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Beef Taco Salad

Maria G. Brooks
This Beef Taco Salad is a flavorful, protein-packed dish that combines seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and crunchy tortilla chips.
Topped with a zesty lime dressing, this salad is the perfect way to enjoy all the delicious flavors of a taco in a fresh and hearty meal.
It's easy to make, customizable, and great for meal prep!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course, Salad
Cuisine Mexican, Tex-Mex
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large skillet
  • 1 wooden spoon or spatula
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 Chef’s Knife
  • 1 small bowl (for dressing)
  • 1 Whisk

Ingredients
  

For the Taco Beef:

  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 small Onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 lb Ground Beef
  • 2 tbsp Taco Seasoning
  • ¼ cup Water

For the Salad Base:

  • 6 cups Romaine Lettuce chopped
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup Black Beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup Corn Kernels
  • ½ small Red Onion thinly sliced
  • 1 Avocado diced
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • ½ cup Crushed Tortilla Chips

For the Dressing:

  • ½ cup Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Lime Juice
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • ½ tsp Cumin
  • ½ tsp Paprika
  • Salt & Pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

  • Fresh Cilantro chopped
  • Lime Wedges

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cook the Taco Beef

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
  • Drain excess fat if necessary, then stir in taco seasoning and water.
  • Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the seasoning is well incorporated. Remove from heat.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base

  • In a large bowl, add chopped lettuce as the base.
  • Top with cherry tomatoes, black beans, corn, and sliced red onion.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

  • In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

  • Add the seasoned beef over the salad base.
  • Sprinkle shredded cheese, diced avocado, and crushed tortilla chips on top.
  • Drizzle the creamy dressing over the salad or serve on the side.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

  • Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
  • Toss everything together and serve immediately for the best flavor.

Notes

  • Make it Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for extra heat.
  • Low-Carb Option: Skip the tortilla chips and black beans, and increase the avocado for a keto-friendly version.
  • Meal Prep Tip: Store ingredients separately and assemble the salad fresh to keep it from getting soggy.
  • Protein Variations: Swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, or a vegetarian option like tofu or lentils.
Keyword Beef Taco Salad