Best 3 Southwestern Flavored Ground Beef Or Turkey For Tacos Salad Recipes

Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant Southwest with our specially curated collection of ground beef or turkey recipes, perfect for tacos and salads. These versatile dishes are a symphony of flavors, combining the bold and smoky essence of the region with the freshness of crisp vegetables. From the classic Beef Taco Salad to the zesty Turkey and Black Bean Tacos, each recipe offers a unique taste adventure. Whether you prefer the robust flavor of beef or the leaner option of turkey, our recipes cater to your preference. Dive into the tantalizing world of Southwestern cuisine and elevate your meals to new heights of deliciousness.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

TURKEY TACO SALAD

Turkey Taco Salad image

I discovered this taco salad while I was on a health kick. My husband and I love it now. When I served it at a family birthday party, everyone eagerly asked for the recipe. -Angela Matson, Amboy, Washington

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

12 ounces ground turkey
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
1 small sweet yellow pepper, chopped
1/3 cup chopped onion
3 garlic cloves, minced
1-1/2 cups salsa
1/2 cup canned kidney beans, rinsed and drained
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
8 cups torn romaine
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
Optional toppings: chopped tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips

Steps:

In a large skillet, cook turkey, peppers, onion and garlic over medium heat 6-8 minutes or until turkey is no longer pink and vegetables are tender, breaking up turkey into crumbles; drain., Stir in salsa, beans, chili powder and cumin; heat through., Divide romaine among four plates. Top with turkey mixture; sprinkle with cilantro and toppings of your choice. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 275 calories, Fat 13g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 58mg cholesterol, Sodium 525mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

SOUTHWESTERN TACO SALAD

Southwestern Taco Salad image

I came across this recipe while spending a winter in Arizona. Now as soon as we return home each spring, our grandchildren are waiting for me to make these refreshing salads. To save time, bake the salad shells in the morning. Cool: store in an airtight container.-Betty Johnson, Olympia, Washington

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 45m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

2 packages (5.6 ounces each) refrigerated taco salad shells
3 bacon strips, diced
1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
2 large onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin, optional
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
8 cups shredded lettuce
Toppings: chopped tomatoes, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, olives

Steps:

Prepare taco salad shells according to package directions; set aside. , In a large skillet, cook bacon until crisp; remove with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. In the drippings, cook beef, onions, garlic and seasonings over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Stir in tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in beans; heat through., Spoon about 1/3 cup meat mixture into each salad shell. Top with the lettuce and remaining meat mixture; sprinkle with bacon. Serve with toppings of your choice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 313 calories, Fat 15g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 38mg cholesterol, Sodium 732mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 17g protein.

BEEF TENDERLOIN WITH SOUTHWESTERN-STYLE SAUCE

Beef Tenderloin With Southwestern-Style Sauce image

This versatile Southwestern -Style Sauce, with its zesty blend of black peppercorns and Creole mustard is a perfect match for beef tenderloin. Serve with Tarragon Green Beans and Jalapeno Jack Polenta for a perfect meal.

Provided by NcMysteryShopper

Categories Steak

Time 35m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

3 lbs beef tenderloin, Trimmed
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, Minced
3 tablespoons shallots, Minced
1 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 tablespoons creole mustard
1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns, Crushed
2 cups chicken broth
3 tablespoons real maple syrup
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
2 3/4 teaspoons dried cilantro or 2 1/2 teaspoons fresh cilantro, Chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons jalapenos, Finely Diced

Steps:

Trim the beef and cut into eight ½-inch thick medallions, about 6 ounces each.
Season the medallions with Salt and Pepper and brush with Olive Oil; Cover and refrigerate until needed.
Heat ½ Tablespoon of the Oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Sauté the Garlic and Shallots until aromatic, 1-2 minutes; add Tomato Paste and cook until slightly browned, about 2 minutes; add the Mustard, Black Peppercorns, Chicken Broth, Maple Syrup, Vinegar, Salt and Pepper; Simmer until mixture reduces to a sauce consistency, about 10 minutes.
Heat the Oil in a skillet on medium-high heat; sauté the medallions to the desired doneness, 1 ½ minutes for the first side and approximately 1 minute for the second side for medium.
Finish the sauce with the Cilantro and serve over the Tenderloin.
Garnish with the Jalapeno.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 567, Fat 38.4, SaturatedFat 14.1, Cholesterol 146.2, Sodium 817.5, Carbohydrate 7.6, Fiber 0.5, Sugar 5.3, Protein 44.8

Tips:

Utilize a large skillet or griddle: To ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding, it's crucial to use a large skillet or griddle when browning the ground beef or turkey. This will help achieve a nice, even sear and prevent steaming.

Don't overcrowd the pan: When cooking the ground beef or turkey, avoid overcrowding the pan as this will result in steaming instead of browning. Cook the meat in batches if necessary to prevent this issue.

Season the meat generously: To infuse the meat with flavor, season it generously with the taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt and pepper before cooking. This will ensure a flavorful and well-seasoned dish.

Drain excess grease: Once the meat is cooked, drain any excess grease from the pan. This will help reduce the fat content and give the dish a cleaner taste.

Use fresh ingredients for the salad: To create a vibrant and refreshing salad, use fresh ingredients such as crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and flavorful cilantro. Fresh ingredients will elevate the overall taste and texture of the dish.

Customize to your liking: Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your preferences. Add additional spices for a bolder flavor, adjust the amount of cheese or sour cream for your desired level of richness, and include your favorite taco toppings such as guacamole, salsa, or pico de gallo.

Conclusion:

This versatile recipe for Southwestern-flavored ground beef or turkey offers a delicious and adaptable base for a variety of meals, including tacos, salads, and more. By following the tips provided, you can create a flavorful and enjoyable dish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a fun and festive dish for a party, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and let's get cooking!