Introduction
This delightful taco salad is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, bringing together the savory taste of seasoned ground beef, crisp vegetables, and the crunch of nacho cheese Doritos. It’s not only easy to prepare but also an inviting dish for gatherings, parties, or a family dinner. The addition of Catalina dressing adds a tangy sweetness that ties everything together beautifully.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 pound ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
⅓ cup water
1 head iceberg lettuce, roughly chopped
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
15-ounce can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 red onion, finely chopped
2 cups fiesta blend shredded cheese
16-ounce bottle Catalina dressing
10-ounce bag nacho cheese Doritos, slightly crushed
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Yield
Serves 6-8
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the taco seasoning and water to the skillet. Stir to combine and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, drained pinto beans, finely chopped red onion, shredded cheese, and the prepared taco meat. Toss to mix.
4. Add the slightly crushed Doritos and Catalina dressing to the bowl. Stir until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled. Make sure to stir frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 2: Add Seasoning
Add the taco seasoning and water to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir well to combine the seasoning with the meat. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Salad Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the roughly chopped lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, drained and rinsed pinto beans, finely chopped red onion, and shredded cheese. Add the prepared taco meat from the skillet and toss all ingredients together to mix evenly.
Step 4: Finish the Salad
Add the slightly crushed nacho cheese Doritos and the Catalina dressing to the bowl. Gently stir until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing, ensuring the Doritos remain crunchy.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the salad immediately in bowls or on plates and enjoy your delicious taco salad!
Notes
Serving Suggestions
This taco salad can be served as a main dish or as a side. You can also add additional toppings such as avocado, sour cream, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to add the Doritos and dressing just before serving to maintain their crunch and freshness.
Variations
Feel free to customize the salad with other ingredients like corn, black beans, or any other favorite taco toppings. You can also substitute ground beef with other proteins such as turkey or chicken for a different flavor.
Cook techniques
Cooking Ground Beef
Cooking ground beef involves heating the meat in a skillet over medium heat until it turns brown and crumbles. This process allows the fat to render and enhances the meat’s flavor. Make sure to drain any excess fat before adding other ingredients for a healthier dish.
Simmering Taco Meat
After browning the beef, adding taco seasoning and water creates a flavorful sauce. Simmering for about 5 minutes allows the mixture to thicken and the flavors to meld, creating a rich, tasty filling for your dish.
Mixing Ingredients
When preparing the salad, combining the lettuce, cherry tomatoes, pinto beans, red onion, shredded cheese, and taco meat in a large bowl ensures that all flavors are well-distributed. Toss gently to avoid bruising the lettuce.
Adding Crunch with Doritos
To incorporate crunch, slightly crush the Doritos and add them to the salad just before serving. This keeps them crispy and prevents them from becoming soggy in the dressing.
Coating with Dressing
Drizzling the Catalina dressing over the assembled salad should be done before serving. Stirring gently ensures that all ingredients are evenly coated, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives if desired.
What if I don’t have Catalina dressing?
If Catalina dressing is not available, you can use another type of ranch or a vinaigrette for a different flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the taco meat and chop the salad ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to add the Doritos and dressing just before serving to maintain freshness.
How can I make this salad healthier?
You can reduce the amount of cheese, use low-fat dressing, or add more vegetables like bell peppers and cucumbers for extra nutrition.
What should I serve with this salad?
This salad is great on its own but can also be served with guacamole, salsa, or a side of your favorite Mexican-style rice.
Conclusion
This hearty taco salad combines flavors and textures for a delightful meal that’s easy to prepare. The ground beef seasoned with taco spices, paired with fresh veggies and crunchy Doritos, creates a satisfying dish that can be enjoyed any day of the week. The addition of Catalina dressing adds a tangy sweetness that elevates the overall flavor profile. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Taco Soup
Combine the taco ingredients with broth to create a warm and comforting taco soup. Top with cheese and crushed tortilla chips.
Nacho Platter
Layer tortilla chips with seasoned beef, cheese, jalapeños, and your choice of toppings for a delicious nacho platter that’s great for sharing.
Taco Stuffed Peppers
Stuff bell peppers with the seasoned beef, pinto beans, and cheese mixture. Bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
Taco Casserole
Layer the taco ingredients in a baking dish and top with tortilla strips and cheese. Bake until heated through for an easy casserole option.
Beef Tacos
Use the seasoned beef mixture as a filling for soft or hard taco shells. Serve with traditional taco toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.
