If you’re craving a delicious, satisfying, and easy meal that’s packed with flavor, look no further than this easy Taco Salad recipe with Ground Beef. This dish combines seasoned meat, fresh veggies, creamy avocado, and tangy toppings to create a salad that’s anything but boring. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just making dinner for the family, this taco salad will become your go-to favorite.
1. Taco Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp avocado oil (or any oil of your choice)
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 oz romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 1/3 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 medium avocado, cubed
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/3 cup salsa (your favorite variety)
- 1/3 cup sour cream
Instructions
Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the avocado oil and let it warm for a few seconds. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until fully browned and no pink remains.
Season the Beef
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef. Stir well to evenly coat the meat, then add a splash of water (about 2 tablespoons) to help the seasoning absorb. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes flavorful.
Prepare the Salad Base
While the beef is cooking, chop the romaine lettuce and place it in a large salad bowl. Halve the grape tomatoes, cube the avocado, and chop the green onions. Have the shredded cheddar cheese, salsa, and sour cream ready.
Assemble the Salad
Divide the romaine lettuce evenly among six serving bowls. Top each portion with a generous scoop of the seasoned ground beef. Then, distribute the tomatoes, cheddar cheese, avocado, and green onions evenly across the servings.
Add Toppings
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of salsa and 1 tablespoon of sour cream over each salad. You can drizzle or dollop them as you prefer.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately while the beef is warm and the other ingredients are fresh. This salad is perfectly balanced in flavors and textures—warm and cool, creamy and crunchy, savory and tangy.
2. Tips for Perfect Taco Salad
To make sure your taco salad turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and creamy avocado make all the difference.
Drain the Beef Well: Too much grease can make your salad soggy. Be sure to drain excess fat after browning the beef.
Chop Evenly: Uniformly chopped ingredients make the salad easier to eat and more visually appealing.
Customize the Heat: Adjust the spice level by using mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning and salsa.
Serve Immediately: This taco salad is best served fresh, while the beef is still warm and the veggies are crisp.
Meal Prep: Store components separately and assemble just before eating to keep everything fresh.
3. Variations & Substitutes
This recipe is highly versatile! Here are some delicious variations and substitutes you can try:
Add Doritos or Tortilla Chips
Crush a handful of nacho cheese Doritos or tortilla chips on top for extra crunch and flavor.
Swap Ground Beef with Shredded Chicken
Use cooked and shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken tossed with taco seasoning instead of beef.
Vegetarian Taco Salad
Skip the meat and instead use black beans, kidney beans, or a meat alternative like plant-based crumbles or grilled tofu.
Healthy Version
- Choose low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.
- Load up on extra veggies like bell peppers, corn, or cucumbers.
Different Dressings
You can use salad dressing instead of salsa and sour cream to match your flavor preference:
- Catalina Dressing: Sweet and tangy with a vibrant red hue.
- Ranch Dressing: Creamy and herby for a crowd-pleasing twist.
- French Dressing: Slightly sweet and creamy with a hint of vinegar.
4. How to Serve Taco Salad
Taco salad can be served in a variety of ways depending on the occasion and your personal preferences:
Serve in a Bowl: The classic way to serve taco salad is in a large salad bowl or individual bowls, with all ingredients layered or tossed together.
Taco Salad Bar: Let everyone build their own taco salads by setting out all toppings buffet-style. Great for parties!
Serve with Chips: Pair your salad with a side of crispy tortilla chips, or serve it right on top of a bed of crushed chips for extra crunch.
Taco Salad Wraps: Scoop the salad into large romaine or butter lettuce leaves for a handheld version of the dish.
Taco salad is more than just a deconstructed taco—it’s a customizable, satisfying, and nutritious meal that fits into a healthy lifestyle. This recipe with seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and tasty toppings is easy to make and appeals to a wide range of tastes.
Whether you’re cooking for a group or prepping lunches for the week, this taco salad recipe is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. With endless variations, you’ll never get bored of this flavor-packed favorite.
