Recipe Name: Taco Salad II 🥗
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Description:
Taco Salad II is a flavorful and satisfying “entree” salad that has been cherished for over 25 years, originating from the generous recipe sharing of a boss’s wife. This vibrant dish marries the warmth of seasoned meat and gooey cheese sauce with the crispness of chilled lettuce and tomatoes, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures. It’s a perfect harmony of savory and refreshing, making it an ideal choice for any mealtime.
Recipe Category: Cheese 🧀
Keywords: Greens, Vegetable, Meat, Southwestern U.S., < 60 Mins, Refrigerator, Stove Top
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 957
- Fat Content: 55.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 25.6g
- Cholesterol Content: 183.2mg
- Sodium Content: 2341.6mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 53.3g
- Fiber Content: 6.8g
- Sugar Content: 16.4g
- Protein Content: 62.8g
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 1/2 | lean ground beef |
| 1 | green bell pepper |
| 1 1/2 | onions |
| – | garlic granules |
| – | chili powder |
| 1 | ground cumin |
| 1/8 | process American cheese |
| 1 | tomatoes and green chilies |
| 1 | head lettuce |
| 1 | tomatoes |
| 2 | tortilla chips |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Meat Mixture:
- Crumble and brown the lean ground beef thoroughly in a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s cooked to perfection.
-
Add Vegetables:
- Once the meat is cooked, drain excess grease, and incorporate diced green bell pepper, sliced onions, garlic granules, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for a few more minutes until the vegetables are tender.
-
Seasoning:
- Sprinkle in chili powder and ground cumin, infusing the meat and vegetables with rich Southwestern flavors.
-
Prepare Cheese Sauce:
- In a separate small saucepan, melt the process American cheese over low heat until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
-
Enhance with Tomatoes:
- Stir in diced tomatoes with green chilies into the melted cheese sauce, and season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, adding a zesty kick to the creamy sauce.
-
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large serving bowl, layer the ingredients in the following order: crisp lettuce leaves as the base, followed by sliced fresh tomatoes, crunchy tortilla chips for added texture, hot meat mixture, and finally, generously drizzle the warm cheese sauce over the top.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Toss the salad at the table to evenly distribute the flavors, ensuring every bite is a delightful combination of savory meat, creamy cheese, and crisp vegetables. Serve immediately while the meat and cheese are still hot, and the lettuce and tomatoes remain refreshingly cold.
Taco Salad II is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit individual preferences by adding toppings such as sliced avocado, black olives, sour cream, or salsa. Whether enjoyed as a satisfying lunch or a hearty dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite among family and friends, bringing the essence of Southwestern cuisine to your table with every flavorful bite.
