Name: Beef Taco Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning); 1/4 cup water; 6 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or thawed); 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese; 1/2 cup diced red onion; 1 avocado, diced or sliced; 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional); 1 cup crushed tortilla chips or Fritos; 1/2 cup sour cream (for dressing option); 1/2 cup salsa (for dressing option); 1/2 cup ranch dressing (optional); 2 tbsp taco sauce (optional); Optional Homemade Taco Seasoning: 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp oregano, salt and pepper to taste; Optional Creamy Cilantro-Lime Dressing: 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, juice of 1 lime, 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, 1 clove garlic, salt to taste

Description

A hearty and flavorful Beef Taco Salad made with seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, fresh vegetables, creamy avocado, and crunchy tortilla chips. Perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or meal prep, this Tex-Mex inspired dish is satisfying, customizable, and packed with bold flavor.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning)

1/4 cup water

6 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or thawed)

1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

1/2 cup diced red onion

1 avocado, diced or sliced

1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)

1 cup crushed tortilla chips or Fritos

1/2 cup sour cream (for dressing option)

1/2 cup salsa (for dressing option)

1/2 cup ranch dressing (optional)

2 tbsp taco sauce (optional)

Optional Homemade Taco Seasoning: 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp oregano, salt and pepper to taste

Optional Creamy Cilantro-Lime Dressing: 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, juice of 1 lime, 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, 1 clove garlic, salt to taste

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Instructions

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns. Cook until fully done, then drain excess fat.
Add taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water to the beef. Stir well and simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened and flavorful. Set aside to cool slightly.
If making homemade taco seasoning, mix all seasoning ingredients together before adding to the beef.
If preparing the creamy cilantro-lime dressing, blend all dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate until ready to use.
In a large bowl, layer the chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, shredded cheese, diced red onion, black olives (if using), and avocado.
Spoon the warm taco beef evenly over the salad.
Top with crushed tortilla chips for crunch.
Drizzle with your preferred dressing or serve dressing on the side. Toss lightly and serve immediately.

Notes

For best texture, assemble just before serving to keep lettuce crisp and chips crunchy.

Store components separately for meal prep.

Swap ground beef with ground turkey or shredded chicken for a lighter option.

Skip tortilla chips for a lower-carb version.

Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra spice.

Cooked taco meat can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 520 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 780 mg
Fat: 32 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 7 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg