Taco Salad with Ground Beef and Salsa
Fresh, bold, and bursting with flavor this Taco Salad with Ground Beef and Salsa is the perfect quick and satisfying meal! Loaded with seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy tortilla chips, and zesty salsa, this easy taco salad recipe delivers all your favorite Mexican-inspired flavors in one bowl.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade: 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, pinch of cayenne)
- ½ cup water
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup tortilla chips, lightly crushed
For the Salsa Dressing:
- ½ cup salsa (mild or spicy, your choice)
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 6–7 minutes. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer until thickened, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together salsa, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, arrange lettuce as the base. Add tomatoes, beans, corn, bell pepper, onion, and cheese.
- Add Beef u0026 Toppings: Top with seasoned ground beef, avocado, and crushed tortilla chips.
- Finish u0026 Serve: Drizzle with salsa dressing. Toss gently or serve dressing on the side.