Chili Salad Taco Style
A hearty, flavorful chili salad taco style featuring seasoned ground meat, beans, and chili, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that appeals to taco and chili lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat in a skillet.
- Drain and rinse the meat with hot water.
- Return the meat to the skillet and add the taco seasoning with enough water to dissolve the seasoning.
- Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the chili and Ranch Style beans.
- Mix well.
- Simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground meat with lentils or mushrooms. You can also use homemade taco seasoning instead of the packaged version for a fresher taste. To enhance the flavor, cook the meat with onions and garlic before adding the seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chili Salad Taco Style with a side of crispy Fried Tortilla Strips for added texture. It pairs wonderfully with a refreshing Triple-Citrus Margaritas to balance the flavors. You can also top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for an extra touch. Consider serving over a bed of lettuce for a lighter option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if it looks too dry. You can also microwave it in a covered dish in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Salad Taco Style contains roughly 600 calories, with 54g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (110% of the Daily Value), protein (108% of the Daily Value), and iron (94% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2687mg per serving (117% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chili mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. It actually improves in flavor as it sits. Just reheat before serving and consider making extra to have on hand for quick meals throughout the week.
What can I use instead of ground meat?
For a vegetarian alternative, use black beans or kidney beans instead of ground meat. You can also try crumbled tempeh or textured vegetable protein, which will absorb the taco seasoning beautifully and provide a hearty texture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, add diced fresh jalapeños or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce during cooking. You can also incorporate cayenne pepper or chili flakes into the seasoning mix for an extra kick. Adjust to your taste preference!
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).