Beef Taco Salad

 My mouth is literally watering just looking at this picture...I mean we've all had a taco salad, right? But this one is a little different because it includes my absolute favorite taco meat recipe. As in all the good flavors in the world are mixed into this beef.

And while you could easily use store-bought or a legitimate homemade ranch dressing recipe, I used a semi-homemade one that worked perfectly with this salad.

And don't be stingy with the cheese, tortilla chips or whatever you choose to use as toppings. It really makes all the difference.

Beef Taco Salad

10 oz. chopped romaine

shredded cheddar cheese

tortilla chips, crushed

cilantro, tomatoes, onions, avocado, etc.

Beef

1 lb. extra-lean ground beef 

2 tsp. dried onion, minced

1 1/2 tsp. garlic, minced

2 Tbsp. chili powder

1 tsp. cumin

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

1 tsp. salt

1/2 cup tomato sauce

1/2 cup chicken broth

2 tsp. cider vinegar

1 tsp. light brown sugar

1. Hand mix the spices with the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until no longer pink, about five minutes. 

2. Stir in the tomato sauce, broth, vinegar and sugar until thickened, about 10 minutes. Set aside.

Semi-Homemade Ranch Dressing

1 (1 oz.) packet ranch dressing mix

1/2 cup mayo

1/2 cup sour cream

1 cup milk

1. Whisk ranch dressing mix, mayo, sour cream and milk until smooth.

2. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes to allow dressing to thicken. Stir before serving.

Assembly

In individual serving bowls, add a handful of lettuce, a scoop of beef, cheese, tortilla chips, ranch dressing and any other toppings you desire on top. Serve immediately. (Beef can either be served hot or cold.)