Description
Savor Mexican-inspired magic with this seven-layer taco salad, a flavor-packed culinary journey through zesty ingredients and colorful textures. Crisp lettuce, seasoned ground beef, and tangy toppings combine to deliver a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein Layer:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
Vegetable Layer:
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
Dairy and Topping Layer:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup salsa
- Tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, ensuring no pink remains. Thoroughly drain excess grease.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning into the meat, stirring to coat evenly. Allow mixture to cool and develop robust flavors.
- Select a clear glass serving dish to showcase beautiful layered presentation.
- Create the first substantial layer using the seasoned ground beef, spreading evenly across the bottom.
- Add a vibrant layer of black beans, distributing them uniformly over the meat foundation.
- Scatter sweet corn kernels to provide contrasting texture and bright color.
- Sprinkle fresh cherry tomatoes, chopped into halves, for bursts of juicy freshness.
- Cover the tomatoes with crisp, shredded lettuce, creating a verdant green layer.
- Generously distribute shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to cascade across the lettuce.
- Whisk sour cream and salsa together until smoothly integrated, creating a creamy, tangy sauce.
- Delicately drizzle the cream mixture over the cheese layer, ensuring even coverage.
- Optional: Garnish with sliced black olives and diced avocado for additional complexity.
- Serve immediately with crisp tortilla chips or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Customize meat options by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for different dietary preferences.
- Create a low-carb version by using cauliflower rice instead of traditional beans or corn for a lighter alternative.
- Prep ingredients in advance and layer just before serving to maintain crisp textures and prevent soggy layers.
- Add extra crunch with crushed tortilla chips or jalapeños sprinkled on top for an exciting flavor and texture boost.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg