Quick and easy Taco Salad recipe that will have you wanting more!
- Carbohydrate 41.009425 g
- Cholesterol 588.8537905 mg
- Fat 139.291837 g
- Fiber 9.65600023686886 g
- Protein 165.788649 g
- Saturated Fat 77.4901058746 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (1562g)
- Sodium 3307.0922142 mg
- Sugar 31.3534247631312 g
- Trans Fat 10.7490275065 g
- Calories 2078 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and drain excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning, chili beans and French-style dressing. Fill the dressing bottle 2/3 full of water and add to the skillet. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Crush the bag of chips, open the bag, and toss the broken chips into a large bowl with the lettuce, cheese and tomatoes. When the meat mixture is done, combine it with the lettuce, tomatoes, chips and mix well. Then, add salsa and sour cream.
Managing Moisture in the Skillet
Many cooks ruin this dish by adding the warm beef and bean mixture directly to the greens while it is still steaming. Excess liquid from the chili beans and French dressing must be reduced properly during the fifteen-minute simmer. Brown the lean ground beef thoroughly over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat completely before incorporating the taco seasoning mix, beans, and dressing. Letting the sauce thicken on the stove prevents the dressing from instantly wilting the crisp iceberg lettuce.
Balancing Salt and Acidity
Combining salty cheddar cheese, savory beef, and tangy French dressing requires careful attention to the ingredient proportions. French dressing contains a high proportion of vinegar and sugar. This acidity cuts through the heavy fat content of the beef and shredded cheese. Salsa adds a bright tomato component that balances the richness of the sour cream. Always adjust the seasoning at the end of the simmering phase rather than at the beginning.
Timing the Assembly
Crush the tortilla chips inside their original packaging before opening. Toss the broken chips into the bowl immediately before serving. Combining the chips with the wet ingredients too early destroys their structural integrity. Iceberg lettuce retains its crunch longer than softer greens, but moisture absorption remains a factor. Combine the warm protein mixture, fresh tomatoes, and dairy components just prior to plating.
