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Beef Taco Salad Bowls Recipe

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  • Author: Jaden Christner
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
  • Diet: Halal

Description

This Beef Taco Salad Bowl recipe combines crispy homemade tortilla bowls, seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, beans, cheese, and a tangy creamy cilantro lime dressing. With customizable ingredients and a vibrant mix of flavors and textures, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Enjoy a satisfying and hearty meal with the convenience of individual salad bowls.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Tortilla Bowls

  • 6 large flour tortillas
  • 4 Tablespoons canola or vegetable oil (or as needed)

Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing

  • 2 cups fresh cilantro (stems included is fine, about 1 average bunch)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (lite okay, or Greek yogurt can be substituted)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (or mayonnaise for a thicker dressing)
  • 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic (or more if desired, to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more if needed, to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or more if needed, to taste)
  • 1/2 jalapeno, finely diced (optional, remove the seeds to reduce the heat)
  • 2 medium limes, juiced

Salad

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 oneounce package taco seasoning mix (or homemade version)
  • 1 cup corn (canned, frozen, or fresh)
  • 6 cups shredded lettuce (about 1 large Romaine head or iceberg)
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (Roma, cherry, etc.)
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed (low salt preferred)
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese (or another shredded cheese)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (lite okay)
  • 1 avocado, sliced (or 1 cup guacamole)
  • 1 jalapeno, finely diced (optional, remove seeds for less heat)
  • 1 cup salsa (red or green, mild to spicy)
  • 1/4 cup white or red onion, finely diced
  • 1 large or 2 small limes, sliced (optional, for juicing)
  • 1 cup lightly crushed chips (Doritos, Fritos, tortilla chips, etc.; optional but recommended if not using tortilla bowls)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tortilla Bowls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheat a large skillet and add a tablespoon of oil. Heat a tortilla until it starts to bubble, flip it, and allow a few bubbles on the second side. Remove and place the warm tortilla in an oven-safe bowl, gently pressing down to form a bowl shape without tearing the tortilla. Alternatively, place the tortilla over an inverted bowl so the edges fold down securely. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
  2. Bake the Tortilla Bowls: Place the filled or inverted bowls on a cookie sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Tap the tortillas to check for crispiness; if the bottoms are not fully crisp, bake for another 1–2 minutes or until done. Set aside and let cool.
  3. Make the Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing: In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine cilantro, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), olive oil (or mayonnaise), garlic, coriander, salt, black pepper, optional jalapeno, and lime juice. Blend until completely smooth, then refrigerate until ready to use.
  4. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, combine the ground beef and taco seasoning. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and cooked through. While most taco seasoning packets call for adding water, it is optional in this recipe. Add water if you like a saucier filling.
  5. Add the Corn: Once the beef has browned, stir in the corn and cook for about 1 minute until slightly browned and heated through.
  6. Assemble the Salad Bowls: Into each cooled tortilla bowl (or a large serving bowl or individual plates if not using tortilla bowls), evenly divide the lettuce, beef mixture, diced tomatoes, black olives, black beans, shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced avocado or guacamole, diced jalapeno, onions, salsa, and any optional toppings (lime juice, crushed chips).
  7. Dress and Serve: Drizzle the creamy cilantro lime dressing generously over each salad bowl. Serve immediately for the freshest, crispiest result.

Notes

  • You may use pre-made tortilla bowls, a serving bowl, or plate instead of making homemade tortilla bowls. If so, crushed chips are recommended for crunch.
  • Flour tortillas are less prone to tearing than corn tortillas, but you can use corn tortillas if preferred.
  • All salad ingredients can be customized to taste and availability; feel free to omit or add items as you like.
  • Store all components separately in the fridge, airtight, for up to 5 days. Extra baked tortilla bowls keep airtight at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • The creamy cilantro lime dressing also keeps for up to 5 days, refrigerated in an airtight container.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 salad bowl
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 980mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 43g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg