Doritos Taco Salad Recipe

I just made this badass Doritos taco salad and its got the craziest mix of crunchy chips, savory beef, and melty cheese that makes every bite feel like a wild flavor explosion, and i cant even get enough of it.

I love making my Doritos Taco Salad cuz it combines 1 lb ground beef with a chopped yellow onion, taco seasoning and water for a hearty base. I like how the refried beans, tomatoes, romaine lettuce, cheddar cheese, crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos, sour cream and salsa bring balance and nutrition.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Rich protein source that brings a hearty, savory base to the dish.
• Taco seasoning mix: Infuses zesty spice notes with a warming salty kick.
• Nacho Cheese Doritos: Crunchy, cheesy chips that add an unexpected flavor burst.
• Romaine lettuce: Crisp, fresh greens providing fiber and a light, healthy crunch.
• Tomatoes: Juicy and tangy, bringing a vibrant pop of acidity and color.
• Refried beans: Creamy and filling, offering extra texture and essential fiber.
• Cheddar cheese: Melted smoothness that delivers a rich, savory finish.
• Sour cream & salsa: Creamy tang meets spicy zing to tie all flavors together.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
• 1 bag (9.25 oz) Nacho Cheese Doritos, roughly crushed
• 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup salsa

How to Make this

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef with the chopped yellow onion until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, then drain off any extra grease

2. Stir in the taco seasoning mix with 1/2 cup water and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens a bit

3. While the meat is simmering, warm up the refried beans in a small pot over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally so they dont stick

4. In a large serving bowl, pour in the crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos forming a crunchy base

5. Layer the chopped romaine lettuce evenly over the Doritos

6. Spoon the seasoned ground beef evenly over the lettuce layer

7. Dollop the warmed refried beans on top of the beef, spreading them out slightly

8. Sprinkle the diced tomatoes and shredded cheddar cheese all over the top

9. Drizzle the sour cream and salsa over the entire salad making sure every bite gets some of the tangy flavor

10. Give the salad a light toss to mix the flavors, or leave it layered if you prefer a more crunchy texture, and serve immediately Enjoy your delicious Doritos taco salad!

Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet for browning the ground beef and softening the chopped onion
2. Medium pot or a microwave safe container to warm up the refried beans
3. Large serving bowl to assemble the whole salad
4. Chef’s knife to chop tomatoes (if not pre-diced) and adjust any produce
5. Cutting board for all your chopping work
6. Stirring spoon or spatula to mix the beef with the taco seasoning and later to gently toss the salad
7. Measuring cups for the 1/2 cup water, sour cream and salsa portions
8. A colander or a spoon to help drain off extra grease from the skillet

FAQ

• Q: How long does it take to make the Doritos Taco Salad?
  A: It usually takes about 30-40 mins from start to finish, depending on how fast you chop and cook.
• Q: Can I swap out the ground beef if I prefer something else?
  A: Sure, you can use ground turkey or even a meatless crumbled substitute if that’s more your style.
• Q: Should I heat the refried beans before adding them?
  A: Yep, it’s best to warm ’em in a pan or microwave so they mix better with the rest of the ingredients.
• Q: How do I keep the Doritos crunchy if I make the salad ahead of time?
  A: I recommend storing the crushed Doritos separately and mixing them in just before serving to avoid sogginess.
• Q: Can leftovers be stored and reheated later?
  A: Yeah, leftovers can be kept in the fridge for a day or two but the Doritos might lose their crunch, so add fresh ones if needed.

Doritos Taco Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Ground beef: You can swap ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner version.
• Taco seasoning mix: You could easily make your own by mixing chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika if you dont have the packet.
• Refried beans: If you’re lookin for an alternative, try mashed pinto beans or even black bean dip in a pinch.
• Nacho Cheese Doritos: You might substitute these with crushed Fritos or any other cheesy tortilla chips for a different crunch.
• Sour cream: Plain Greek yogurt works as a great substitute and adds a similar creaminess.

Pro Tips

1. Try warming the Doritos for just a few minutes in the oven before you use them as the base. It makes them extra crunchy and gives a really awesome texture to your salad, but be careful not to burn them cause burnt chips ruin the vibe.

2. When you cook the beef and onions, make sure your skillet is nice and hot so you get a good brown on the meat. This adds a lot of flavor and makes sure the onions get soft enough without turning mushy which is kinda important.

3. Mix the taco seasoning with all the water and let it simmer with the beef until it thickens up a bit. Don’t rush it cause if its too runny, it might just all fall off your salad and then each bite wont have that rich flavor you want.

4. If you like the beans a bit smoother, give them a once over with a spoon or even a potato masher before you layer ’em in the bowl. It makes sure every bite gets a little bit of that creamy, tangy bean goodness.