Description
Hearty seven-layer taco salad delivers Mexican-inspired comfort with layers of crisp freshness and bold flavors. Zesty ingredients combine for a crowd-pleasing dish you’ll crave at every gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
Dairy and Topping Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Garnishes:
- 1 can (16 ounces / 454 grams) refried beans
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) shredded lettuce (iceberg or romaine)
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) guacamole
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) salsa
- 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
- Heat a skillet and thoroughly cook ground beef until no pink remains, eliminating excess grease through careful draining.
- Incorporate taco seasoning into the meat, simmering until flavors meld completely and mixture reaches optimal taste and texture.
- Select a transparent serving vessel with substantial depth to showcase layered components.
- Create the foundational layer using refried beans, spreading smoothly across the bottom surface for complete coverage.
- Gently deposit the seasoned beef atop the bean layer, ensuring uniform distribution.
- Apply a creamy sour cream stratum, creating a luxurious barrier between meat and subsequent ingredients.
- Generously spread guacamole, maintaining an even consistency across the entire surface.
- Disperse salsa strategically, allowing liquid elements to intermingle without overwhelming other components.
- Crown the composition with crisp, freshly chopped lettuce, providing a vibrant green backdrop.
- Cascade shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to cascade naturally over the lettuce.
- Embellish with precise diced tomato clusters and strategically placed black olive slices.
- Garnish with finely chopped green onions, adding a subtle aromatic finish.
- Refrigerate the assembled salad for approximately one hour, enabling flavors to harmonize and intensify.
- Present alongside crisp tortilla chips, inviting guests to scoop and enjoy the multifaceted culinary creation.
Notes
- Customize the heat level by choosing mild, medium, or spicy taco seasoning to match your preferred spiciness.
- Use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner protein option that keeps the salad lighter and more diet-friendly.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time and assemble just before serving to maintain crisp textures and prevent soggy layers.
- Adjust ingredient quantities based on dish size, ensuring each layer is evenly distributed for the perfect bite every time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg