This easy Pioneer Woman Salad Tacos recipe is perfect for a quick, family-friendly meal packed with flavor. With crispy taco shells, juicy seasoned beef, and a creamy homemade dressing, it’s both simple and satisfying. You can customize it with everyday ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese, making it a versatile dish for any weeknight!
Ingredients Needed
For the Tacos:
- 16 taco shells
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 can (4 oz) tomato paste
- Salt, to taste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) beans (kidney, pinto, or chili), undrained
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 1 head green leaf lettuce, sliced thin
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved (or diced regular tomatoes)
- 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar, Jack, or a mix)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1 tablespoon ranch dressing mix (optional)
- Extra hot sauce (optional)
Optional Toppings:
- Crushed tortilla chips
How To Make Tacos Recipe
- Heat the taco shells: Warm the taco shells according to the package directions. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add seasoning and mix-ins: Stir in the taco seasoning, tomato paste, beans, and hot water. Mix well and simmer for a few minutes. Add salt to taste and keep the mixture warm.
- Make the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, salsa, ranch dressing mix, and hot sauce (if using). Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Assemble the tacos: Start by filling each taco shell with a layer of lettuce. Add a spoonful of the beef mixture, followed by tomatoes, cheese, and a drizzle of dressing.
- Optional toppings: Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top for added crunch.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy the tacos while they’re fresh and warm!
Recipe Tips
- Season the Meat Correctly: Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning in the beef mixture while it cooks. Too little seasoning can make the tacos bland.
- Warm the Taco Shells: Heat the shells properly to make them crisp. This helps prevent them from breaking while filling.
- Drain the Beef Well: Remove excess fat after cooking the ground beef to keep the tacos from becoming greasy.
- Chop Ingredients Evenly: Slice the lettuce thin and dice the tomatoes evenly for better texture and presentation.
- Layer Smartly: Start with lettuce to keep the shell from getting soggy, then add the warm beef, and finish with toppings.
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store the meat, dressing, and toppings in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the taco shells in a sealed bag at room temperature.
- Reheating: Warm the beef in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for 3 minutes. Keep the taco shells at room temperature, and assemble fresh with toppings just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 927 kcal
- Total Fat: 62 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 73 mg
- Sodium: 932 mg
- Potassium: 781 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 70 g
- Dietary Fiber: 9 g
- Sugars: 16 g
- Protein: 25 g
More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
Pioneer Woman Salad Tacos Recipe
Description
This easy Pioneer Woman Salad Tacos recipe is perfect for a quick, family-friendly meal packed with flavor. With crispy taco shells, juicy seasoned beef, and a creamy homemade dressing, it’s both simple and satisfying. You can customize it with everyday ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese, making it a versatile dish for any weeknight!
Ingredients
For the Tacos:
For the Dressing:
Optional Toppings:
Instructions
- Heat the taco shells: Warm the taco shells according to the package directions. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add seasoning and mix-ins: Stir in the taco seasoning, tomato paste, beans, and hot water. Mix well and simmer for a few minutes. Add salt to taste and keep the mixture warm.
- Make the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, salsa, ranch dressing mix, and hot sauce (if using). Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Assemble the tacos: Start by filling each taco shell with a layer of lettuce. Add a spoonful of the beef mixture, followed by tomatoes, cheese, and a drizzle of dressing.
- Optional toppings: Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top for added crunch.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy the tacos while they’re fresh and warm!
Notes
- Season the Meat Correctly: Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning in the beef mixture while it cooks. Too little seasoning can make the tacos bland.
- Warm the Taco Shells: Heat the shells properly to make them crisp. This helps prevent them from breaking while filling.
- Drain the Beef Well: Remove excess fat after cooking the ground beef to keep the tacos from becoming greasy.
- Chop Ingredients Evenly: Slice the lettuce thin and dice the tomatoes evenly for better texture and presentation.
- Layer Smartly: Start with lettuce to keep the shell from getting soggy, then add the warm beef, and finish with toppings.