Steph's Taco Salad

Justin's Birthday Dinner request every year is this Taco Salad. This recipe has evolved over the years according to our family's tastes but it is one of our family's favorites. Even though Justin is a couple thousand miles away right now, in Chile, we enjoyed his traditional Birthday Dinner on May 24th--Justin will have to have a raincheck" when he gets home.

1 lb. ground beef
1 pkg. Taco Bell seasoning mix, prepare according to direction on package.
garlic salt & pepper, to taste


While meat is cooking, prepare the salad mixture:

Iceberg lettuce, cut-up, or a bag of Iceberg salad mix. (We use the large bag of salad from Costco)
1-2 roma tomatoes, cut-up
1 C. grated cheddar cheese or bagged grated cheese 

1 C. corn 

1/2 red onion, chopped (can soak in ice water for 20 mins. to soften the strong taste of the onion.)

black olives, sliced (small can)

chili beans, pintos (low sodium)

1 avocado, cut-up and sprinkled with salt
a couple of handfuls of Nacho Cheese Doritos, crunched up

Catalina dressing/light Catalina dressing- but not yet :)

*You can serve with Barbecue sauce and Ranch Dressing if you absolutely must, but first try the Catalina!) :)

Mix salad and then top with warm (but not hot) taco meat. Pour Catalina dressing/light Catalina dressing over the taco meat and toss well. Serve with more chips because, inevitably, your family will probably tell you there isn't enough in it!

*Tip: cook up double the amount of taco meat and have tacos the next night with half the effort. :)

Happy Birthday Justy!