Taco Bell Taco Salad Recipe

This is not your average taco salad—Taco Bell’s is packed with layers of crunch, spice, and creamy goodness!

The crispy tortilla bowl is key for this copycat, and getting it just right makes the whole salad taste better.

I always bake mine instead of frying to keep it sturdy without being greasy.

Seasoned beef, cool lettuce, shredded cheese, and fresh tomatoes create the base, but the best part is the zesty sauce drizzled over the top.

A mix of sour cream, salsa, and a little taco seasoning brings everything together.

For extra crunch, I add crushed tortilla chips right before serving—never too early, or they get soggy.

How to Make Taco Bell Taco Salad

Ingredients

• 1 lb. Ground Beef
• 1 packet Taco Seasoning
• 1 cup Black Beans (drained)
• 2 cups Lettuce (chopped)
• 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup Rice (cooked)
• 1 cup Salsa
• 1 Avocado (sliced)
• 1 cup Sour Cream
• 1 Tomato (diced)
• Tortilla Bowls

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Cook the ground beef over medium heat in a skillet.

Once it’s browned, drain excess fat.

Add the taco seasoning and 2/3 cup of water, then let simmer for about 5 minutes.

Step 2:

While the beef cooks, prepare the rice according to its package instructions.

Use your choice of white or brown rice.

Keep warm for later use.

Step 3:

In a separate bowl, mix the drained black beans and cooked rice together.

This will serve as a base layer in the tortilla bowls.

Step 4:

Set up your tortilla bowls.

Layer the beans and rice first, followed by the beef mixture.

Then add the chopped lettuce, diced tomato, and avocado slices.

Step 5:

Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa to taste.

Serve immediately for freshest flavor, allowing all toppings to mingle.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Prevent Soggy Shells

Make sure to serve your taco salad immediately after assembling to keep the tortilla shells crunchy.

Customize the Heat

You can easily adjust the spice level by choosing a mild or hot salsa and mixing in additional chili steps if you wish for extra kick.

Bean Options

For a slightly different flavor profile, try using pinto beans instead of black beans in your salad.

Prepare in Advance

You can prepare all toppings ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge, making assembly a breeze when you’re ready for dinner.

Extra Nutrition

Incorporating additional veggies such as bell peppers or corn can add more flavor and nutrients to the salad.

Feel free to share any additional tricks you’ve discovered in your own kitchen for making this dish just the way you like it!

What to Serve with Taco Bell Taco Salad

Chips and Salsa

You can’t go wrong with the classic combo of chips and salsa to accompany your Taco Bell Taco Salad.

The crunchy texture of tortilla chips pairs well with the freshness of the salad.

You can even spice things up by choosing a variety of salsas, from mild to extra hot!

Guacamole

Guacamole is a creamy and delicious addition that enhances the flavors of your taco salad.

Its rich texture complements the ground beef and vegetables perfectly.

A scoop of this avocado goodness can turn your meal into something special.

Black Bean Soup

If you’re looking for something to warm you up, black bean soup is a great choice.

The earthy flavors and hearty consistency balance nicely with the crispness of the salad.

Serve it as a starter or on the side for a comforting meal.

Elote

Elote, also known as Mexican street corn, offers a burst of flavor with its unique seasoning.

Grilled corn covered in mayonnaise, lime juice, and chili powder perfectly complements the freshness of the salad.

This is a side dish that adds both color and zest to your plate.

Cucumber Mint Salad

Try something refreshing like a cucumber mint salad for a unique side dish.

The coolness of the cucumber combined with mint creates a light and invigorating contrast to your taco salad.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Choices

One of my favorite parts about this recipe is the flexibility with proteins such as chicken or beef.

If you’re looking for something lighter, you might want to go with cooked chicken sprinkled with taco seasoning.

You can also use seasoned ground beef for a classic approach, which adds a hearty texture.

Vegetarian Options

For a vegetarian twist, consider using black beans or refried beans as your protein source.

Adding extra vegetables like bell peppers can boost both flavor and color.

These variations offer a nutritious base for your salad.

Dressings and Toppings

You can create your own dressing using a mix of lime juice and your favorite creamy dressing.

Don’t forget toppings like shredded cheese and sour cream for added richness.

Fresh veggies such as tomatoes and lettuce add a refreshing crunch.

Spicing It Up

Feel free to adjust the level of spice in your salad by mixing in jalapeños or chili flakes.

If you’re keen on a smoky flavor profile, try adding a touch of chipotle sauce.

How to Store Leftover Taco Bell Taco Salad

When it comes to storing leftover Taco Bell Taco Salad, airtight containers are your best friends.

Perfect Storage Time

You’ll want to transfer your salad to an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Typically, it will stay good for two to three days in the refrigerator.

Handling the Ingredients Separately

Separating the components is a must, especially the tortilla bowl and toppings.

Keep the tortilla bowl separate from the moist ingredients to maintain its crispiness.

Toppings like tomatoes and lettuce should have their own space to prevent sogginess.

Protection from Spoilage

Keep the salad in a cool spot in your refrigerator, away from strong-smelling foods.

This prevents any cross-odor contamination which can affect the taste of your delicious meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overloading with Ingredients

One common mistake when making a Taco Bell taco salad is adding too many ingredients at once.

It’s tempting to pile everything in, but this can cause the salad to be soggy and overpower the flavors.

Keep it simple by balancing the protein, veggies, and toppings.

Ignoring Ingredient Quality

Using the freshest ingredients makes a huge difference in taste.

Choosing fresh vegetables and quality meat will give you better flavors for your salad.

You don’t want your salad’s taste compromised, so avoid any ingredients that might be past their prime.

Skipping Resting Time

After cooking the meat, it’s important to let it rest for a bit before adding it to the salad.

Skipping this step could cause the lettuce to wilt quickly due to the heat.

So, allow the meat to cool slightly to keep your salad fresh and crisp.