Hey y'all! Craving something hearty, zesty, and lightning-fast for your next meal? This Quick Taco Salad with Seasoned Ground Beef is everything you want—savory, crunchy, and bursting with Tex-Mex flavors. It's a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, potlucks, or even as a lunch meal prep option. The best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes! Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Quick Taco Salad with Seasoned Ground Beef
- Ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with protein, fresh veggies, and bold taco flavors.
- Customizable—swap toppings and spice levels to suit every palate.
- Crispy, cool, and hearty textures for ultimate satisfaction.
- Leftovers make an awesome layered lunch the next day!
Ingredients for Quick Taco Salad with Seasoned Ground Beef
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup water
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup corn kernels (canned or thawed from frozen)
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- ½ cup diced red onion
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ½ cup salsa
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges (optional, for garnish)
Directions for Quick Taco Salad with Seasoned Ground Beef
Step 1: Cook the Seasoned Ground Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned.
- Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the beef is well-coated and most of the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Prep the Salad Ingredients
- While the beef cooks, chop romaine lettuce, halve tomatoes, dice onion, and slice avocado.
- Rinse and drain black beans and corn.
Step 3: Assemble the Quick Taco Salad with Seasoned Ground Beef
- In a large salad bowl, layer lettuce, tomatoes, black beans, corn, cheddar cheese, olives, red onion, and avocado.
- Spoon warm seasoned ground beef over the top.
- Scatter crushed tortilla chips for that crave-worthy crunch.
- Drizzle with sour cream and salsa. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Toss gently and serve immediately for the freshest texture.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Notes for Your Best Quick Taco Salad with Seasoned Ground Beef
- For homemade taco seasoning, check out this easy recipe from Simply Recipes.
- Use lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version—cooking instructions stay the same.
- Want to amp up the greens? Add chopped baby spinach or shredded cabbage for more crunch.
Variations on Quick Taco Salad with Seasoned Ground Beef
- Vegetarian Taco Salad: Swap ground beef for lentil taco "meat" or extra black beans.
- Spicy Chipotle Taco Salad: Add a diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to your beef while cooking.
- Low-Carb Taco Salad: Skip the tortilla chips and add sliced radishes or extra avocado instead.
Required Equipment for Quick Taco Salad with Seasoned Ground Beef
- Large skillet
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Salad bowl
- Chopping board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions for Quick Taco Salad with Seasoned Ground Beef
Store leftover seasoned ground beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep salad components and toppings separate for best texture; assemble just before serving.
If prepped as a meal, avoid adding tortilla chips until ready to eat—they'll stay crispier that way!
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations for Quick Taco Salad with Seasoned Ground Beef
- Pair with a refreshing homemade lemonade or light Mexican cerveza.
- Serve with a side of fresh guacamole and extra salsa for dipping.
- Round out the meal with a fruit salad or grilled corn on the cob.
Pro Tips for the Ultimate Quick Taco Salad with Seasoned Ground Beef
- For extra flavor, toast your corn and tortilla chips briefly in a skillet before adding.
- Make it meal-prep friendly by storing ingredients in individual containers and assembling just before eating.
- Check the doneness of ground beef with a meat thermometer—160°F (71°C) means it's perfectly safe (see USDA guidelines).
FAQ: Quick Taco Salad with Seasoned Ground Beef
- Can I make Quick Taco Salad with Seasoned Ground Beef ahead of time?
- Yes! Prep all ingredients ahead and store separately in the fridge; assemble just before serving for best crunch.
- What ground beef is best for taco salad?
- Lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) is ideal—it's flavorful without being greasy.
- Can I use a different protein?
- Absolutely—try ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative for a twist!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoon taco seasoning
- ¼ cup water
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup corn chips or tortilla chips, slightly crushed
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
Instructions
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1In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
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2Drain excess fat from the skillet. Add taco seasoning and water to the beef, stirring to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
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3In a large salad bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, black beans, and shredded cheddar cheese.
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4Add the warm seasoned ground beef to the salad mixture and toss gently to combine.
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5Top the salad with crushed corn chips, a dollop of sour cream, and sliced green onions. Serve immediately.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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