Combo Beef & Bean Recipe

Prep aromatics

Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. Drain and rinse the black beans and set aside.

Brown beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. When shimmering, add the diced onion and sauté 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook 6–8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.

Season and simmer

Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook 1 minute to bloom the spices. Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, and drained black beans. Stir to combine, bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook 6–8 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Warm tortillas

Warm the tortillas for 15–20 seconds per side in a hot dry skillet or 20 seconds in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel so they are pliable.

Assemble combo

Divide the beef & bean filling evenly between the two warmed tortillas (about 1/2 the filling per tortilla). Sprinkle each with shredded cheddar cheese while the filling is hot so the cheese melts slightly. Fold or roll the tortillas into burrito-style or leave open as a flat taco.

Finish & serve

Top each assembled meal with a dollop of sour cream, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges and hot sauce on the side. Optionally slice in half and serve immediately while warm.