Yields: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 works best)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (use your favorite brand or a homemade mix)
- 1/2 cup water
Salad Base:
- 1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
Toppings:
- Crumbled tortilla chips
- Sliced avocado or guacamole (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
- Del Taco’s “secret” sauce (see below) or your favorite salsa or taco sauce
Del Taco-Style “Secret” Sauce (Optional):
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
Make the Secret Sauce (if using):
- Whisk together all sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
- Refrigerate until you’re ready to build your salad.
Cook the Beef:
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Drain off excess grease.
- Stir in taco seasoning and water, simmer for 5 minutes until liquid has mostly reduced.
Assemble the Salad:
- Divide shredded lettuce among four bowls or plates.
- Top lettuce with the seasoned beef, beans, diced tomato, and cheddar cheese.
Finish and Serve:
- Add crumbled tortilla chips, sliced avocado (if using), Del Taco sauce or your preferred salsa, and a dollop of sour cream (if using).
- Serve immediately.
Tips
- Customization: The beauty of taco salad is it’s flexible! Add olives, hot sauce, different cheeses, or your other favorite taco fixings.
- Lettuce Choices: Iceberg lettuce is closest to what Del Taco uses, but for a healthier option, try romaine or green leaf lettuce.
- Make-Ahead: Prep the beef, chop the veggies, and make the sauce in advance. Store separately in the refrigerator, then assemble salads fresh when ready to serve.
