Ground Beef Taco Salad

by Meg
Large bowl of ground beef taco salad
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This simple Ground Beef Taco Salad is packed with fresh vegables, black beans and ground beef to make an easy, filling dinner. Top with crushed nacho cheese doritos and salsa ranch for all the flavor.

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Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner recipe or the perfect meal prep option, I’ve got you covered with this ground beef taco salad. It’s simple to make, feeds a crowd and the ingredients can be prepped ahead of time for busy days.

Large bowl of taco salad drizzled with ranch.

Why Make This Salad?

  • EASY AND QUICK TO MAKE
  • MEAL PREP FRIENDLY
  • SIMPLE INGRIENTS (THAT YOU CAN FIND ANYWHERE)
  • CUSTOMIZABLE TO YOUR PREFERENCES
Close up of beef taco salad.

Ingredients for Beef Taco Salad

Grab your ingredients and get cooking and chopping. The ingredients are simple and easy to find. Here’s what you need for this recipe:

  • Ground beef: I like to use 80/20 ground beef for lots of flavor. You can use leaner beef if you prefer.
  • Taco seasoning: I like making my own taco seasoning so that I can control the ingredients and spice level. It’s easy to make using common spices. That all said, feel free to grab a packet at the grocery store and use that instead.
  • Olive oil: For cooking the corn.
  • Frozen sweet corn: Provides sweetness and texture to the salad. Char in a hot skillet for even more flavor.
  • Salt and pepper: To season the corn.
  • Romaine lettuce: I like romaine for its crunchy. Chop it somewhat finely to make it easy to get a little bit of everything in each bite.
  • Grape or cherry tomatoes: Cut in half lengthwise to make the salad extra pretty.
  • Avocado: Adds creaminess to the salad.
  • Black beans: I prefer black beans in my taco salad but if you prefer pinto beans, use those instead.
  • Shredded cheese: Every taco salad needs cheese! A Mexican blend, monterey jack or cheddar all work well.
  • Doritos: I need a crunch on my salad and doritos help give off that taco vibe. I like using nacho cheese doritos but you could also use cool ranch or regular tortilla chips.
  • Dressing: I used my new favorite dressing, salsa ranch, for this taco salad. It’s ridiculously simple to make with just 4 ingredients. You can also use store-bought ranch or catalina.
Large bowl of chopped romaine lettuce in the center. Surrounded by bowls of corn, shredded cheese, sliced grape tomatoes, corn, black beans and ground beef.

Minimal Cooking

I love a recipe that takes minimal cooking and this one totally fits the bill. Start by browning the corn in a little olive oil in a hot skillet. While this step is optional, it provides lots of flavor and some texture as well.

Once the corn is browned, remove it to a bowl and add the ground beef to the skillet. Break up the beef with a wooden spoon. Once browned, add taco seasoning and a little water. Stir well then remove from heat.

And that’s all the cooking involve in this ground beef taco salad. Now it’s time to put it all together.

Close up of fork with a bite of beef taco salad.

Assemble the Ground Beef Taco Salad

Grab a huge mixing bowl and add your lettuce. Top with the prepped veggies, black beans, cheese, beef and corn.

Drizzle with as much dressing as you like and toss. Once well mixed, top with lots of crushed doritos and serve.

Large bowl of taco salad before mixed.

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Large bowl of ground beef taco salad
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Ground Beef Taco Salad

This simple Ground Beef Taco Salad is packed with fresh vegables, black beans and ground beef to make an easy, filling dinner. Top with crushed nacho cheese doritos and salsa ranch for all the flavor.
Prep Time20 minutes
Active Time20 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: ground beef taco salad
Yield: 2 servings
Author: Meghan Payne-Hensley

Ingredients

  • 1/2 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 3/4 cup frozen sweet corn
  • pinch of salt and pepper
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 ounce packet or 3 Tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 2 large romaine hearts, finely chopped
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 large avocado, sliced or diced
  • 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed well
  • crushed doritos
  • shredded cheddar
  • salsa ranch

Instructions

  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add olive oil and corn. Season with salt and pepper. Stir and cook for three to four minutes, until charred. Remove corn from the skillet to a clean bowl. Add ground beef to same skillet and break apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until no longer pink. Add taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water. Stir well until meat is coated. Remove skillet from heat and set aside.
  • Add lettuce to a large bowl. Top with seasoned ground beef, grape tomatoes, avocado, black beans and desired amounts of crushed doritos, cheese and salsa ranch dressing. Toss well and serve immediately.

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