Beef Taco Salad

Name: Beef Taco Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20); 1 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Salt to taste; 1/3 cup water; 8 cups chopped romaine lettuce; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 15 oz canned black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup crushed tortilla chips; Salsa and sour cream for serving

4 servings15 min prep10 min cookEasy

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The Story Behind It

The Tale of Beef Taco Salad

Story updated September 18, 2026

Taco salad is an American invention, likely developed in the Southwest or Midwest in the mid-20th century as a way to serve taco fillings over lettuce in an edible tortilla bowl; it is not a traditional Mexican dish.

Ingredients

Scale:· 4 servings

1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt to taste
1/3 cup water
8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
15 oz canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup crushed tortilla chips
Salsa and sour cream for serving

Instructions

1Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes, breaking it into crumbles.
2Drain excess fat, then stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt along with the water, and simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
3Divide the chopped romaine among serving bowls or plates.
4Top with the seasoned beef, shredded cheese, cherry tomatoes, and black beans.
5Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips over the top.
6Serve with salsa and sour cream on the side.

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