Red meat certainly has a place in a healthy diet. It’s an excellent source of complete protein and contains several essential vitamins (like B12) and minerals (like iron). When purchasing, opt for organic always and ideally grass-fed. If they don’t have grass-fed, organic and pasture raised is next best thing! This recipe is delicious and comes together quickly and if you don’t love red meat you can sub in ground turkey, chicken or crumbled tofu!

Ground beef taco salad
Serves 3-4

Ingredients

for the beef:
1 pound organic grass-fed beef or turkey
avocado oil or extra-virgin olive oil
1 packet taco seasoning (such as Siete or Simply Organic)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/4 cup filtered water

for the dressing:
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon honey
pinch fine sea salt

to serve:
thinly shredded romaine lettuce
pickled jalapenos (store bought, such as Jeff’s Garden)
pickled red onions (optional - we love this easy method)
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
2 radishes, thinly sliced (optional)
grain-free or organic corn tortilla chips (such as Siete)
organic salsa
sliced avocado (~1/4 – 1/2 per serving)

Directions

1. If you’re making pickled red onions, do that first so they can pickle while you prepare everything else.

2. Next, make the dressing: combine all ingredients in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously to combine. Set aside.

3. Prepare the beef (or turkey): add 1 teaspoon of the oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon.

4. Cook the beef, stirring and breaking apart often, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Add the taco seasoning, tomato paste, and water and stir to until the meat is coated in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and allow to cook until the sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes longer.

5. Toss romaine with 2-3 tablespoons of the dressing and divide amongst bowls. Assemble bowls with beef (~3-6 ounces per serving) and remaining ingredients: halved cherry tomatoes, jalapenos, avocado, a few crumbled tortilla chips and salsa, if using. Mix everything together and enjoy immediately!