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The Best Taco Salad Recipe (2 Ways!)

The Best Taco Salad Recipe (2 Ways!)

A crisp, colorful taco salad with seasoned ground beef or a hearty bean-and-corn filling. Serve the toppings separately until mealtime for the freshest texture.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

Classic Ground-Beef Salad
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 1 pound Ground beef, preferably 80–90% lean
  • 1 packet, about 1 ounce Taco seasoning
  • 1/2 cup Water
Both Versions
  • 8 cups, about 2 large hearts Chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 15-ounce can Black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup Corn kernels
  • 1 cup Halved cherry tomatoes or chopped medium tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup Finely chopped red onion
  • 1 avocado Diced avocado
  • 1 cup Shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
  • 3–4 ounces Lightly crushed tortilla chips
  • 1/2 cup Salsa
  • 1/2 cup Sour cream
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges Lime
Vegetarian Bean Filling
  • 1 15-ounce can Pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 1 packet, about 1 ounce Taco seasoning
  • 1/3 cup Water

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. For the classic version, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and no longer pink.
  2. Drain excess fat if needed, then stir the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water into the beef. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the meat is well coated.
  3. For the vegetarian version, warm 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet. Add the black beans, pinto beans, and corn, sprinkle in the taco seasoning, add 1/3 cup water, and cook for 4–5 minutes.
  4. Lightly mash some of the beans with the back of a spoon so the filling holds together while leaving plenty of whole beans for texture.
  5. Place the chopped romaine in a large bowl or divide it among four plates. Arrange the beans, corn, tomatoes, red onion, avocado, cheese, and either warm taco filling over the lettuce.
  6. Add the lightly crushed tortilla chips just before serving. Serve with salsa, sour cream, and lime wedges, or stir the salsa and sour cream together to make a quick dressing.

Notes

Keep tortilla chips and dressing separate until serving so the lettuce and chips stay crisp. Optional toppings include sliced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, and green onions. For a homemade seasoning blend, combine 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.