Ultimate Layered Taco Salad
Quick, Fresh, and Satisfying Mexican-Style Bowl with Every Day Heat
This Ultimate Layered Taco Salad is a crowd-pleasing dinner or easy meal-prep lunch, delivering all the bold, savory flavors of tacos in a fresh, satisfying bowl. It starts with seasoned ground beef and is layered over crisp romaine lettuce with creamy beans, cheese, and crunchy toppings. It's fully customizable and perfect for weeknights when you need dinner fast.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes Servings: 4
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or turkey)
1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil
1 packet (30 g) taco seasoning mix
1/4 cup (60 ml) water
1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup (240 ml) salsa
1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup (75 g) chopped tomato
1/4 cup (30 g) chopped red onion
1/2 cup (30 g) crushed tortilla chips or strips, for crunch
1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (optional)
Heat It Up with Eleven Eleven Sauce: Add a delicious savory depth and everyday heat to your seasoned beef or dressing by incorporating Blazing Citrus Medium. Mix 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) of the sauce directly into the cooked ground beef along with the taco seasoning, or drizzle it over the finished salad for a balanced spicy kick.
Heat Level: 5.5 out of 10 🔥
Blazing Citrus “Medium” Hot Sauce brings bright sweet heat to any dish. Made with grapefruit juice instead of vinegar, it delivers a clean citrus finish with a smooth serrano kick at a comfortable medium heat. Spoon it over tacos, grilled chicken, shrimp, crispy potatoes, eggs, or grain bowls, or whisk it into mayo or yogurt for an instant dip or dressing. Crowd friendly and full of flavor, it lifts rich foods and makes everyday meals pop.
1. Cook Beef: Heat the oil in a black cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Season Beef: Stir in the taco seasoning and water (and Blazing Citrus Medium if using for heat). Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced and the beef is well-coated. Set aside.
3. Prepare Layers: In a large bowl or individual serving bowls, start with a base layer of chopped romaine lettuce.
4. Assemble Salad: Layer the warm, seasoned ground beef over the lettuce. Top with the rinsed black beans, chopped tomato, and red onion.
5. Finish and Serve: Finish the salad with a drizzle of salsa, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt (if using), and a scattering of crushed tortilla chips for crunch. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
Protein Swap: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or use 1 lb (450 g) of cooked and seasoned lentils for a vegetarian option.
Add Creaminess: For a richer flavor, add 1/2 cup (120 ml) of corn and a 1/2 cup (80 g) of diced avocado to the layers.
Regional Swap (Mexican-style): Swap the cheddar cheese for cotija cheese, and use a dressing made from lime juice, olive oil, and a touch of cumin instead of relying solely on sour cream and salsa.
Other Users Suggest
Replacing: Black Beans. Suggested Swap: 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can of drained pinto beans or kidney beans. Why: To change the texture or simply use what is available in the pantry.
Replacing: Romaine Lettuce. Suggested Swap: Chopped iceberg lettuce. Why: Offers more crunch and a slightly milder flavor, which some prefer in a taco salad.
Storage, Reheat & Freeze
Storage: Store ingredients separately for the best texture. The seasoned beef can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat the seasoned beef in a skillet or microwave. Only assemble the salad layers right before serving.
Freeze: Seasoned ground beef can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat thoroughly. Do not freeze the assembled salad.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 460 Protein: 35g Carbs: 38g Fat: 20g
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