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–+ servings
Taco salad in a crispy shell with lettuce, ground beef, tomatoes, onions, and cheese, garnished on a white plate.

Crispy Tortilla Taco Bowl

When it comes to Mexican food, nothing beats the versatility and fun of a Crispy Tortilla Bowl Taco Salad. This homemade taco salad bowl combines all your favorite taco salad ingredients like ground beef, fresh veggies, creamy dressing, and melty cheese, served in a crunchy tortilla bowl. Whether it’s for Taco Tuesday or your next taco night, this recipe is a great idea to elevate your taco game and add some delicious variety.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 476 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

Salad

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1 head iceberg lettuce chopped (or romaine hearts)
  • Refried beans optional
  • Mexican blend cheese sharp cheddar, or pepper jack
  • 2 tomatoes diced
  • ½ red onion diced
  • 2 avocados sliced
  • Fresh cilantro chopped
  • Black olives optional

Tortilla Bowls

  • 4 large flour tortillas 10"
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray

Dressing

  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup packed cilantro chopped
  • 1-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 1 tsp adobo sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic crushed
  • 1.5 tbsp lime juice
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp ground cumin

Instructions
 

Make the Crispy Tortilla Bowls

  • Heat the oven to 375F.
    Hand adjusting oven temperature dial to 160 degrees, focusing on precise cooking settings at home.
  • Heat a pan on medium-high heat and add in some olive oil.
    Non-stick frying pan with olive oil drizzled, ready for cooking.
  • Add the tortilla, one at a time, and cook for 30 seconds per side or until nice and golden.
    Cooking golden brown quesadilla in pan with tongs in kitchen setting.
  • Place the tortilla into an oven safe bowl with a flat bottom. This will help the tortilla get the bowl shape.
    Toasted tortilla in a glass bowl on a wooden surface, perfect for wraps or dipping.
  • Bake on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes, or until the tortillas turn golden brown and crispy. Let cool on a cooling rack.
    Empty tortilla bowl on a wooden cutting board in a kitchen, ready for filling.

Cook the Taco Meat

  • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook with a wooden spoon until browned.
    Cooking ground beef in a pan with a wooden spoon, releasing steam. Perfect for tacos or pasta dishes.
  • Drain any excess grease and stir in 1 tbsp taco seasoning and 1 tbsp water. Cook for another couple of minutes until the meat mixture is well-coated.
    Cooking seasoned ground beef in a skillet with a sprinkle of spices.

Prepare the Dressing

  • In a blender or food processor, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, cilantro, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, lime juice, and spices. Blend until smooth.
    Pouring oil into a blender with herbs and spices, preparing fresh dressing on a wooden countertop.
  • Taste and adjust spice level by adding more chipotle peppers or a little bit of lime juice.
    Creamy sauce in a blender with a spoon scooping it out. Perfect for dips and dressings.

Assemble the Taco Salad

  • Spread a layer of refried beans (optional) on the bottom of the bowl.
    Scooping chocolate out of a cocoa pod with hands on a bamboo cutting board.
  • Add a base of chopped lettuce, followed by the seasoned taco meat.
    Crunchy taco bowl filled with seasoned beef and fresh lettuce on a wooden board, perfect for a tasty meal.
  • Top with favorite taco toppings like diced tomatoes, red onion, avocado slices, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro. Add black olives if desired.
    Taco salad with avocado and tomato pieces on a wooden board, hand arranging toppings for a fresh meal.
  • Drizzle with the chipotle dressing and garnish with crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.
    Taco salad in a crispy shell topped with avocado, cheese, tomatoes, cilantro, and creamy dressing on a wooden board.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 476kcalCarbohydrates: 82gProtein: 14gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 2544mgPotassium: 924mgFiber: 9gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 2813IUVitamin C: 48mgCalcium: 249mgIron: 7mg
Keyword Salad, taco
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