This Taco Salad is loaded with seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, shredded cheese, crunchy tortilla chips, and your favorite taco toppings. It's fresh, flavorful, and perfect for a quick lunch or easy family dinner.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy 30-minute meal
- Loaded with fresh ingredients
- Great for meal prep
- Family-friendly
- Perfect for Taco Tuesday
- Customizable toppings
Ingredients
Taco Meat
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Salad
- 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 avocado, diced
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- ½ cup red onion, diced
- 2 cups crushed tortilla chips
Dressing
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup salsa
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
Step 1
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook ground beef until browned.
Drain excess grease.
Step 2
Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook for 2 minutes.
Step 3
In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, salsa, and lime juice.
Step 4
In a large serving bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, avocado, olives, and red onion.
Step 5
Top with warm taco meat.
Step 6
Add crushed tortilla chips.
Step 7
Drizzle with dressing and toss before serving.
Storage
Store salad and dressing separately for best results.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make taco salad ahead of time?
Yes. Keep the dressing and chips separate until serving.
What meat works best?
Ground beef is classic, but chicken or turkey work well too.
Can I use bottled dressing?
Yes, Catalina dressing and avocado ranch are popular options.