Description
A vibrant, quick, and easy meal that combines the flavors of tacos with the crunch and freshness of a salad. Perfect for busy weeknights, these 15-minute Taco Salad Tacos are packed with seasoned protein, crisp vegetables, and bold toppings to satisfy every craving.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or black beans/shredded chicken as alternatives)
- 6–8 soft tortillas (flour or corn)
- 2 cups shredded lettuce (Romaine or iceberg)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (Roma or cherry)
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Cotija or Mexican blend)
Seasoning Blend
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Lime wedges
- Hot sauce
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Dice the tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. Shred lettuce and cheese if not pre-shredded.
- Cook the Protein: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef (or protein alternative), break it into small pieces, and cook for 7-8 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in taco seasoning, cumin, garlic powder, and salt/pepper. Mix thoroughly and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas in a skillet or microwave to soften.
- Assemble the Tacos: Layer each tortilla with shredded lettuce as the base. Add seasoned meat, then top with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and cheese.
- Optional Toppings: Finish with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Customizable Proteins: Use ground turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or plant-based options like tofu or lentils.
- Storage: Refrigerate components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Assemble tacos fresh for best results.
- Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat while cooking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Keywords: Taco Salad Tacos, quick tacos, 15-minute meals, weeknight dinners, taco recipe