The Power Wagon Taco from Moe's Southwest Grill features seasoned ground beef, crispy lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and zesty salsa wrapped in a warm, soft flour tortilla, delivering a bold and satisfying southwestern flavor with a perfect blend of fresh and savory ingredients.
Equipments
- Ground beef cooker (grill or stovetop)
- Sauté pan or skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Lettuce shredder or knife
- Tomato dicer or knife
- Cheese shredder or pre-shredded cheese container
- Salsa dispenser or ladle
- Tortilla warmer or steamer
- Assembly prep table
- Food-safe gloves
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup salsa
- 8 soft flour tortillas
When selecting your ground beef for the Power Wagon Taco, choose a lean option to reduce excess grease while maintaining flavor. Fresh, crisp lettuce enhances texture, so wash and shred it just before assembling your tacos. Use ripe tomatoes for a juicy and tangy contrast, dicing them evenly to ensure balanced bites. Shredded cheddar cheese should be finely grated to melt seamlessly or you may opt for pre-shredded cheese for convenience. Your copycat Power Wagon Taco from Moe's Southwest Grill will come together perfectly by layering these carefully prepared ingredients inside warm, soft flour tortillas.
Instructions
- Preheat the beef cooker (grill or stovetop).
- Place ground beef in sauté pan or skillet.
- Cook ground beef thoroughly, breaking it apart with tongs.
- Add taco seasoning to cooked beef and mix well.
- Wash and shred lettuce using lettuce shredder or knife.
- Wash and dice tomatoes with tomato dicer or knife.
- Shred cheddar cheese, or prepare pre-shredded cheese.
- Warm flour tortillas in tortilla warmer or steamer.
- Set up assembly prep table with all ingredients and tools.
- Put on food-safe gloves.
- Lay one warm flour tortilla flat.
- Layer seasoned ground beef on tortilla.
- Add shredded lettuce on top of beef.
- Top with diced tomatoes.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese.
- Drizzle salsa using salsa dispenser or ladle.
- Fold or wrap the tortilla to enclose fillings.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Power Wagon Taco from Moe's Southwest Grill copycat menu combines seasoned ground beef, fresh shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and zesty salsa, all wrapped in a warm, soft flour tortilla for a bold southwestern taste. When ground beef is unavailable, you can substitute with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives to maintain protein content while catering to dietary preferences. If fresh tomatoes are out of season, canned diced tomatoes work well but drain excess liquid to avoid soggy tacos. Use pre-shredded cheese to save preparation time, but freshly shredded cheese often melts better and enhances flavor. Your tortilla warmer or steamer can be replaced with a microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for quick softening before assembly.
Tips
Ensure the ground beef is cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160degF (71degC) to prevent foodborne illness. Your shredded lettuce should be thoroughly washed and dried to maintain crispness and avoid soggy tacos. Warm the flour tortillas just before assembly to keep them soft and flexible, preventing cracks when folding. Use food-safe gloves during assembly to maintain hygiene and avoid cross-contamination.
Nutritions
The Power Wagon Taco provides a balanced mix of protein from seasoned ground beef and calcium from shredded cheddar cheese, supporting muscle health and bone strength. Fresh vegetables like lettuce and tomatoes add dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants beneficial for immune function and digestion. The soft flour tortilla supplies carbohydrates essential for energy, while the zesty salsa contributes low-calorie flavor enhancements with minimal added fat. You can enjoy this taco as a flavorful meal that combines essential nutrients to fuel your day.
Storage
Store leftover Power Wagon Taco ingredients separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Refrigerate ground beef, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and salsa promptly, using each within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety. Reheat the ground beef thoroughly before assembling your taco, and warm tortillas just before serving to preserve texture and flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute ground beef with seasoned shredded chicken or grilled shrimp for a lighter protein option. For a different taste profile, swap cheddar cheese with pepper jack or cotija cheese, which adds a creamy yet spicy element. Adding a spoonful of guacamole or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro elevates freshness and richness. Consider warming tortillas on a dry skillet to achieve a slightly crispy texture before assembly.
Allergies
The Power Wagon Taco contains common allergens such as wheat from the flour tortillas and dairy from the shredded cheddar cheese. Individuals with gluten intolerance or lactose sensitivity should avoid or modify this meal accordingly. Your risk of an allergic reaction increases if you have known allergies to any of these ingredients.
Why this recipe?
The Power Wagon Taco menu from Moe's Southwest Grill is favored for its bold blend of spicy chipotle sauce, tender grilled chicken, and fresh toppings that create a satisfying burst of flavors in every bite. Each taco features perfectly seasoned ingredients layered with hand-shredded cheese, crunchy lettuce, and zesty pico de gallo, enhancing its rich taste and texture variety. You'll appreciate how the combination of smoky, tangy, and savory elements captures the essence of authentic Southwest cuisine, making it a rewarding challenge to replicate at home. Crafting a copycat version allows you to customize the spice levels and ingredient freshness, delivering an equally delicious and personalized taco experience.