Tex-Mex Turkey Tacos with Black Beans and Cilantro
After Thanksgiving, turkey leftovers are a given—but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring! These Tex-Mex Turkey Tacos are a flavorful, quick way to transform your turkey into something exciting and taco-ready. Featuring seasoned shredded turkey with black beans, cilantro, and an optional twist of peas, this recipe is ideal for creating a Tex-Mex feast that’s as easy as it is tasty.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover shredded Thanksgiving turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup peas (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (about ¼ cup)
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Toppings: Diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, shredded cheese, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime
Instructions:
- Prepare the Turkey: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add shredded turkey, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir well to coat the turkey in the spices, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until turkey is heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Beans and Peas: Add black beans to the skillet, stirring them in with the turkey. If you’re adding peas for a bit of color and sweetness, fold them in as well. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until everything is heated through.
- Add Cilantro: Remove from heat and fold in the chopped cilantro for a fresh, vibrant kick.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Fill each tortilla with a generous scoop of the turkey mixture. Top with your choice of diced tomatoes, jalapeños, shredded cheese, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime for a bright finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side. Pair these tacos with a side of salsa or a refreshing margarita to keep the Tex-Mex vibes going!
Pro Tip: If you want even more heat, sprinkle a dash of chipotle powder into the turkey mixture or serve with a spicy salsa.
This Tex-Mex twist on turkey leftovers will make you look forward to post-Thanksgiving meals every year!
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Quick & Easy Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas for Taco Tuesday Dinners
When Taco Tuesday rolls around and you’re craving something fast, flavorful, and satisfying, these Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas are the perfect solution! They’re packed with protein, bursting with flavor, and can be whipped up in minutes—ideal for busy weeknights when you want to keep things deliciously simple.
Why You’ll Love These Quesadillas:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, these quesadillas are a lifesaver when time is tight.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable pantry staples like black beans, corn, and tortillas.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like avocado, salsa, or sour cream to make them your own.
- Vegetarian & Kid-Friendly: A healthy meal that even picky eaters will love!
The Recipe: Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas
Ingredients:
- 1 cup black beans (canned, drained, and rinsed)
- 1 cup corn kernels (canned, frozen, or fresh)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 large flour tortillas
- Optional: jalapeños, avocado, salsa, sour cream for serving
Instructions:
- Prep the Filling: In a bowl, combine the black beans, corn, red onion, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well-mixed.
- Assemble the Quesadillas: Place one tortilla on a flat surface. Sprinkle a handful of cheese on one half of the tortilla, then add a generous scoop of the black bean and corn mixture. Top with more cheese and fold the tortilla in half.
- Cook to Crispy Perfection: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with a bit of oil or butter. Place the folded quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden and the cheese is melted.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the quesadilla into wedges and serve with your favorite toppings like avocado, salsa, or sour cream.
Why These Quesadillas Are a Taco Tuesday Win
These Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas check all the boxes for a stress-free dinner. The black beans bring a hearty texture and plant-based protein, while the corn adds a touch of sweetness that balances the smoky spices. The gooey cheese holds it all together, creating that melty, crunchy bite you crave. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable—feel free to add a few jalapeños for heat or some fresh lime juice for zing!
Perfect for serving solo or alongside a fresh salad, these quesadillas will become your go-to for easy dinners that don’t skimp on flavor. So, when Taco Tuesday rolls around and you need a quick fix, you know exactly what to reach for.
Enjoy your dinner, and happy Taco Tuesday from TacoTuesday.com! 🌮🧀
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