Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the beef
- 500–700 g ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 for juicy flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if beef is lean)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Optional: chili flakes or cayenne for heat
(Or use 1 packet taco seasoning)
For the salad base
- 1 large head iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 1–2 romaine hearts, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack
- 1 carrot, grated (optional but nice crunch)
- ½ avocado, diced (optional)
- ½ cup corn or black beans (optional)
Creamy dressing (super important)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: hot sauce or sriracha
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
If your beef is lean, add olive oil first.
Add chopped onions and cook 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Now add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula.
Cook for about 6–8 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
As it cooks:
- stir often
- break chunks into small crumbles
Smaller pieces mix better into the salad and give perfect bites.
Step 2 – Season it like a taco pro
Once browned, drain excess fat if needed.
Add:
- garlic
- all seasonings
Stir well and cook 2–3 more minutes.
The spices will bloom and coat the beef beautifully.
If it looks dry, add 2–3 tablespoons water or broth.
Simmer until slightly saucy.
Taste and adjust salt or spice.
Set aside and let cool slightly (warm is fine, but not super hot or it wilts the lettuce).
Step 3 – Prep the vegetables
While the beef cooks, chop everything.
Cut lettuce into bite-size pieces.
Dice tomatoes small.
Slice onions thin.
Grate cheese.
The key to a great salad bowl is even chopping so every fork has a mix of everything.
Big chunks = awkward bites.
Small pieces = perfect flavor mix.
Step 4 – Make the creamy dressing
In a bowl, mix:
- mayo
- sour cream
- lime juice
- mustard
- seasoning
- salt & pepper
Whisk until smooth.
Taste test.
Want it tangier? Add more lime.
Want spicy? Add hot sauce.
Want thinner? Add a splash of milk.
This dressing is what ties everything together — creamy, slightly tangy, super addictive.
Step 5 – Assemble the bowl
Grab a large mixing bowl (like in your photo).
Add:
- lettuce
- tomatoes
- onions
- carrots
- cheese
- extras (corn, avocado, beans)
Then add the warm seasoned beef on top.
Drizzle dressing generously.
Now toss everything together until coated.
The cheese melts slightly from the warm beef and creates this creamy, rich texture. It’s soooo good.
🥄 How to serve
You can serve it:
Classic bowl
Straight up with a fork
Taco style
Scoop with tortilla chips
Wrap style
Stuff inside tortillas
Low carb
Serve in lettuce cups
Meal prep
Pack into containers for the week
Super flexible.
💡 Pro Tips for Best Flavor
⭐ Use iceberg lettuce
It gives that crunchy taco restaurant texture.
⭐ Don’t overdress
Start small. Add more later.
⭐ Slightly warm beef is best
Hot beef = soggy lettuce
Cold beef = less flavor
Warm = perfect
⭐ Season generously
Salad needs strong seasoning to taste amazing.
⭐ Add crunch
Try crushed tortilla chips or crispy onions.
Game changer.
🌮 Flavor Variations
Want to switch things up?
Try:
Cheeseburger version
- pickles
- ketchup + mustard dressing
- cheddar only
Mexican street style
- cilantro
- lime
- cotija cheese
- corn
- chipotle dressing
Spicy version
- jalapeños
- hot sauce
- pepper jack cheese
Healthy version
- Greek yogurt dressing
- turkey instead of beef
🧊 Storage Tips
Fridge:
Store beef and veggies separately if meal prepping.
Once mixed with dressing, eat within 24 hours.
Best fresh.
❤️ Why this recipe works
This salad hits every texture:
Crunchy lettuce
Juicy beef
Creamy dressing
Melty cheese
Fresh veggies
It’s basically comfort food disguised as a salad.
You feel light… but full.
Healthy-ish… but indulgent.
Fast… but tastes like you tried hard.