Description
A colorful and festive Patriotic Taco Salad featuring seasoned ground beef, crunchy tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, and layers of cheese and toppings arranged to represent the American flag. Perfect for parties and gatherings, this flavorful and visually appealing dish combines classic taco flavors with a fun presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 envelope taco seasoning
- 1½ cups water
Salad Base and Toppings
- 6 cups tortilla or corn chips
- 4 to 5 cups shredded lettuce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 9 to 10 large olives, sliced
Instructions
- Brown Beef and Onion: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is no longer pink. Drain excess fat thoroughly to reduce greasiness and improve flavor.
- Simmer with Seasoning: Stir in 1½ cups water, tomato paste, and taco seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
- Layer Chips and Beef: In a large baking dish, spread the tortilla chips evenly as the base layer, then spoon the beef mixture evenly over the chips.
- Add Lettuce and Arrange Toppings: Top the beef layer with shredded lettuce. Arrange sliced olives in one corner to represent ‘stars.’ Then alternate rows of shredded cheddar cheese and halved cherry tomatoes to create ‘stripes’ across the salad.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the salad right away to maintain the crunchiness of the chips and freshness of the toppings for the best eating experience.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on the side.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use gluten-free tortilla chips if needed to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- Prepare this dish just before serving to avoid soggy chips.
- Adjust the amount of taco seasoning if you prefer a milder or spicier flavor.
