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Loaded Ground Beef Taco Salad With Creamy Lime Cilantro Dressing

This delicious taco salad combines seasoned beef with fresh vegetables and a creamy lime cilantro dressing, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 1 pound Ground beef, 90% lean Use 90% lean for the best balance
  • 3 tablespoons Taco seasoning Divided
  • 1/4 cup Water
For the Salad Base
  • 4 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup Tomatoes, diced
  • 1 medium Avocado, diced
  • 1 cup Mexican shredded cheese blend
  • 1 cup Tortilla chips, crushed
  • 1 cup Corn
  • 1 cup Black beans, drained and rinsed
For the Creamy Lime Cilantro Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Sour cream
  • 3-4 tablespoons Fresh lime juice Adjust based on preference
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon Granulated sugar Optional, for balancing acidity

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Let it heat until it shimmers slightly.
  2. Add the ground beef directly into the hot skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks, cooking for about 5 to 7 minutes or until no pink remains.
  3. Tilt the skillet slightly and drain off any excess fat if necessary.
  4. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning over the browned beef and stir thoroughly.
  5. Pour the water into the skillet and stir it into the seasoned beef. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the liquid reduces and thickens.
  6. In a large bowl or platter, add the chopped romaine lettuce as your base layer.
  7. Layer the diced tomatoes, avocado, Mexican cheese blend, crushed tortilla chips, corn, and black beans over the lettuce.
  8. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and sour cream. Whisk until fully smooth.
  9. Squeeze in 3 to 4 tablespoons of lime juice, add the remaining tablespoon of taco seasoning, and the minced cilantro. Adjust to taste.
  10. If too sharp, stir in a pinch of sugar to mellow the acidity.
  11. Spoon the warm beef over the salad and drizzle the dressing generously over the top.
  12. Toss gently and serve immediately.

Notes

Use 90% lean beef for the best results. Store leftover components separately to maintain freshness. Taste the dressing before serving and adjust as needed.