Taco Salad Tortilla Bowl (Printable Version)

A colorful salad served in a crispy tortilla bowl with spiced beef, beans, cheese, and fresh salsa toppings.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Tortilla Bowls

01 - 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
02 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

→ Beef Mixture

03 - 14 ounces ground beef
04 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 teaspoons chili powder
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Salad

11 - 1 can (14 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
12 - 5 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
13 - 1 small head romaine lettuce, shredded
14 - 3.5 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
15 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
16 - 1 avocado, diced
17 - 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

→ Toppings

18 - 1/2 cup salsa
19 - 1/2 cup sour cream
20 - Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
21 - Lime wedges, for serving

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Brush both sides of each tortilla with vegetable oil. Drape each tortilla over an inverted oven-safe bowl or ramekin placed on a baking sheet to shape a bowl.
02 - Bake the tortillas for 8 to 10 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove from the oven, allow to cool, then carefully detach from the molds.
03 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat. Add onion and garlic; sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 more minute. Remove from heat.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, drained black beans, corn kernels, sliced red onion, and diced avocado. Toss gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
05 - Place each tortilla bowl on individual plates. Fill with the salad mixture, then layer with the warm beef mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
06 - Top with salsa and sour cream. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve alongside lime wedges.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The crispy tortilla bowl is edible drama—it breaks as you eat, making every bite feel like part of the adventure.
  • You can prep components ahead and assemble right before serving, which means less stress and more time with your guests.
  • It's hearty enough to be a full meal but light enough that you don't feel weighed down afterward.
02 -
  • The tortilla bowls must be completely cool before you fill them, or they'll get soft and lose that satisfying crunch that makes this dish special.
  • Prep all your vegetables before you start cooking—once the beef is done, assembly moves fast and you want everything ready to go.
03 -
  • Warm the salsa slightly in the microwave before serving—it melds better with the warm beef and creates a more cohesive flavor profile.
  • Don't skip the cilantro unless you truly can't eat it; it adds a fresh herbal note that balances the richness of the cheese and beef.
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