Tacos Salads

Tanzanian Tacos Salads Recipe with Ground Beef and Kidney Beans

Region / culture: Tanzania | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Tacos salads are a delicious and satisfying meal that combines the flavors of a traditional taco with the freshness of a salad. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends and family.

History

Tacos salads have been a popular dish in Mexican cuisine for many years. The combination of seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, and fresh vegetables tossed together with a creamy dressing is a winning combination that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

0.75 cup thousand island dressing
1 lb (454 g) ground beef
0.67 cup water
1 tbsp chili powder
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp garlic powder
0.25 tsp ground red pepper
1 (15 oz (425 g)) can kidney beans, drained
1 head lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
0.67 cup sliced ripe olives
2 medium tomatoes, coarsely chopped
1 medium avocado, thinly sliced
0.5 cup sour cream
1 medium onion, chopped

How to prepare

Prepare the thousand island dressing if you are making it from scratch.
Cook the beef in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until browned.
Stir in water, chili powder, salt, garlic powder, red pepper, and beans.
Heat the mixture to boiling, then reduce the heat.
Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Allow the mixture to cool for 10 minutes.
In a large bowl, mix together the lettuce, cheese, olives, tomatoes, and onion.
Toss the salad with the thousand island dressing.
Add the beef mixture and toss to combine.
Divide the salad onto serving plates.
Garnish with avocado and a dollop of sour cream.
Serve immediately.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground beef with tofu or black beans.
Add some corn kernels or bell peppers for extra flavor and crunch.
Top the salad with crushed tortilla chips for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the beef until it is browned and cooked through to ensure the best flavor.

- Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite toppings such as salsa, guacamole, or jalapenos.

- For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.

- To save time, you can use store-bought thousand island dressing instead of making it from scratch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the taco salad with a side of tortilla chips or warm cornbread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Make sure to cook the beef until it is browned and cooked through.

- Allow the beef mixture to simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of dressing you prefer in place of thousand island dressing.

- Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables and toppings.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the beef mixture and salad ingredients ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the taco salad in a large bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with avocado slices and a dollop of sour cream for a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this taco salad with a refreshing glass of iced tea or a cold beer for a satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover taco salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 480 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 24g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 28g per serving

Saturated Fat: 10g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, and Iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese and sour cream) and tree nuts (avocado).

Summary

This taco salad is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a meal.

Summary

Taco salads are a delicious and versatile meal that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. This recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor, making it a perfect choice for a quick and satisfying dinner. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy memory that I will always cherish. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her quaint little village in Mexico. Maria was a fantastic cook, and she had invited me over for lunch that day. As I entered her cozy kitchen, I was greeted by the tantalizing aroma of spices and herbs wafting through the air.

Maria smiled warmly at me and gestured for me to take a seat at the small wooden table. She was bustling around the kitchen, chopping vegetables and grilling meat on the stove. I watched in awe as she effortlessly prepared a delicious feast for us to enjoy. I could hardly contain my excitement as I waited eagerly to see what she had in store for me.

As Maria plated up the food and set it down in front of me, my eyes widened in delight. Tacos Salads! I had never seen anything like it before. The vibrant colors of the fresh vegetables, the juicy grilled meat, the crispy tortilla strips, and the creamy dressing all came together in a beautiful harmony on the plate. I took a bite, and my taste buds exploded with delight. It was a flavor explosion unlike anything I had ever experienced before.

I begged Maria to teach me how to make the Tacos Salads, and she graciously agreed. We spent the rest of the afternoon in her kitchen, as she patiently guided me through each step of the recipe. She showed me how to marinate the meat in a special blend of spices, how to chop the vegetables just right, how to make the crispy tortilla strips, and how to whip up the creamy dressing from scratch.

I was amazed at how simple the recipe was, yet how incredibly delicious the end result turned out to be. Maria explained to me that Tacos Salads were a traditional dish in her village, passed down from generation to generation. Each family had their own unique twist on the recipe, and she was happy to share hers with me.

After that day, Tacos Salads became a staple in my own cooking repertoire. I made it for my family and friends, who all raved about how delicious it was. I even entered a Tacos Salads cooking competition in my town and won first prize! I knew then that this recipe was truly something special.

Over the years, I have continued to make Tacos Salads for special occasions and gatherings. It never fails to impress and delight my guests. I have added my own little touches to the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my taste. But the essence of the dish remains the same - a burst of flavors and textures that dance on the palate and leave you craving for more.

As I pass on this recipe to my own grandchildren now, I do so with a heart full of love and nostalgia. I hope that they will enjoy making Tacos Salads as much as I have, and that it will become a cherished tradition in their own families. And who knows, maybe one day they will pass it on to their own friends and loved ones, just like I did with Maria's recipe all those years ago. The joy of cooking, sharing, and savoring delicious food is a gift that keeps on giving, and I am grateful to have discovered it through Tacos Salads.