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Spicy Beef Taco Salad with Tortilla Chip Bed

5 from 12 votes
Get set to turn your salad into a flavor fiesta with our Spicy Beef Taco Salad! Loaded with tasty seasoned ground beef, crispy veggies, and a crunchy tortilla chip bed, this dish is a real winner. Drizzle on some zesty dressing for an extra kick. It's simple to make and absolutely delicious. So go ahead, dive in, and savor every bite!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Entree, Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Calories: 561
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1½ tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp ground paprika
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • ¼ tsp dried oregano
  • 2 jalapeno peppers, sliced
  • 4 cups mixed leafy greens, shredded
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ⅓ cup sliced black olives
  • ⅓ cup sliced red onions
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • Tortilla chips (for serving)
For the dressing:
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp juice from jalapenos or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 envelope hot taco seasoning
  • ½ cup Vegetable oil

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet, heat extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add lean ground beef and cook until browned, approximately 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add chili powder, ground cumin, sea salt, ground black pepper, ground paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and dried oregano to the cooked ground beef. Stir well to combine.
  3. Pour 1/2 cup of water into the skillet with the seasoned ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the water has evaporated, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. To prepare the dressing, whisk together Worcestershire sauce, jalapeno juice (or apple cider vinegar), hot taco seasoning, and vegetable oil in a bowl until well combined.
  5. In a large salad bowl, combine shredded mixed greens, sliced jalapenos, black olives, sliced red onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced tomatoes. Toss gently to mix.
  6. Add the cooked ground beef to the salad bowl and toss again to distribute evenly.
  7. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
  8. To serve the salad on a bed of tortilla chips, place a handful of tortilla chips on a serving plate or individual salad bowls.
  9. Spoon the beef taco salad mixture on top of the tortilla chips, creating a bed of chips for the salad.
  10. Drizzle additional dressing over the salad and garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese, sliced jalapenos, and chopped green onions if desired.
  11. Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors and textures!

Notes

Pro Tip: To add an extra layer of flavor to your Spicy Beef Taco Salad with Tortilla Chip Bed, try grilling the tortilla chips for a few minutes before assembling the salad. This will enhance their crunchiness and impart a smoky taste that perfectly complements the spicy beef and fresh vegetables.
Variation: For a vegetarian twist, substitute the lean ground beef with cooked black beans or tofu crumbles seasoned with taco seasoning. You can also add grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or corn kernels to amp up the flavor and texture of the salad. This variation offers a delicious option for vegetarians or anyone looking to reduce their meat intake while still enjoying a satisfying meal.