Just about everyone loves a good taco salad. It’s a classic, and it’s easy to make!
This taco salad recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a new taco salad recipe.
Not only is it delicious, but also healthy and flavorful!
This taco salad has plenty of protein from the beef and cheese as well as fiber from the veggies.
The taco seasoning gives it a nice depth of flavor and the lime juice brightens everything up.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup chopped lettuce
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1 lime, juiced
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
2. Drain any excess fat and return the beef to the skillet.
3. Add the taco seasoning and water according to the instructions on the packet.
4. Let the beef simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
6. In a large bowl, combine the beef, cheese, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, sour cream, and salsa.
7. Drizzle with lime juice and serve with tortilla chips.
Enjoy!
How to serve beef taco salad
Taco salads are usually served with tortilla chips, but you can also serve them with rice or quinoa.
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can omit the tortilla chips and just enjoy the salad as is.
Get creative and add your own favorite toppings!
Some other ideas include:
- Diced avocado
- Chopped cilantro
- Jalapeños
- Diced onions
- Salsa
- Sour cream
What goes in a ground beef taco salad?
The great thing about taco salads is that they are very versatile.
You can add or omit any ingredients you like.
In our recipe, we’ve used the following ingredients:
- ground beef
- taco seasoning
- shredded cheese
- lettuce
- diced tomatoes
- lime juice
Variations
- You can substitute ground turkey for the ground beef.
If you don’t have ground beef on hand, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken.
- You can also swap out the taco seasoning for enchilada sauce or fajita seasoning.
- Use different vegetables.
Taco salads are a great way to use up any vegetables you have in your fridge. Feel free to add or omit any veggies you like.
Some great additions are:
- Avocado
- Cucumber
- Jalapeño peppers
- Bell peppers
- Zucchini
- If you want a creamier taco salad dressing, you can add sour cream or Greek yogurt. For a Southwest twist, try using ranch dressing or BBQ sauce.
- For a vegetarian taco salad, omit the ground beef and use black beans or lentils instead.
- Add avocado, cilantro, or jalapeños for an extra kick of flavor.
- Instead of store-bought taco seasoning, make your own taco seasoning blend.
Common pairings
Taco salads are often served with sides such as rice, beans, or chips.
They also pair well with drinks like iced tea, lemonade, or margaritas!
Tips to make amazing beef taco salad
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor profile possible.
- Be sure to drain the ground beef well to remove any excess fat.
- Season the taco meat with your favorite taco seasoning or make your own taco seasoning blend.
- Use fresh lime juice for a bright, zesty flavor.
- Add avocado, cilantro, or jalapeños for an extra kick of flavor.
- Serve with tortilla chips, rice, beans, or your favorite sides.
How long does taco salad last?
Taco salad will last in the fridge for 3-4 days. The longer it sits, the soggier the salad will become.
If you want to extend its shelf life, you can freeze the taco meat and shredded cheese separately. Then, when you’re ready to eat it, thaw the meat and cheese and assemble the taco salad.
If you have any leftovers, we recommend storing them in an airtight container in the fridge.
Nutrition facts
Taco salads are a great option if you’re looking for a filling, yet healthy meal.
This beef taco salad recipe is packed with protein and vegetables, making it a well-rounded dish.
Each serving of taco salad contains:
- 300 calories
- 20 grams of protein
- 10 grams of fat
- 36 grams of carbs
- 5 grams of fiber
- 4 grams of sugar
Final thoughts
Taco salads are a great way to use up any leftovers you might have, and they’re perfect for a quick and easy meal. In this recipe, we show you how to make a delicious beef taco salad.
You can add or omit any ingredients you like, and feel free to get creative with your toppings. Personally, I love adding avocado, cilantro, or jalapeños for an extra kick of flavor.
Serve your taco salad with tortilla chips, rice, beans, or your favorite sides.
Bon appétit!
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