Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

    Celebrate Cinco de Mayo!

    By: Jacqueline Gomes, MBA, RDN

    Cinco de Mayo is the perfect excuse to prepare some fun foods to share at home with friends and family! Mexican cuisine imparts lots of fresh flavors with ingredients like cilantro, avocado, mango, black beans, jalapenos and tomatoes.

    Here are some tips to keep your dishes light and tasty!

    • Offer a variety of tortillas such as corn, whole grain and soft flour tortillas to please everyone’s palate.
    • Fresh avocados can go from tacos, to dip and salads for a dose of heart healthy fats.
    • Did you know that mango is one of the world’s most popular fruits! And for good reason, it’s delicious and easily pairs with sweet or savory dishes.
    • From tacos to enchiladas, ground beef is tasty, versatile and economical.
    • Black beans are one of the healthiest and most economical sources of protein in the store. Enjoy them weekly to increase your intake of fiber, antioxidants and plant-based protein.

    Crunchy Taco Cups

    Crunchy Taco Cups with Avocado-Mango Salsa

    Taco cups are so popular right now, and for good reason! They are super fun and delicious, plus you can make them your own by adding in your favorite Mexican inspired ingredients.

    Prep: 15 minutes
    Cook: 20 minutes
    Makes: 12 Taco Cups

    Ingredients:

    • 6 Mission® Taco Flour or Corn Tortillas
    • 2 teaspoons olive oil
    • ½ cup chopped onion
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 pound Ground Beef
    • 1 envelope taco seasoning

    Mango Salsa

    • 2 ripe Haas Avocado, pitted and cut into small cubes
    • 1 ripe mango, diced
    • ¼ cup minced red onion
    • 1 lime, juiced
    • Handful cilantro, finely chopped
    • Pinch of salt

    Taco Cup Topping

    • ¾ cup Sargento® finely shredded Mexican cheese
    • 2 plum tomatoes, finely chopped
    • Drizzle of Siracha (optional)

    Directions:

    1. Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees F.
    2. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add in chopped onion and garlic. Cook until onion is soft and translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. Turn heat to high and add ground beef, cook until browned (about 10 minutes). Add taco seasoning and follow directions on taco packet for the addition of water (if needed). Mix well and turn off heat.
    3. If using small taco tortillas, cut in half, if using large tortillas, cut into quarters.
    4. Line a 12 cup muffin tin with one tortilla half and press firmly into the cup until it takes holds so it will take the shape of the muffin cup when baked.
    5. Place muffin tin into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are golden brown (careful not to burn).
    6. Meanwhile, prepare Salsa: Combine avocado , mango, red onion and juice of lime, cilantro and a pinch of salt into a bowl and mix to combine. Set aside.
    7. Remove muffin tin from oven. Fill each cup with ground beef followed by spoonful of salsa and chopped tomato. Sprinkle each taco cup with shredded cheese and siracha if desired. Enjoy!

    Recipe by: Jacqueline Gomes, RDN, MBA