Ground Beef Taco Salad Recipe for Busy Weeknight Dinners

My weeknight taco salad with ground beef takes a playful twist on traditional Mexican-inspired dishes.

Fresh ingredients create a vibrant canvas for familiar flavors.

Crisp lettuce and seasoned meat blend perfectly in this quick meal.

Lean ground beef provides a protein-packed foundation for our delectable creation.

Zesty spices dance across each colorful layer, promising maximum enjoyment.

Crunchy tortilla chips add satisfying texture to every delightful bite.

You’ll want to make this recipe again and again for its irresistible combination of tastes.

Ground Beef Taco Salad Highlights

• Perfect for busy weeknights, this taco salad delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Easily adaptable recipe allows everyone to personalize their plate, making it ideal for family meals or casual gatherings.
• Sneaks in fresh vegetables through a fun, interactive meal that transforms healthy ingredients into an exciting eating experience.
• Preparation takes under 20 minutes, transforming ground beef into a satisfying meal that beats takeout in taste and nutrition.

What Goes Into Ground Beef Taco Salad

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat base that provides rich flavor and protein for the salad.
• Taco Seasoning: Classic spice blend that adds authentic Mexican-inspired taste to the beef.

• Lettuce: Crisp base that adds freshness and crunch to the salad.
• Tomatoes: Juicy and bright ingredient that brings color and tangy flavor.
• Onions: Sharp and zesty vegetable that adds depth to the overall taste.

• Cheese: Creamy and sharp topping that melts slightly with warm beef.
• Black Olives: Salty and rich ingredient that provides additional texture.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy topping that adds a classic Mexican-style texture.
• Sour Cream: Cool and tangy condiment that balances the spicy beef.
• Ranch Dressing: Creamy and herbal sauce that can complement the salad.
• Salsa: Zesty and fresh topping that adds extra Mexican-inspired flavor.

Simple Prep for Ground Beef Taco Salad

Step 1: Sizzle The Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook ground beef until completely browned, breaking meat into small crumbles. Drain away extra grease using a colander.

Step 2: Spice It Up

Sprinkle taco seasoning over cooked beef. Pour water into skillet and stir thoroughly. Allow mixture to simmer and thicken for several minutes.

Step 3: Prepare Crisp Salad Base

• Chopped lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Shredded cheese
• Sliced black olives
• Diced onions

Combine all ingredients in a spacious serving bowl.

Step 4: Layer Warm Protein

Transfer hot seasoned beef directly over salad vegetables. The warmth will slightly wilt lettuce and create delicious flavor blending.

Step 5: Add Crunchy Toppings

• Sour cream
• Ranch dressing
• Salsa

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Gently toss salad ingredients or serve in layered presentation for customizable dining experience. Serve immediately while beef remains warm.

Handy Advice for Ground Beef Taco Salad Lovers

• Drain Beef Thoroughly: Use a colander or paper towels to remove all excess fat for a lighter, less greasy taco salad.
• Customize Seasoning: Adjust taco seasoning intensity by using homemade or low-sodium packets to control salt and spice levels.
• Layer for Crunch: Keep tortilla chips separate until serving to maintain their crispy texture and prevent sogginess.
• Make It Healthier: Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lower-fat, protein-rich alternative.
• Prep Ahead: Chop vegetables and cook meat in advance, storing separately to quickly assemble a fresh salad when ready to eat.

Best Ways to Keep Ground Beef Taco Salad Fresh

• Store leftover taco salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep tortilla chips separate to prevent soggy texture.
• Store beef, lettuce, and toppings in different containers to maintain freshness and prevent wilting.
• Warm ground beef in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 30-45 seconds until heated through. Avoid reheating lettuce and cold toppings.
• When ready to eat, reassemble the salad with crisp tortilla chips and fresh vegetables for the best taste and crunch.

Perfect Sides for Ground Beef Taco Salad

• Light, crisp Mexican beers like Corona or Modelo Especial perfectly cut through the rich beef and cheese, offering a refreshing contrast to the zesty taco salad flavors.
• Classic margarita with lime and tequila complements the salad's spicy seasonings, creating a vibrant and balanced taste experience that enhances every bite.
• Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio provide a bright, acidic balance to the hearty beef, with their light citrus notes cleansing the palate between bites of the robust salad.
• Red wine-based sangria packed with fresh fruits adds a playful twist, matching the salad's colorful ingredients and bringing additional layers of fruity complexity to the meal.

New Ideas for Ground Beef Taco Salad

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu for a plant-based protein option that keeps the taco salad flavor intact.
• Low-Carb Crunch Alternative: Swap tortilla chips with crispy pork rinds or sliced bell peppers for a crunchy texture that reduces carbohydrate content.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use corn tortilla chips or skip chips entirely, replacing them with roasted pepitas or sliced almonds for added crunch and nutrition.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add jalapeños, chipotle seasoning, and swap regular cheese for pepper jack to create a bolder, more intense flavor profile.

Curious About Ground Beef Taco Salad?

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this taco salad recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess fat.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add some diced jalapeños, use a spicy taco seasoning mix, or include hot sauce when topping your salad. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes for extra heat.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free taco seasoning and tortilla chips. Always check labels to ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prep ingredients separately and combine just before serving. Keep beef, vegetables, and chips separate to prevent the salad from getting soggy.

Easy Ground Beef Taco Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor Mexican-inspired zest with this ground beef taco salad, where crisp lettuce meets seasoned meat and tangy toppings. Fresh ingredients and bold flavors combine for a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Vegetables and Toppings:

• 6 cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup diced red onion
• ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
• ¾ cup water
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup crushed tortilla chips or corn chips
• ½ cup sour cream or ranch dressing
• ½ cup salsa (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium flame and crumble ground beef, cooking thoroughly until no pink remains and releasing excess grease.
2. Sprinkle taco seasoning onto meat and pour water, stirring to distribute evenly. Allow mixture to simmer and reduce for several minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
3. Prepare a spacious serving bowl by layering crisp chopped lettuce as the foundation for the salad.
4. Scatter freshly diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sliced black olives, and finely chopped onions across the lettuce base.
5. Carefully transfer the hot, seasoned beef directly over the vegetable mixture, ensuring even distribution.
6. Crush tortilla chips into rustic fragments and generously sprinkle across the top of the salad for added crunch.
7. Offer accompanying condiments like tangy sour cream, creamy ranch dressing, or zesty salsa for personalized flavor enhancement.
8. For optimal enjoyment, gently toss all ingredients together or serve in attractive layered presentation, allowing diners to mix components as desired.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the taco salad.
• Swap traditional tortilla chips with baked or air-fryer chips for a lighter, crispier texture without compromising flavor.
• Customize the salad for vegetarians by replacing beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans, maintaining the zesty taco seasoning profile.
• Prepare the seasoned beef ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for quick meal prep during busy weeknights, keeping the dish convenient and time-saving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 108
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 249 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg