Taco Salad with Ground Beef and Salsa -

Taco Salad with Ground Beef and Salsa

Elina James

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Salads

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4 servings

Calories 300 kcal

For the Taco Beef:
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80–90% lean)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade*)
¼ cup water
Salt and pepper, to taste
(*Homemade taco seasoning: 1 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp cumin, ½ tsp paprika, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp oregano, pinch of cayenne pepper.)
For the Salad:
6 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 avocado, diced
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
Crushed tortilla chips or strips, for topping
For the Salsa Dressing:
½ cup salsa (mild, medium, or spicy — your choice)
¼ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp chili powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
(Whisk together until smooth and creamy.)

Step 1: Cook the Taco Beef : Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in taco seasoning and water, then simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Salsa Dressing : In a small bowl, whisk together salsa, sour cream, lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust the flavor with more lime juice or spice as desired. Chill until ready to serve.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad : In a large salad bowl or individual plates, arrange a base of chopped lettuce. Add black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, avocado, cheese, and onion. Spoon the warm taco beef mixture over the top. Drizzle with salsa dressing. Garnish with crushed tortilla chips and fresh cilantro if desired.
Step 4: Toss and Serve : Toss lightly just before serving to coat everything evenly with the dressing. Serve immediately while the beef is still warm for the best flavor and texture.