Description
This Taco Salad features seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, creamy avocado, and crunchy tortilla chips, all topped with sour cream and salsa. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to gatherings with friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning)
- 1 cup water
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet, if necessary.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef and pour in the water. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
- While the beef is cooking, prepare the salad base. In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes, corn, and black beans to the bowl with the lettuce.
- Gently toss the salad ingredients together until well combined.
- In a large serving bowl or individual bowls, start by layering the salad base at the bottom.
- Evenly distribute the cooked beef mixture over the salad base.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
- Add the diced avocado on top of the cheese.
- Drizzle sour cream and salsa over the entire salad. You can adjust the amount based on your preference.
- Finally, sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips on top for added crunch.
- If desired, garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor and color.
Notes
- Serve the taco salad immediately while the beef is warm and the tortilla chips are crispy.
- For a family-style meal, place the salad in the center of the table and allow everyone to serve themselves.
- For meal prep, store the beef mixture and salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes