Value Taco Salad from Del Taco features seasoned ground beef, fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and crunchy tortilla strips, all layered in a crisp taco shell bowl for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Equipments
- Mixing bowl
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese grater
- Skillet or frying pan
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Salad bowl (for assembly)
- Taco shell bowl mold (optional, for shaping shell)
- Baking sheet (if crisping shell in oven)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crunchy tortilla strips
- 1 large taco shell bowl
When selecting ingredients for your Value Taco Salad from Del Taco, choose fresh, crisp lettuce and ripe, juicy tomatoes to enhance flavor and texture. Use a high-quality taco seasoning blend to season the ground beef evenly, ensuring a well-balanced taste. Opt for sharp cheddar cheese and crunchy, fresh tortilla strips to maintain the salad's signature crunch and richness. You can substitute with a ready-made taco shell bowl if you don't have a mold, but crisping it in the oven will help retain its structure. Your homemade copycat Value Taco Salad from Del Taco will deliver the same satisfying taste and texture as the original restaurant favorite.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
- Add ground beef to skillet and cook, breaking apart with spatula, until browned.
- Drain excess fat from cooked beef.
- Stir in taco seasoning and mix well; cook for 1–2 minutes more.
- Prepare lettuce: rinse, dry, and shred with chef’s knife on cutting board.
- Dice tomatoes with chef’s knife.
- Grate cheddar cheese using cheese grater, if not pre-shredded.
- If using homemade taco shell bowl, shape tortilla over taco shell bowl mold; bake on baking sheet until crisp.
- Place crisp taco shell bowl (store-bought or homemade) on salad bowl or plate.
- Layer shredded lettuce evenly inside taco shell bowl.
- Add warm seasoned ground beef over lettuce.
- Top with diced tomatoes and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Sprinkle crunchy tortilla strips over the top.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Value Taco Salad from Del Taco copycat menu uses seasoned ground beef, fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and crunchy tortilla strips served in a crispy taco shell bowl. If you don't have a taco shell bowl mold, you can shape taco shells over an upside-down oven-safe bowl and bake until crisp. Ground turkey or plant-based meat can be substituted for ground beef to accommodate dietary preferences. To save time, pre-shredded lettuce and cheese are convenient options, but freshly shredded cheddar offers better flavor and texture. Your salad remains flavorful by layering ingredients just before serving to keep the shell crisp and the toppings fresh.
Tips
Make sure to drain excess fat after cooking the ground beef to avoid a greasy taco salad. When shredding lettuce, thoroughly dry it with paper towels or a salad spinner to prevent sogginess in your salad. If you opt to make your own taco shell bowl, use a mold and bake tortillas on a baking sheet until golden and crisp for the perfect texture. Remember to assemble your salad right before serving to keep the tortilla strips crunchy and your ingredients fresh.
Nutritions
Your Value Taco Salad from Del Taco provides a balanced combination of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins from its seasoned ground beef, fresh lettuce, and diced tomatoes. The cheddar cheese adds calcium and healthy fats, while the crunchy tortilla strips contribute carbohydrates for energy. One serving typically contains around 450 calories, with significant amounts of protein (about 25g) and fat (approximately 28g). Including this meal in your diet can satisfy hunger while delivering key nutrients for a nutritious and flavorful experience.
Storage
Store any leftover seasoned ground beef in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. Keep shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese in separate sealed containers to prevent moisture buildup and sogginess. Your crunchy tortilla strips and taco shell bowl should be stored at room temperature in airtight containers to preserve their crispness.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap ground beef for seasoned ground turkey or grilled chicken breast to reduce fat while keeping protein content high. For extra freshness, try adding sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream to balance the savory flavors. Instead of store-bought taco shell bowls, bake your own using corn tortillas shaped over a mold to control crispiness and taste. Consider mixing in black beans or corn kernels with the beef for added fiber and a boost of color.
Allergies
The Value Taco Salad from Del Taco contains common allergens such as dairy from shredded cheddar cheese and potential gluten in the crunchy tortilla strips and taco shell bowl. Ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning may also include spices or additives that could trigger sensitivities in some individuals. If you have allergies to dairy, gluten, or specific seasonings, it is important to check ingredient details before enjoying your meal.
Why this recipe?
The Value Taco Salad at Del Taco stands out for its fresh ingredients, flavorful seasoned beef, and generous portions that satisfy cravings without overspending. Its crispy taco shell bowl filled with crunchy lettuce, shredded cheese, beans, and zesty salsa creates a balanced, crave-worthy meal. You can recreate this popular dish at home to customize flavors and control ingredient quality, making it a delicious and affordable option. Trying the copycat recipe allows you to enjoy the same satisfying taste while experimenting with your favorite toppings.