Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef (80% preferred)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ¼ cup tomato sauce
Salad
- 4 cups green leaf lettuce (chopped)
- 1 cup tomatoes (diced)
- ¼ cup red onion (diced)
- 1 cup mild cheddar cheese (grated)
- ¼ cup cilantro (diced)
- 1 avocado (sliced)
Dressing and Serving
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup salsa
- Tortilla chips (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: Brown the ground beef over medium heat in a skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Continue until the meat is no longer pink and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy salad.
- Season the meat: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and tomato sauce thoroughly to coat the meat and infuse flavor evenly. Cook for an additional minute to blend the flavors.
- Prepare toppings: While the meat cooks, chop the lettuce, dice the tomatoes and red onion, grate the cheddar cheese, dice the cilantro, and slice the avocado, preparing all salad ingredients.
- Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl or individual plates, layer the chopped lettuce first, then top with the seasoned taco meat, grated cheese, diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and sliced avocado for a colorful, balanced salad.
- Make the dressing and serve: In a small bowl, combine sour cream and salsa to create a creamy dressing. Drizzle over the salad just before serving. Serve alongside tortilla chips for added crunch and texture.
Notes
- Drain the ground beef well after cooking to keep the salad from becoming too greasy.
- Feel free to substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing option.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce if you prefer a spicier salad.
- Use freshly grated cheese for better flavor and texture.
- Tortilla chips can be crushed and sprinkled directly on top for added crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
