Taco Salad with Beef (Printable Version)

A fresh, hearty bowl featuring seasoned beef, crisp veggies, creamy avocado, and tangy dressing.

# Everything You’ll Need:

→ Seasonings and Sauces

01 - 1 ounce packet taco seasoning
02 - 16 ounces salsa, divided
03 - 3/4 cup sour cream, divided
04 - 1 teaspoon lime juice
05 - 1/8 teaspoon salt
06 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
07 - 3 tablespoons cilantro, roughly chopped

→ Produce

08 - 1 avocado
09 - 1 head iceberg or romaine lettuce, chopped and cleaned
10 - 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
11 - 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced
12 - 1/3 cup red onion, diced

→ Proteins and Beans

13 - 1 pound ground beef
14 - 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

→ Canned and Packaged Goods

15 - 1 cup whole kernel corn, drained
16 - 1/4 cup black olives, drained and sliced
17 - 4 ounces tortilla chips

→ Dairy

18 - 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

# Steps to Cook:

01 - Combine 1/3 cup sour cream, 1/3 cup salsa, and 1/2 tablespoon taco seasoning in a small bowl and set aside. Halve the avocado, remove the pit, scoop the pulp into a bowl, add lime juice and salt, then mash until smooth. Cover and keep at room temperature.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, crumbling, for approximately 7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease. Reduce heat to low, add 2 tablespoons taco seasoning, 3/4 cup salsa, and cilantro. Stir to combine, then cover partially and simmer while preparing the salad.
03 - Arrange chopped lettuce on serving plates or a large bowl. Evenly distribute the cooked meat mixture on top. Layer diced tomatoes, jalapenos, black beans, corn, black olives, red onion, and shredded cheese. Add mashed avocado and a dollop of sour cream on each serving. Drizzle with prepared dressing or serve it on the side. Garnish with tortilla chips and serve immediately.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Use pre-washed lettuce and prepared guacamole for faster assembly. Consider adding a splash of water or broth to the meat mixture if salsa is thick. Ground turkey can substitute beef for variation.