Description
A delicious and easy-to-make Doritos Taco Salad featuring seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, shredded cheese, and crunchy Doritos chips, tossed with chunky salsa and ranch dressing for a flavorful Tex-Mex inspired dish perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 oz taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup water
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup diced red onions
- 1/2 cup diced green peppers
- 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
Dressings and Chips
- 1/2 cup mild chunky salsa
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 3 cups crumbled Doritos
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Crumble the meat as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Drain Grease: Once the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink, carefully drain off the excess grease from the pan to reduce fat content.
- Add Seasonings: Add taco seasoning, onion powder, salt, and water to the pan with the cooked beef. Stir well to evenly coat the meat.
- Simmer Till Dry: Continue cooking over medium-high heat until the seasoning is absorbed and there is no excess liquid left in the pan.
- Cool Ground Beef: Remove the pan from heat and set the seasoned beef aside to cool before mixing into the salad.
- Prepare Vegetables and Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped iceberg lettuce, diced red onions, diced green peppers, diced tomatoes, and shredded mozzarella-cheddar cheese blend.
- Toss Vegetables: Toss the vegetables and cheese thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Add Dressings and Beef: Add mild chunky salsa, ranch dressing, and the cooled ground beef to the vegetable mixture. Toss again to combine all flavors well.
- Add Doritos: Gently fold in the crumbled Doritos chips, tossing just enough to mix but keeping the chips crunchy.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the taco salad right away to maintain the crisp texture of the Doritos chips and enjoy the fresh flavors.
Notes
- For extra heat, use a spicy salsa or add sliced jalapeños.
- Use low-fat cheese and dressing to reduce calories.
- To keep Doritos crunchier longer, add them just before serving.
- Can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef for a leaner option.
- Perfect for quick weeknight meals or potluck gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Keywords: Doritos taco salad, taco salad recipe, Tex-Mex salad, ground beef salad, crunchy taco salad, easy taco salad
