Taco Salad
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Taco Salad
This taco salad turns weeknight ground beef into a fast, satisfying meal piled over crisp lettuce. Seasoned beef, beans, cheese, tomato, and avocado go over greens and tortilla chips, with a creamy lime dressing to finish. Everything cooks in one skillet in about 25 minutes, so it is an easy answer to a busy night.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- 2 cups crushed tortilla chips
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Directions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a splash of water.
- Add the black beans and simmer until heated through, about 3 minutes.
- Spread the romaine across a large platter or bowls.
- Spoon the warm beef and beans over the lettuce.
- Top with the cheddar, tomatoes, avocado, and tortilla chips.
- In a small bowl, whisk the sour cream and lime juice.
- Drizzle the lime dressing over the salad and serve.
Tips and variations
- Drain the browned beef if it is fatty so the salad does not turn greasy.
- Add the tortilla chips just before serving so they stay crisp.
- Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or seasoned black beans for a lighter or meatless version.
- Set out the toppings separately and let everyone build their own bowl.
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Common questions
- Can I make taco salad ahead
- Prep the components ahead, but keep them separate. Assemble just before serving so the lettuce stays crisp and the chips do not go soft.
- How do I keep the chips crunchy
- Add the tortilla chips at the last moment. If you are packing leftovers, store the chips separately and add them when you eat.
- Can I make it vegetarian
- Yes. Skip the beef and double the seasoned black beans, or add seasoned crumbles for a meatless taco salad.
- What dressing works best
- A creamy lime dressing made from sour cream and lime juice is quick and bright. Salsa or ranch also work well.
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