Taco Salad For a Crowd

25m
Prep Time
0m
Cook Time
25m
Ready In


"I make this for get togethers and it is enjoyed by all!"

Original is 12 servings

Nutritional

  • Serving Size: 1 (473 g)
  • Calories 472.5
  • Total Fat - 28.5 g
  • Saturated Fat - 10.3 g
  • Cholesterol - 99.5 mg
  • Sodium - 1300.6 mg
  • Total Carbohydrate - 22.1 g
  • Dietary Fiber - 5.3 g
  • Sugars - 8 g
  • Protein - 33.7 g
  • Calcium - 298.4 mg
  • Iron - 3.4 mg
  • Vitamin C - 14.9 mg
  • Thiamin - 0.2 mg

Step by Step Method

Step 1

In a skillet cook the ground beef with the chopped yellow onion (not red) until no longer pink; drain most of the fat then continue cooking until lightly browned,

Step 2

Add in only 1 package taco mix (and water according to the package direction) set aside to cool completely.

Step 3

In a large bowl mix together chopped lettuce, tomatoes, cheddar cheese (can use more than 2 cups if desired and the cheese may be cubed small instead of shredded) avocados, red onion, olives, and the second package of taco seasoning mix.

Step 4

Add to cooled beef mixture; toss to combine.

Step 5

Just before serving toss with the salad dressing.

Step 6

The last step (just before serving) is to mix in about three-quarters of the package of crushed Doritos, leaving the rest on the side for your guests who want extra (they will get soggy if you mix them in too early!).

Tips


No special items needed.

Editorial Notes

The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.


  • When choosing the ground beef, opt for a leaner option to reduce fat content.
  • For the tomatoes, use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.

  • Ground turkey instead of ground beef: Ground turkey is a leaner alternative to ground beef, making it a healthier option for those watching their fat intake.
  • Tortilla strips instead of Doritos: Tortilla strips provide a crunchy texture similar to Doritos, but are made from a healthier base of whole wheat tortillas and are not as heavily processed.

Vegetarian Version Substitute the ground beef with 2 pounds of crumbled extra-firm tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of water when preparing the taco seasoning mix.


Mexican-Style Version Substitute the ground beef with 2 pounds of chorizo sausage. Replace the taco seasoning mix with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Add 1 diced jalapeno pepper for an extra kick.


Spanish Rice: This flavorful side dish is the perfect accompaniment to the Taco Salad for a Crowd. It is made with long-grain white rice, sautéed onions, garlic, and diced tomatoes, and is cooked in a flavorful tomato broth. The rice absorbs all the flavor of the broth, making it a delicious and satisfying side dish.


Black Bean and Corn Salsa: This colorful and flavorful salsa is a great accompaniment to the Spanish Rice. It is made with black beans, corn, bell peppers, onions, garlic, cilantro, and a tangy lime juice dressing. It adds a bright, fresh flavor to the meal, and is a great source of plant-based protein and fiber.




FAQ

Q: How can I make the taco salad spicier?

A: You can add additional taco seasoning mix to the beef mixture, or add diced jalapenos or hot sauce to the salad. You can also serve the salad with a bottle of hot sauce on the side.



Q: How do I make a vegan taco salad?

A: To make a vegan taco salad, use a plant-based protein such as crumbled tofu or vegan ground beef. Use vegan cheese and dairy-free sour cream as substitutes for traditional ingredients. You can also add vegan-friendly toppings such as diced tomatoes, olives, and avocado.

1 Reviews

muffinlady

This is my go to recipe when I want taco salad. It is wonderful Instead of catalina dressing I used russian dressing my recipe

5.0

review by:
(29 Oct 2011)

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Fun facts:

The taco salad was invented in the 1970s by a man named Roberto Lopez, who owned a restaurant in California. He is credited as the creator of the modern taco salad.

The taco salad was featured in the movie "Clueless", where the character Cher served it at a party. It quickly became a popular dish in the '90s and is still enjoyed today.