Get ready to transform your dinner table with Granny Dee's legendary Taco Salad - a recipe so irresistible, it'll have your family begging for seconds! This isn't just another boring salad; it's a flavor-packed fiesta that combines the zesty kick of seasoned ground beef, crisp fresh vegetables, and the perfect crunch of tortilla chips. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that brings Mexican-inspired deliciousness right to your plate!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 head lettuce, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 can black olives, sliced
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 bag tortilla chips
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients on a clean countertop or kitchen island. This will help streamline the cooking process and ensure you have everything you need at hand.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it is fully browned. Use a spatula to break up the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the ground beef is browned, drain any excess grease from the skillet. This will prevent your taco salad from becoming greasy.
- Add the taco seasoning to the cooked ground beef along with the recommended amount of water as per the seasoning packet instructions. Stir well to combine, and allow it to simmer for a few minutes until the seasoning is fully incorporated and the beef is flavorful.
- While the beef is simmering, prepare the vegetables. Rinse the head of lettuce thoroughly under cold water, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. Place the chopped lettuce in a large salad bowl.
- Next, rinse the tomatoes, then dice them into small cubes. Add the diced tomatoes to the bowl with the lettuce.
- Open the can of black olives and drain the liquid. Slice the olives if they are not already sliced, and add them to the salad bowl.
- Once the ground beef is ready, allow it to cool for a few minutes before adding it to the salad bowl. This will prevent the heat from wilting the lettuce.
- Add the shredded cheese to the salad bowl, followed by the salsa. Gently toss all the ingredients together until they are evenly mixed.
- Finally, just before serving, add the tortilla chips to the top of the salad for a satisfying crunch. You can either serve the chips on the side or mix them in, depending on your preference.
- Serve Granny Dee's Taco Salad immediately, garnished with additional salsa or cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious and colorful taco salad!
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use fresh, high-quality ground beef with a moderate fat content (80/20 works best).
- Drain the beef thoroughly to keep your salad from becoming greasy, but reserve a little fat for extra flavor.
- Let the seasoned beef cool slightly before adding to the salad to prevent wilting the crisp lettuce.
- For extra crunch, consider briefly toasting your tortilla chips before adding them to the salad.
- Customize your salad by adding extras like diced avocado, sour cream, or jalapeños for personal flair.
- If preparing in advance, keep the tortilla chips separate until serving to maintain their crispy texture.
- Use fresh, crisp lettuce and chop it just before serving to ensure the best possible texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
