Classic Beef Taco Salad

Name: Classic Beef Taco Salad
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: tex_mex
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20); 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning packet; 0.33 cup water; 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped; 2 whole roma tomatoes, diced; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 can (15 oz) canned black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) canned corn, drained; 0.5 cup sour cream; 0.5 cup salsa (jarred, mild); 4 oz tortilla chips; 0.5 cup black olives, sliced

⏱ 25 min

🍽 Serves 4

≈ $14.25 ($3.56/serving)

novice

Why this fits a family on a budget

This is the taco salad that has appeared on family dinner tables and church potluck buffets since the 1980s — seasoned ground beef, crisp iceberg, cheddar, and crushed chips, all in one bowl. It comes together in under 30 minutes with pantry staples every US family already has.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)

• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning packet

• 0.33 cup water

• 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped

• 2 whole roma tomatoes, diced

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 can (15 oz) canned black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (15 oz) canned corn, drained

• 0.5 cup sour cream

• 0.5 cup salsa (jarred, mild)

• 4 oz tortilla chips

• 0.5 cup black olives, sliced

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, for 7–9 minutes until no pink remains and the meat is fully browned. Carefully drain excess fat from the pan.

2. Reduce heat to medium. Stir in the taco seasoning packet and 1/3 cup water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the beef is coated and glossy. Remove from heat and let cool for 3–4 minutes.

3. While the beef cooks, build the salad base: divide the chopped iceberg lettuce evenly among four large plates or wide bowls. Top each with diced tomatoes, drained black beans, drained corn, and sliced black olives.

4. Spoon the seasoned beef over each salad. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a spoonful of salsa. Crush a handful of tortilla chips and scatter over the top (or serve chips on the side for crunch). Serve immediately.

Contains: milk, wheat. Always double-check labels for your household's allergies.

Cost is a national-average estimate and varies by store and region.

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This recipe was generated by Plento Pasto's AI from a library of family-friendly dishes and reviewed for a real photo before publishing. Cooking times, costs, and nutrition are estimates — use your judgment in the kitchen.

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