Creamy Taco Salad

Here’s a rich, zesty, and satisfying recipe for Creamy Taco Salad — a Tex-Mex classic packed with seasoned ground beef, crisp veggies, crushed chips, and a creamy, flavorful dressing. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game day!

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🥗 Creamy Taco Salad

🍽️ Serves: 4–6

⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
⏱️ Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
🧑‍🍳 Difficulty: Easy

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Taco Meat:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef

• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade — see tip below)

• ⅓ cup water

For the Salad:

• 1 medium head of romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped

• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved (or chopped regular tomatoes)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)

• 1 cup corn kernels (canned or frozen, thawed)

• ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)

• ½ red onion, thinly sliced or chopped

• 1–2 cups crushed tortilla chips or Doritos

For the Creamy Dressing:

• ½ cup sour cream

• ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)

• 1–2 tbsp taco seasoning (or a combo of chili powder, cumin, paprika)

• Juice of ½ lime (or 1 tbsp vinegar)

• 1 tbsp salsa or hot sauce (optional)

• Salt & pepper, to taste

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🔪 Directions

1. Cook the Taco Meat

• In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.

• Drain any excess grease.

• Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.

• Set aside to cool slightly.

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2. Make the Creamy Dressing

• In a bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayo, taco seasoning, lime juice, and optional salsa or hot sauce.

• Taste and adjust salt, spice, or tang as needed.

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3. Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, layer:

1. Chopped lettuce

2. Cooked taco meat

3. Tomatoes, corn, beans, onions, olives, cheese

4. Drizzle with the creamy dressing

5. Top with crushed chips right before serving to keep them crisp

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4. Toss & Serve

• Toss everything together gently (or serve layered, buffet-style).

• Garnish with extra cheese, lime wedges, or chopped cilantro if desired.

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🧊 Storage Tips

• Store components separately to keep lettuce and chips crisp.

• Great for meal prep if dressing and meat are stored on the side.

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✅ Optional Add-Ins:

• Avocado or guacamole

• Pickled jalapeños

• Chopped green onions

• Diced bell peppers

• Fresh cilantro

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🌮 Homemade Taco Seasoning (for 1 lb meat):

• 1 tsp chili powder

• ½ tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ¼ tsp oregano

• ¼ tsp salt

• Pinch of cayenne (optional)