California Taco Blend
Meat-mushroom blends have been around for years. Researchers from the University of California first demonstrated the nutrition benefits (e.g., fewer calories, less sodium) and sensory benefits (e.g., aroma, mouthfeel) of blending beef with mushrooms in 2012. This updated blend recipe adds more vegetables plus walnuts to increase depth and contribute fiber, omega-3s, and other essential nutrients. This California Blend can be used in tacos, burritos, burrito bowls, taco salads, quesadillas, or as a topping for nachos.
Ingredients
- 1 cup walnuts
- 2 chipotles in adobo
- 2 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
- 8 ounces white or cremini mushrooms finely diced
- 1 large white onion finely diced
- 1 jalapeño minced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 lb 93% lean ground beef
- 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes
- 1 ounce packet taco seasoning
Instructions
- Combine the walnuts and chipotles in a food processor and pulse repeatedly until the walnuts are very finely chopped. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
- Add the oil and mushrooms to a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté until the mushrooms release their moisture and start to soften, 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium, add the onion, jalapeño, and garlic and cook until the onion is soft, about 8 minutes.
- Add the beef, increase the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally to break it up, and until browned with no visible pink remaining -5 minutes.
- Stir in the walnut mixture, tomatoes (including the canned liquid), and the taco seasoning. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve as desired.
- Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator or freezer. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, ensuring the mixture reaches 165°F (74℃) before serving.
Nutrition
Serving: 0.5cupCalories: 171kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 11gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 291mgPotassium: 372mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 302IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 2mg
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