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Ultimate Classic Ground Beef Taco Salad with Creamy Salsa Dressing

A close-up of a hearty taco salad in a white bowl, featuring seasoned ground beef, shredded cheese, tomatoes, olives, and creamy dressing.
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Make this quick, family-friendly ground beef taco salad in under 30 minutes. It features seasoned meat, crisp lettuce, and a simple, creamy salsa dressing for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup chopped tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup Catalina dressing (or creamy salsa dressing)
  • 1 cup crushed tortilla chips (or Doritos for variation)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (optional topping)

Instructions

  1. Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  2. Stir in the taco seasoning mix and water according to the seasoning packet directions. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
  3. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Catalina dressing and sour cream/Greek yogurt until smooth.
  4. Assemble the salad: In a very large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, tomatoes, black olives, and red onion.
  5. Add the warm taco meat to the lettuce mixture. Toss gently to combine the ingredients.
  6. Divide the salad among four bowls. Top each serving with shredded cheese and crushed tortilla chips.
  7. Drizzle the creamy salsa dressing over the top of each salad before serving immediately.

Notes

  • For a low carb taco salad variation, skip the tortilla chips and use shredded cabbage mixed with the lettuce.
  • If you prefer a healthier dressing, mix 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1/4 cup salsa and a squeeze of lime juice.
  • This recipe scales well for a crowd; simply increase the meat and vegetable quantities proportionally.
  • Consider this recipe when looking at meal planning options for busy weeks.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delicerecipe.com/taco-salad-ultimate-classic-ground-beef-recipe/