¼cupfinely shredded cheddar cheeseolive oil for plain shells
Grilled Steak
8ouncesirloin steakor steak of your choice
1Tablespoontaco seasoningor spice rub of your choice
To Assemble Salad
½cupblack beansor beans of your choice
½cupcilantro-lime rice
1heart romaine lettucethinly sliced/shredded
½cuppico de galloor salsa of your choice
½cupguacamole
2Tablespoonschopped cilantro
2wedgeslime
2Tablespoonscojita cheesefinely grated/shredded
dressing of your choiceI used Cilantro-Lime
Instructions
To make the Tortilla Bowls
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place tortillas on a parchment lined baking sheet and sprinkle with grated cheddar cheese.
Bake for 3 to 4 minutes until the cheese is melted but still tortilla is still pliable.
Carefully lift the tortillas off the baking sheet and slide them into tortilla shell molds*.
Bump the oven temperature up to 400 degrees. Return baking sheet to the oven and bake until shells are crispy, about 3 to 5 more minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.
Grilled Steak
Coat both sides of the steak with spice rub.
Cook steak on preheated grill until cooked to your desired doneness. This will take 5 to 10 minutes depending on thickness of steak. Alternate cooking options - cook in a cast iron pan on the stove, or in the oven until cooked to your liking.
Remove from grill, cover with foil and set aside to rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
To Assemble the Salad
Place a tortilla shell on a serving plate.
Add 1/4 cup of beans (black/pinto/refried). Top with 1/4 cup of rice.
Thinly slice the steak and place 1/2 of the slices on top of the rice. Add the shredded lettuce, then the pico de gallo.
Top with guacamole and chopped cilantro. Sprinkle with cojita cheese and add a lime wedge.
Serve with Creamy Cilantro-Lime Dressing (or dressing of your choice) on the side.
Notes
The cheddar cheese on the tortilla shells if optional. The tortilla shells are delicious plain as well.
*If you do not have tortilla shell pans; place the cheesey tortillas into a small oven-safe bowls, or 6-inch cake pans and bake until crispy.
To make plain shells without shell pans; rub an oven-safe bowl with one teaspoon of oil and place upside down on a baking sheet. Bake in 350 degree oven until crispy. You can also spray a tortilla with olive oil spray and place upright, inside an oven-safe bowl. Place on a baking sheet and and bake until crispy.
To save time purchase pre-made salsa and guacamole.
Cojita cheese is an aged cheese that is salty and smells a lot like Parmesan. Feel free to substitute Queso Fresco, Monterrey Jack or Pepper-Jack cheese if you prefer.