Description
Mexican-inspired seven-layer taco salad delivers a fiesta of flavors and textures in one delightful dish. Crisp lettuce, zesty salsa, seasoned ground beef, and creamy toppings create a perfect balance that will make hunger disappear with each refreshing bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) salsa
- 1 can (16 ounces/454 grams) refried beans
- 2 cups (470 milliliters) shredded lettuce (iceberg or romaine)
Cheese and Dairy Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) guacamole
Garnish and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) diced tomatoes
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) sliced black olives
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) chopped green onions
- Tortilla chips (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Transform ground beef into a savory taco-seasoned mixture by browning thoroughly in a skillet, draining excess fat, and mixing with spice blend until perfectly coated.
- Create a flavor foundation in a transparent serving vessel by spreading a smooth, creamy layer of warm refried beans across the bottom.
- Carefully distribute the seasoned beef evenly over the bean foundation, ensuring complete coverage.
- Apply a silky sour cream layer, followed by a vibrant, fresh guacamole spread to enhance depth and richness.
- Generously drizzle zesty salsa across the creamy landscape, introducing a tangy dimension to the composition.
- Construct a crisp foundation of finely chopped lettuce, providing a refreshing textural contrast to the preceding layers.
- Embellish the salad with a generous cascade of sharp cheddar cheese, allowing it to cascade naturally across the lettuce.
- Punctuate the layers with vibrant diced tomatoes, creating bursts of color and juicy freshness.
- Scatter black olives and delicate green onion rings, adding complexity and visual intrigue to the assembled masterpiece.
- Refrigerate the completed salad for a minimum of one hour, permitting the flavors to harmonize and intensify.
- Present the chilled creation alongside crisp tortilla chips, inviting guests to scoop and savor each magnificent layer.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef or turkey to reduce fat content and create a healthier version of the salad.
- Drain beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease and soggy layers in the final dish.
- Customize the spice level by choosing mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning based on personal preference.
- Prepare components ahead of time and assemble just before serving to maintain crisp vegetable textures.
- For gluten-free option, verify taco seasoning ingredients and use corn tortilla chips instead of wheat-based ones.
- Enhance protein by adding black beans or grilled chicken as alternative meat options.
- Opt for Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce calories and increase protein content.
- Layer ingredients strategically to prevent liquid ingredients from making bottom layers soggy.
- Serve immediately after chilling to preserve fresh vegetable crunch and vibrant colors.
- Consider vegetarian adaptation by replacing meat with roasted vegetable or plant-based protein alternatives.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg