Description
Spice-packed Mexican classic “easy taco salad” delivers fresh flavors and zesty textures in minutes. Crisp lettuce, seasoned ground beef, and crunchy tortilla chips create a quick, satisfying meal perfect for casual dinners you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Meat:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (or ground turkey)
- ½ cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup corn (canned, frozen, or fresh)
Vegetables and Fresh Ingredients:
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- Chopped cilantro
Seasonings, Cheese, and Toppings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning (or homemade mix)
- ¼ cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup tortilla chips, lightly crushed
- Sour cream
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Guacamole
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Warm a spacious skillet on medium temperature, lightly coating the surface with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Crumble ground beef into the heated pan, using a wooden utensil to break down larger chunks while cooking until the meat transforms from pink to a rich, caramel-brown color.
- Carefully tilt the skillet to drain accumulated fat, preserving the meat’s robust texture and flavor profile.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly across the beef, introducing a small amount of water to help distribute the spices and create a vibrant, aromatic coating.
- Allow the seasoned meat mixture to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces and the beef absorbs the zesty seasoning completely.
- Remove the skillet from heat, letting the meat rest momentarily to lock in the intense, southwestern-inspired flavors.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier version of the taco salad.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option that still packs amazing flavor.
- Season the meat thoroughly by using homemade taco seasoning to control salt levels and customize the spice profile for your taste buds.
- Allow the meat to rest for a few minutes after cooking to help redistribute the juices and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg