This Loaded Beef Taco Salad is a vibrant, hearty dish perfect for any meal. Packed with seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, crunchy tortilla chips, and a creamy lime cilantro dressing, it’s a delightful explosion of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side dish, this salad is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (90% lean)
- 1.25-ounce packet taco seasoning, divided (I use reduced sodium, medium heat)
- ¼ cup water
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 or 2 medium tomatoes, diced (Roma, vine-ripened, or cherry tomatoes can be used)
- 1 medium ripe Hass avocado, peeled and diced
- 1 cup Mexican shredded cheese blend
- 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed
- ¾ cup corn (frozen or fresh)
- ¾ cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (lite is okay)
- ¼ cup sour cream (lite or plain Greek yogurt can be substituted)
- 3 to 4 tablespoons lime juice, or as needed for flavor and consistency
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely minced
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up and stirring frequently, until browned.
- Once browned, optionally drain the fat (if necessary). Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the taco seasoning over the beef, add ¼ cup water, and simmer over medium heat for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Salad:
- On a large platter or in a large bowl, layer the romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, corn, black beans, and the cooked beef.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and the remaining taco seasoning. Whisk until smooth.
- Stir in the minced cilantro. Adjust the consistency with additional lime juice if needed. Taste the dressing and add granulated sugar if a touch of sweetness is desired.
- Combine and Serve:
- Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad. Toss gently to combine all ingredients. Serve immediately.
Tips
- Beef Options: You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or red onions.
- Make Ahead: The dressing can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Keep the salad ingredients separate until ready to serve to prevent sogginess.
- Serving Suggestion: This salad pairs wonderfully with a side of guacamole and some extra tortilla chips for added crunch.
Enjoy this delicious, easy-to-make salad that combines the best of taco flavors with a refreshing salad twist!
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