Taco Salad Stack-Ups
A flavorful layered taco salad with seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and cheesy toppings, perfect for casual gatherings and satisfying Mexican-inspired meals.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 pkg. chili seasoning mix ⓘ
- 1/2 c. water ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
- 1 (16 oz.) can kidney beans ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 10 oz. Velveeta cheese, cubed ⓘ
- 1 can Cheddar cheese soup ⓘ
- 1/3 (8 oz.) jar mild taco sauce
- 1/2 head lettuce, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 10 flour tortillas ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet, stirring until crumbly; drain.
- Combine the cooked ground beef with chili seasoning mix, water, tomato sauce, kidney beans, salt, and pepper in a crock-pot.
- Cook for 30 minutes.
- Combine Velveeta cheese, Cheddar cheese soup, and mild taco sauce in a saucepan.
- Heat until cheese is melted, stirring constantly.
- Layer chopped lettuce, chopped tomatoes, the ground beef mixture, and cheese sauce on tortillas to create stacks.
- Garnish with sour cream before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and consider swapping Velveeta for a reduced-fat cheese. You can also add black beans for extra fiber and protein. If you prefer a spicier kick, add jalapeños or diced green chilies to the beef mixture. This dish can be made vegetarian by omitting the meat and using lentils or more beans instead.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Taco Salad Stack-Ups with a side of tortilla chips and salsa for an authentic Mexican experience. They pair beautifully with Carly'S Taco Salad for a festive meal. You could also serve them alongside a refreshing drink like iced tea or margaritas to enhance the flavors of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the beef mixture in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through. You can also warm the tortillas slightly in a microwave or skillet. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Taco Salad Stack-Ups contains roughly 338 calories, with 18g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value), protein (35% of the Daily Value), and iron (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1033mg per serving (45% 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
How do I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
To control the heat level, use mild taco sauce and adjust the amount of chili seasoning mix to your taste. You can also serve hot sauce on the side for those who prefer more spice. Adding fresh diced peppers or using spicy cheese can also enhance the flavor profile.
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).