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Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Salad Tacos


Recipe slightly adapted from The Pioneer Woman


I don't like Mr. Darcy.

I was watching the old Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth a couple days ago and thought to myself, "Self, Mr. Darcy is really not all that great!"

I know this is considered absolutely bonkers by 99.99% of the female population.

But ladies, c'mon! If a man basically called you butt-ugly would you give him a second chance? I think not.  No matter how loaded he was.  Maybe Elizabeth was just a gold digger.........

But I digress,  this post is not about Darcy, this is about TACOS!!!!!!!!!!

And not just any tacos.  These are The Pioneer Woman Salad Tacos.  And oh. my. gosh.  They are divine.

I have made these many, many times since I first discovered this recipe and I can tell that I will probably make it about a million more times.  It is that good.  No joke.

I know they don't look like much.  In fact, I know they look a little gross with that nasty looking dressing but let me tell you class.  That sauce MAKES the tacos. 

I've made these tacos for different groups of people and recommended the recipe to a family member and all of them LOVE it.  You gotta try it!



Salad Tacos:
Makes about 10 tacos

1 lb beef (Any fat ratio you prefer)
A package of taco shells (I would get 2 because you may need to start the second one)
2 T. taco seasoning
1 can (2 ounces) tomato paste
Salt to taste
1 can (14.5 ounce) dark red kidney beans, undrained (you can use any bean but this is my personal favorite)
1/4 c. hot water
1 head green leaf lettuce, sliced into thin strands
Package of grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise
Desired amount of cheddar cheese, grated

Dressing:

1/4 c. mayo (I use light)
1/4 c. sour cream (I use light)
1/4 c. salsa
1 T. ranch dressing mix

Heat your taco shells according to package directions (we love the Stand 'N Stuff shells).  Set aside.

Mix together all dressing ingredients and let chill in fridge till you're ready to eat.  You may want to add a little more of something so make sure after it's combined you taste it to adjust to what you like.

Brown the beef in a pan.  Drain excess fat if necessary.  Add taco seasoning, tomato paste, beans and hot water.  Stir to combine till it gets all saucy and amazing.  Salt to taste.  Taste beef  mixture and add more of something if you like.

Build your tacos!

* After becoming an expert in building tacos I have come to realize that placing the dressing towards the bottom of the shell helps it to not contribute to as much spillage.  Just a tip from the expert.  *