Bean Taco, USDA

Ingredients

Canned pinto beans, drained or dry pinto beans, cooked(8 pounds, 7 ounces)8.438 pounds
Fresh onions, chopped(or 1 ounce dehydrated onions)5 ounces
Granulated garlic(1 tablespoon, 1½ teaspoons)1.5 tablespoons
Ground black or white pepper2 teaspoons
Canned tomato paste14 ounces
Water1 quart
Chili powder2 tablespoons
Ground cumin(1 tablespoon, 1½ teaspoons)1.5 tablespoons
Paprika1½ teaspoons
Onion powder1½ teaspoons
Reduced-fat Cheddar cheese, shredded(1 pound, 10 ounces)1.625 pounds
Fresh tomatoes, diced(1 pound, 5 ounces)1.313 pounds
Fresh lettuce, shredded(2 pounds, 7 ounces)2.438 pounds
Enriched taco shells100 each

Instructions

  1. Heat canned pinto beans before draining. Puree beans to a smooth consistency.
  2. Add onions, granulated garlic, pepper, tomato paste, water, and seasonings. Blend well. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes. Stir periodically.
  3. For topping: Set cheese aside for step 5. Combine tomatoes and lettuce. Toss lightly. Set mixture aside for step 5.
  4. Serving suggestions (2 tacos per serving)
    A. Before serving or on serving line, fill each taco shell with a No. 20 scoop (about 3 Tbsp) bean mixture. On each student tray, serve 2 tacos, No. 10 scoop (3⁄8 cup) lettuce and tomato mixture, and 1⁄2 oz (2 Tbsp 1 tsp) shredded cheese.
    OR
    B.1. Preportion No. 10 scoop (3⁄8 cup) lettuce and tomato mixture and 1⁄2 oz (2 Tbsp 1 tsp) shredded cheese into individual souffle cups. Refrigerate until service.
    B.2. Transfer bean mixture and taco shells to steam table pans. On each student tray, serve 2 unfilled taco shells, 1 No. 10 scoop (3⁄8 cup) bean mixture, with preportioned lettuce and tomato mixture and preportioned cheese. Instruct students to “build” their own tacos.

Recipe Notes

CCP: Heat to 155 ° F for at least 15 seconds.
CCP: Hold for hot service at 135° F or higher.
Mexican Seasoning Mix (see G-01A, Sauces, Gravies, and
Seasoning Mixes) may be used to replace these ingredients. For
50 servings, use 1⁄4 cup 1 1⁄2 tsp Mexican Seasoning Mix.