Carol'S Layered Taco Salad With Meat
A flavorful layered taco salad featuring seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, cheese, and crispy tortilla chips, perfect for casual gatherings and taco lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded lettuce ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped tomatoes, drained ⓘ
- 1 to 2 cups chopped black olives ⓘ
- 1 package taco seasoning ⓘ
- 3/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can chili beans
- 1 (8 oz.) or larger bottle creamy Italian dressing ⓘ
- 1 (7 oz.) package nacho cheese flavored tortilla chips, crushed
- 1 (8 oz.) package Sargento shredded cheese with taco seasoning ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 9 x 13-inch glass pan, layer shredded lettuce, chopped onion, drained chopped tomatoes, and chopped black olives.
- Prepare the meat mixture by frying ground beef and draining excess fat.
- Add water and taco seasoning to the cooked beef.
- Simmer the meat mixture for 10 minutes and then let it cool.
- Spread the cooled meat mixture over the layered vegetables in the pan.
- Top with crushed nacho cheese flavored tortilla chips.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese with taco seasoning.
- Drizzle with creamy Italian dressing before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting ground turkey for the beef. You can also use a combination of black beans and corn instead of chili beans for added texture. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. This salad can also be customized with additional toppings like avocado or fresh cilantro.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this layered taco salad as a hearty main dish or as a side at gatherings and parties. It pairs beautifully with Mom'S Mexican Cornbread for a filling meal. Consider adding a side of guacamole or salsa for extra flavor. This dish is also perfect for potlucks, as it can be made ahead of time and served cold or at room temperature.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover taco salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the crispness of the lettuce and chips, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving. For reheating, warm the meat mixture gently on the stove or in the microwave, and then reassemble the salad fresh.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carol'S Layered Taco Salad With Meat contains roughly 1005 calories, with 18g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (37% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this taco salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and layer them in the pan a few hours in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve to prevent the salad from getting soggy. The meat mixture can also be cooked and cooled earlier, making assembly quick and easy.
What can I substitute for creamy Italian dressing?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute the creamy Italian dressing with ranch dressing or a homemade dressing made from yogurt, lime juice, and spices. This will give a different twist while still keeping the salad creamy and delicious.
Is this taco salad suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, you can easily make this taco salad gluten-free by using gluten-free tortilla chips and checking the taco seasoning for gluten-free certification. Additionally, ensure that the creamy Italian dressing is also gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).