Flexible Tacos and Taco Salad Recipe

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Tacos, taco salad, vegetarian, or not—the choice is yours! Enjoy all of the flavors you love while still filling your plate with vegetables, quality protein, and healthy fats. Taco Tuesday just got a little bit healthier… and more flexible! 

4
1 pound 100% grass-fed ground beef or Beyond Meat Crumbles®, or ground bison/buffalo, venison, elk, yak, or ostrich
1 package taco seasoning mix, or use the simple homemade seasoning mix (recipe below)
1 (12-pack) Natural Grocers Brand Organic Corn Taco Shells, 1 bag Natural Grocers Brand Organic Corn Tortilla Chips, or a combination
1 head organic romaine lettuce, thinly sliced crosswise
2 organic tomatoes, diced
2 organic avocados, diced
1 cup prepared organic salsa of your choice
8 ounces organic sour cream
1 (6-ounce) package Natural Grocers Brand Organic Mexican Blend Cheese Shreds
  Topping ideas:, shredded carrot, thinly sliced radishes, sliced black olives, diced red onion, pickled jalapenos, chopped cilantro
Simple homemade taco seasoning (enought for 1 pound filling)
1 tablespoon Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Organic Salt-Free Chili Powder
1 teaspoon Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Organic Onion Powder
1 teaspoon Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Organic Garlic Granules
1 teaspoon Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Organic Cumin Powder
1⁄2 teaspoon sea salt
  1. If using taco shells, preheat oven to 350° F.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook until mostly browned, breaking up the beef as you go, about 7 minutes.
  3. Reduce heat to medium-low and drain excess fat from the ground beef, leaving some juices. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the browned ground beef in the skillet and add 3 tablespoons of water. Mix well and continue to cook until no pink is left, about 3 minutes.
  4. If using Beyond Meat Crumbles, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot add one tablespoon of olive oil, swirl to coat the pan, and add the crumbles. Cook, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes before adding the spice mixture and 4-5 tablespoons of water. Stir well, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and allow the mixture to cook. For an even easier option, choose the already-seasoned Beyond Meat Feisty Crumbles and simply follow the package directions.
  5. While meat continues to cook, place the taco shells on a baking sheet and place in the preheated oven for about 3 minutes to warm.
  6. For tacos: Fill each shell with a heaping tablespoon of taco meat and add your choice of toppings.
  7. For taco salad: Fill a bowl with a large handful of lettuce, placing tortilla chips around the edges. Add your choice of toppings.

Tips for What to Do With Excess Ingredients: excess salsa can be eaten with excess tortilla chips as a snack or appetizer.

Source: Lani Jacobs-Banner