Description
Ingredients
For the perfect 7 layer taco salad recipe, you’ll need:
Base Layer:
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- 1 pound lean ground beef
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- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
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- ⅔ cup water
Layers 2-7:
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- 2 (15 oz) cans refried beans
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- 2 cups sour cream
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- 1 cup guacamole (homemade or store-bought)
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- 2 cups shredded lettuce (I prefer romaine for its crunch)
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- 2 cups Mexican blend cheese, shredded
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- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
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- 1 cup sliced black olives
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- ½ cup sliced green onions
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- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
For Serving:
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- Tortilla chips
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- Additional salsa
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- Jalapeño slices (for those who like extra heat)
Instructions
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Add the taco seasoning and water, then simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Olivia’s Tip: I sometimes add a small can of green chilies to the beef while it simmers for an extra layer of flavor. My grandmother taught me that “secret ingredients” make all the difference, and this little addition really does take the beef from good to great.
In a large clear bowl or trifle dish (I love using my glass trifle dish for the dramatic effect of seeing all those colorful layers!), spread the refried beans evenly across the bottom. Using the back of a spoon, create a smooth, even layer.
Olivia’s Tip: Warming the refried beans slightly in the microwave makes them much easier to spread into a nice, even layer.
Spoon the cooled taco meat over the bean layer, creating your second layer.
Carefully spread the sour cream over the beef layer. Then add the guacamole as your fourth layer.
Olivia’s Tip: For the guacamole, I add a squeeze of lime juice on top to prevent browning if I’m making this ahead of time.
Sprinkle the shredded lettuce evenly to form the fifth layer. Then add your shredded cheese for the sixth layer.
Top with diced tomatoes, black olives, and green onions to create the seventh layer. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro if using.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: salad
- Method: Layering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the total salad
- Calories: 400 per serving
Keywords: taco salad, 7 layer taco salad, ground beef taco salad, layered taco salad, homemade taco seasoning