Introduction
Taco salad is a beloved favorite, combining the best elements of Mexican cuisine into a colorful and satisfying dish. Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner or a fun meal for a gathering, this Easy & Classic Taco Salad recipe hits all the right notes. With seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and the perfect crunch from Doritos, this recipe is not only easy to make but also highly customizable to suit your taste preferences.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 2 lbs. ground beef
– 1 tsp. sea salt
– 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
– 1 tsp. chili powder
– 1 tsp. cumin
– 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp. onion powder
– 1 head romaine lettuce (or 2 romaine hearts)
– 2 cups sliced cucumber
– 8 oz. grape or cherry tomatoes
– 4 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
– Zesty French dressing (Western, Catalina, etc.)
– Nacho cheese Doritos for serving
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Yield
Serves 6-8
Instructions
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon. Mix in the tomato paste, sea salt, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of water. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes or until the beef is thoroughly cooked.
While the beef is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Wash and thinly slice the romaine lettuce, cut the tomatoes in half, and shred the cheddar cheese if needed.
In a large bowl or on a plate, layer the lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and black beans. Then, top it with the cooked beef mixture. Drizzle zesty dressing over the salad, add the shredded cheese, and finish with crushed Nacho cheese Doritos or any other desired toppings. Enjoy this delightful and easy taco salad that is sure to please!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Step 2: Season the Beef
Add the tomato paste, sea salt, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder to the skillet. Mix everything well. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of water. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the beef is fully cooked.
Step 3: Prepare the Lettuce
While the beef is cooking, wash the romaine lettuce. Thinly slice or chop the lettuce according to your preference.
Step 4: Prep the Tomatoes
Wash the grape or cherry tomatoes and cut them in half.
Step 5: Shred the Cheese
If necessary, shred the sharp cheddar cheese to prepare it for topping.
Step 6: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl or on a plate, start layering the ingredients: Begin with a base of lettuce, followed by the sliced cucumbers, halved tomatoes, and drained black beans.
Step 7: Add the Beef
Top the layered salad with the cooked beef mixture.
Step 8: Finalize the Presentation
Drizzle the zesty French dressing over the salad. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and crushed nacho cheese Doritos, along with any other desired toppings.
Notes
Ingredient Variations
Feel free to add other toppings such as sliced jalapeños, avocados, or olives for extra flavor and texture.
Storage Tips
This taco salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate if possible to maintain freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve immediately for the best taste, or prepare the components ahead of time to assemble right before serving.
Cook techniques
1. Browning ground beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it begins to brown, using a spoon to break it apart into smaller pieces for even cooking.
2. Seasoning the meat
Once the beef is browned, add tomato paste and seasonings (sea salt, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder) to enhance the flavor. Mix thoroughly to ensure the meat is evenly coated.
3. Cooking through
Continue to cook the beef mixture for an additional 3-4 minutes until it is fully cooked and the flavors meld together. If the mixture appears dry, you can add a splash of water for moisture.
4. Preparing fresh ingredients
While the meat is cooking, wash and prepare the fresh ingredients. Thinly slice the lettuce, cut the tomatoes in half, and shred the cheese if needed to maintain freshness and crispness.
5. Layering the salad
In a large bowl or plate, layer the prepared ingredients starting with the lettuce, followed by cucumbers, tomatoes, and black beans. This method provides an appealing presentation and balanced flavors.
6. Topping and serving
Top the salad with the cooked beef mixture, drizzle the desired zesty dressing, and finish with shredded cheddar cheese and crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos for added texture.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative if you prefer a lighter or vegetarian option.
How can I make this taco salad healthier?
To make a healthier version, use lean ground beef or turkey, opt for low-fat cheese, and add more vegetables such as bell peppers or avocados.
Is it possible to prepare this salad in advance?
While the ingredients can be prepped ahead of time, it is best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp and avoid sogginess from the dressing.
Can I customize the toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize toppings based on your preferences; popular additions include salsa, jalapeños, corn, or guacamole.
What type of dressing works best with taco salad?
Zesty dressings like French, Catalina, or a homemade vinaigrette complement the flavors of taco salad well, but you can choose based on your taste preferences.
Conclusion
The Easy & Classic Taco Salad is a delightful and versatile dish that brings together the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and crunchy toppings. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a casual dinner and can easily be tailored to suit various dietary preferences. Whether enjoyed as is or dressed up with additional toppings, this salad is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your family or guests.
Layered Taco Dip
Combine layers of refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa with your favorite cheese for a tasty dip served with tortilla chips.
Chicken Taco Salad
Swap the ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken and add avocado slices for a lighter option.
Vegetarian Taco Salad
Use black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers instead of beef for a hearty vegetarian version that is packed with flavor.
Spicy Southwest Salad
Incorporate jalapeños, corn, and a spicy ranch dressing to give your taco salad an extra kick.
Quinoa Taco Salad
Replace the meat with cooked quinoa for a healthy grain option that still delivers on taste and texture.
Taco Salad Wraps
Use large lettuce leaves to wrap your taco salad ingredients for a fun and low-carb alternative.
Supreme Nacho Salad
Include nacho cheese sauce over your taco salad for a cheesy twist that pairs well with the crunch of Doritos.