Beef Taco Salad (Print Version)
Seasoned ground beef, crisp vegetables, and classic taco toppings combine for a vibrant, hearty, and satisfying dish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Beef
01 - 1 pound lean ground beef
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning or 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/4 cup water
→ Salad Base
06 - 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
07 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
08 - 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
09 - 1 cup corn kernels, fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed
10 - 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
11 - 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
→ Toppings
12 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
13 - 1 avocado, sliced or diced
14 - 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
15 - 1/2 cup sliced black olives
16 - 2 cups tortilla chips, lightly crushed
17 - Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
18 - Lime wedges
# How to Cook:
01 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, for 3–4 minutes until starting to brown.
02 - Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
03 - Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and beef is fully cooked. Remove from heat.
04 - In a large salad bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, black beans, corn, bell pepper, and red onion. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
05 - Top the salad with the warm taco beef mixture. Sprinkle with shredded cheese, add avocado, black olives, and tortilla chips.
06 - Dollop with sour cream or Greek yogurt, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top, and serve with lime wedges on the side. Toss gently just before serving if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It's a complete meal in one bowl, meaning fewer dishes and more time to relax.
- You can customize it endlessly with whatever fresh veggies you have on hand, making it perfect for using up fridge odds and ends.
02 -
- I once neglected to rinse my black beans properly, and the salad ended up with a metallic undertone that was quite disappointing; always rinse them well!
- A little secret I learned is that slightly warming the beef just before serving makes the cheese melt ever so slightly, creating an incredible textural experience.
03 -
- For an extra layer of flavor, toast your taco seasoning in the dry pan for 30 seconds before adding the water.
- Don't be afraid to add a pinch of smoked paprika to your beef mixture; it deepens the flavor wonderfully.