Why You’ll Love Ground Beef Taco Salad Recipe

It’s fast and simple — prep takes just about 10 minutes and cooking 10 minutes.
The combination of warm, savory beef and cool toppings like sour cream and fresh salsa gives a satisfying contrast in textures and flavors.
It’s flexible — you can make it as light or hearty as you like by adding or omitting toppings.
It works for lunch or dinner and is especially handy when you want something tasty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 teaspoons oil
1 pound ground beef
1 oz taco seasoning
¾ cup salsa
1 head romaine lettuce
Optional toppings: cheese, sour cream, salsa, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, tortilla chips

Directions

Warm the oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook, crumbling as you go, until browned. Drain off excess fat if needed.
Once the beef is browned, stir in the taco seasoning and salsa until the meat is well coated. (Tip: you can add about 2 tablespoons of water at this stage to help the seasoning mix in more evenly.)
While the beef is cooking, wash and dice the romaine lettuce (and any other fresh toppings you’re using).
Arrange the lettuce in bowls or on plates, spoon the seasoned beef on top, then add your desired toppings — shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh salsa, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, tortilla chips, etc.
Serve immediately, with the beef warm and the toppings chilled for contrast.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: ~20 minutes

Variations

Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken for a slightly lighter version.
Use iceberg lettuce instead of romaine if you prefer a crunchier leaf.
Add more vegetables like corn, black beans, bell peppers or cucumbers for extra fresh texture.
Mix in a homemade taco seasoning blend instead of store‑bought for custom flavor.
For a low‑carb twist, skip the tortilla chips or replace them with crushed pork rinds.
Turn it into a warm bowl by serving the beef hot and letting the toppings slowly warm up, offering a layered temperature experience.

Storage/Reheating

To store: keep the cooked seasoned beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3‑4 days.
When ready to serve again, reheat the beef in a skillet or microwave until warmed through (if reheating on the stove you may want to add a splash of water to keep it moist).
Store the lettuce and fresh toppings separately in the fridge; assemble just before eating so the lettuce stays crisp and the chips don’t go soggy.
If you had chips, store them separately in a sealed bag so they retain crunch.

FAQs

What kind of ground beef should I use?

You can use any ground beef you like, though an 85/15 blend (85% lean, 15% fat) is a good balance for flavor and moisture.

Can I make the taco salad ahead of time?

Yes — you can cook the beef ahead and store it in the fridge, then warm it and assemble the salad when you’re ready. Keep the lettuce and toppings separate until serving.

Is this recipe gluten‑free?

It can be — if your taco seasoning, salsa, and any toppings (like chips) are gluten‑free, and you skip or replace chips made with flour, then the salad works for gluten‑free diets.

Can I use a different lettuce?

Absolutely. Romaine is recommended, but you can use iceberg, butter lettuce, or any other crisp lettuce you prefer.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes — swap out the ground beef for a plant‑based ground “meat” substitute or seasoned beans (black beans or lentils work nicely) instead.

How can I adjust the spice level?

If you want more heat, add fresh jalapenos or a spicier salsa. For milder flavor, use a mild taco seasoning and a mild salsa, and skip the jalapenos.

What are some good toppings?

Classic toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, onions, sliced jalapenos, tortilla chips. You could also add avocado or guacamole, fresh cilantro, or a drizzle of lime crema.

Can I add more vegetables to bulk it up?

Definitely. Corn, black beans, diced bell peppers, chopped cucumber or even roasted zucchini can all add volume and nutrition.

Should the beef be hot when serving?

Yes, serving the beef warm over chilled lettuce creates a nice contrast. But if you prefer, you could allow the beef to cool and serve at room temperature — it’s still tasty.

How do I keep the chips or lettuce from getting soggy?

Assemble just before serving. Store chips and lettuce separately until you’re ready to serve. Don’t top chips until last minute so they stay crisp.

Conclusion

This ground beef taco salad is a perfect weeknight go‑to: fresh, flavorful, quick to assemble and flexible enough to adapt to your tastes. Whether you’re craving something light or hearty, it delivers with Tex‑Mex flair and minimal fuss. Serve it when you want big taste without a big time commitment — it’s sure to become a favorite.