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Healthy Beef Taco Salad Bowls - Fresh, Flavorful, and Satisfying

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the Beef: 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef (90–93% lean)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional if beef is very lean)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons water or low-sodium beef broth
  • For the Salad: 6 cups chopped romaine or a mix of romaine and spring greens
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 English cucumber, diced
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 large avocado, sliced or diced
  • 1/3 cup shredded sharp cheddar or cotija (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro and lime wedges, for serving
  • A handful of baked tortilla strips or crushed whole-grain tortilla chips (optional crunch)
  • For the Dressing: 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or 5%)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 small garlic clove, grated (or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2–3 tablespoons water to thin, as needed

Method
 

  1. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk the Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, honey, chili powder, cumin, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Add water a little at a time until it’s pourable but still creamy. Set aside.
  2. Prep the veggies: Chop the lettuce, slice the tomatoes, dice the pepper and cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion. Rinse and drain the black beans. If using canned corn, drain it; if frozen, thaw it.
  3. Cook the aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil if your beef is very lean. Sauté the diced onion for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes. Spoon off any excess fat if needed.
  5. Season it up: Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the tomato sauce and water. Simmer 2–3 minutes, stirring, until saucy and well-coated. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Assemble the bowls: Divide lettuce among bowls. Top with warm seasoned beef, black beans, corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion.
  7. Add the finishing touches: Spoon on the dressing. Add avocado and cheese if using. Sprinkle with cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a handful of tortilla strips for crunch.
  8. Serve: Enjoy right away while the beef is warm and the greens are crisp.