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Taco Salad

Make your own taco seasoning with this recipe and cut down the salt and other preservatives. This is a great task for kids. One recipe makes a double batch of the seasonings which can be stored in the cabinet for Beef and Bean Tacos another day.  This is a great gluten free option to for company in the summer.

Ingredients

Taco Seasoning Mix - use 4 tsp for this recipe

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Taco Salad

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 medium onion
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 green pepper
  • 1 can (14-19 oz) pinto beans rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup passata or crushed tomatoes substitute 2 T tomato paste and 1/2 cup of water
  • 1 head of romaine lettuce washed and chopped
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (approximately 4 oz)

Other optional toppings: tortilla chips, avocado, tomatoes, salsa and sour cream

    Instructions

    • In a large sauce pan sauté the beef over medium heat, breaking up with a spatula until no longer pink - approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain off fat in a colander with running water and set aside.
    • While beef is cooking you can finely chop the onion. Then finely chop the peppers.
    • In the same pan sauté the onions until they are soft, approximately 5 minutes. Add the chopped green and red peppers and cook another 3 minutes.
    • Return the meat to the pan along with 4 teaspoons of the taco seasoning mix, rinsed beans and 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes. Simmer for 5 minutes and serve.
    • Option: set up a make your own salad by adding lettuce to each plate, guests can top with chips, meat mixture, cheese, tomatoes, sour cream and sliced avocados.