Chipotle Hamburger tacos

I meant to make hamburgers last night. Big juicy hamburgers. But then I realized (after I had taken hamburger out of the freezer) that I had two of the most beautiful rib-eye steaks that were leftover from the night before. Dang it! I can't waste the steaks...even if I did get them on sale. So I made steak sandwiches with the very last of the weeks salsa. Told you it never goes to waste. The problem I had now was that the next day (today) is taco Tuesday. I totally messed up my menu. And I was messed up to begin with. You see my dad has been sick. We have a complicated relationship. But even though it's complicated I need..I have to be there. I grabbed take out. We ate whatever. Really for nights. I should have posted a menu but I was tired and really we had meals on the last menu. So the ballplayer and I just picked up enough food at the store to tide us over. No list. I am crazy! This is not me. Carne Asada was supposed to be our taco this week but again I messed up. Uhhh Hamburger! The kids love it but I've already done it for the blog. How to make it interesting but make it a taco...make it special.

And then there's the other problem (and say "Other" like "uuuhhhhther") I really am trying to not run to the store for forgotten ingredients. I know I'm unorganized this week but don't want it rubbed in my nose!

So I came up with a Spicy Potato and Hamburger Taco. Gee that doesn't sound too appealing. This is really by using what is in my fridge. I have leftover chipotle peppers (even after making salsa today) a gorgeous red bell pepper, green onions and potatoes galore. A girlfriend suggested I do her favorite taco from a local joint Yoli's Taco Shop. She LOVES the Idaho Spud Taco. Unfortunately it's a two day drive for me to taste. (Hit me up Yoli's!!!! I'd love to make them!!!) So this will have to do! It was great and different. I got my potato fix, used up some produce before it went bad and created a new dish. Score!!!

Chipotle Hamburger tacos
1 red bell pepper diced finely
2 small potatoes diced finely
1/2 onion diced finely
3 chipotle peppers minced + 1 TB adobo sauce
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 pound ground beef
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Pour enough olive oil into the bottom of a frying pan to cover. Brown the potatoes. I sprinkled a little Firemans seasoning over them but salt and pepper would be just fine. Once the potatoes are brown on one side, add the bell peppers and onions. Cook until potatoes are brown. Spoon out into paper lined bowl. Set aside. Don't eat them. This would be the perfect time to add six eggs but that's another dish.
Add hamburger to the pan. Salt and pepper. Once the hamburger is browned, add the potatoes mixture back to the pan.


Add all the spices, the chopped chipotle, the adobo sauce (that's the tomato sauce the peppers are in) and the tomato sauce. If it's not coated enough then add a couple more TB of tomato sauce. Simmer for 15 minutes. Taste it.


Is it spicy enough? The spice should hit you at the back of your throat. This isn't your mommas hamburger tacos. Spoon into crunchy flour tortillas. Add cheese, iceberg lettuce and green onions. No salsa needed this time! It's in the meat!



One requirement; cold beer! You know I had to say it!!!