Homemade Taco Salad

Homemade taco salad is one of my favorite go to weeknight meals. It's quick, easy and for the most part, healthy. I've posted pics of this salad many times on my FB page and Instagram and many have asked how to make it. This is probably the easiest "recipe" ever, so I almost feel silly sharing it with you. But ask my friends, and you shall receive!

Homemade Taco Salad

Ingredients:
1 lb lean ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
2/3 cup water
Head of lettuce
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese
Fresh tomatoes, diced
Crunchy tortilla strips (I love the Fresh Gourmet brand, but you can use whatever you like!)
Ranch dressing
Optional ingredients: sliced black olives, crunchy jalapeno slices, corn

In a large skillet brown the ground beef until completely cooked. Drain, if needed. (When I use lean ground beef I typically don't have to drain, but if I'm using something with a little more fat than I do.) Add in your packet of taco seasoning and 2/3 cup water. Cook over low heat until the sauce is thickened. Remove the taco meat from the heat and set aside.

Place the lettuce on your plates. I like my lettuce in smaller bite sized pieces, so I chop it up. Add some taco meat on top of the lettuce, then sprinkle a nice handful of cheese on top of that. Add your tomatoes and any other optional ingredients that you like. Drizzle on the ranch dressing, then finally add a handful of the crunchy tortilla strips on the very top.

See how simple that is? So simple you really don't need a recipe! Hope you all enjoy. This is a family favorite in our house!

Bon Appetit!