Description
Layers of Mexican-inspired magic unfold in this seven-layer taco salad, where crisp lettuce, seasoned ground beef, and zesty toppings create a culinary fiesta. Fresh ingredients dance together, promising a delightful meal that will satisfy every craving and transport you straight to flavor paradise.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Layer:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) water
Creamy and Cheese Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) sour cream
- 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
Toppings and Garnish Layer:
- 3 ripe avocados
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup (15 grams) chopped cilantro
- 1 cup (150 grams) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) sliced jalapenos
- 1/4 cup (15 grams) chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the savory foundation by browning ground beef in a skillet, methodically crumbling the meat while cooking over medium heat.
- Eliminate excess grease from the beef, then infuse with zesty taco seasoning and a splash of water, allowing the mixture to simmer and intensify flavors for approximately 5 minutes.
- Create a luscious guacamole by thoroughly mashing ripe avocados and blending with tangy lime juice, aromatic garlic powder, delicate salt, freshly ground pepper, and optional vibrant cilantro until achieving a silky consistency.
- Select a transparent glass vessel or elegant trifle dish to construct the layered masterpiece, beginning with the seasoned beef as the robust bottom layer.
- Generously cascade shredded cheddar cheese across the beef, creating a melty, golden second stratum.
- Delicately spread a smooth, creamy sour cream layer, ensuring complete coverage of the cheese beneath.
- Artfully dollop the freshly prepared guacamole, forming a verdant fourth dimension to the salad.
- Sprinkle an additional cascade of shredded cheese, adding textural complexity.
- Embellish with a colorful medley of diced tomatoes, briny black olives, spicy jalapeños, and crisp green onions, creating a vibrant mosaic of flavors and textures.
- Crown the creation with a scattering of fragrant, chopped cilantro as the final flourishing touch.
- Encase the culinary composition in plastic wrap and refrigerate for half an hour, allowing flavors to meld and intensify before serving alongside crisp tortilla chips or as a standalone dish.
Notes
- Adjust meat seasoning by using homemade taco blend for more authentic flavor control.
- Swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter protein alternatives.
- Keep guacamole vibrant by pressing plastic wrap directly onto surface to prevent browning.
- Drain tomatoes thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making layers soggy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg