Recipe for Taco Bueno Nacho Salad
Craving a satisfying, flavor-packed meal that's quick and easy to whip up? Recipe for Taco Bueno Nacho Salad is your answer. Inspired by the popular fast-food classic, this dish combines crisp lettuce, seasoned beef, fresh toppings, crunchy tortilla chips, and creamy nacho cheese for a delicious salad that's a feast in a bowl. Whether you're serving it as a main course or a party dish, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Small Saucepan
- Cutting board and knife
- Mixing spoon
- Whisk
- Large serving bowl
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 pound ground beef or plant-based ground beef for a vegan option
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- ½ cup water
- 4 cups iceberg lettuce shredded
- 1 cup tortilla chips lightly crushed
- 1 cup tomatoes diced
- ½ cup red onion finely chopped
- 1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
- ½ cup corn kernels optional
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or vegan cheese
- ¼ cup black olives sliced (optional)
For the Nacho Cheese Sauce:
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup whole milk or plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon butter or vegan butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour or gluten-free alternative
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder optional
For Garnishing:
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 avocado sliced
- Lime wedges
Instructions
Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Drain excess fat and return the skillet to the heat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning mix and water. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is well-coated in the seasoning. Set aside.
Prepare the Nacho Cheese Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until a smooth paste forms.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until slightly thickened.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Season with chili powder, if desired, for an extra kick. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble the Salad
- In a large serving bowl, layer the shredded lettuce as the base.
- Add the seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and red onions on top.
- Sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips and shredded cheese over the salad.
- Drizzle the warm nacho cheese sauce evenly over the top.
Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, and black olives, if using.
- Serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty finish.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Taco Bueno Nacho Salad
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add jalapeños, salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for extra flavor.
- Make It Vegan: Swap ground beef with plant-based meat, use vegan cheese, and opt for dairy-free nacho cheese sauce.
- Keep the Chips Crunchy: Add the tortilla chips just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Protein | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 8g |
| Sodium | 850mg |