds per side, or microwave for 20 seconds, until pliable.

   Time: PT1M

9. Assemble tacos

   Place a spoonful of the beef‑bean filling onto each tortilla, fold, and arrange on a baking sheet lightly brushed with avocado oil.

   Time: PT4M

10. Bake tacos

    Bake the assembled tacos for 14 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are crisp and any cheese added melts.

    Time: PT14M

    Temperature: 400°F

11. Add toppings and serve

    Remove tacos, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, and a spoonful of salsa. Serve immediately.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

350

Protein

20g

Carbohydrates

30g

Fat

15g

Fiber

5g