Loaded Taco Nacho Salad (Family-Size)

Ingredients

For the Meat

• 500 g (1 lb) ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ cup water or beef broth

For the Salad Base

• 1 large head iceberg lettuce or romaine, chopped
• 2 cups tortilla chips or nachos, slightly crushed
• 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend

Fresh Toppings

• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 small cucumber, diced
• ½ cup sliced black olives
• 2 green onions, sliced
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 small red onion, finely diced (optional)
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)

Optional Extras (Highly Recommended)

• 1 cup sweet corn (canned or grilled)
• 1 cup cooked black beans or kidney beans
• 1 avocado, diced
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup salsa
• ½ cup guacamole

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft.
3. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart well.
5. Drain excess fat if needed.
6. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
7. Add tomato paste and water (or broth). Simmer 5–7 minutes until thick and flavorful. Remove from heat.
8. In a large serving bowl or platter, spread chopped lettuce evenly.
9. Add a generous layer of tortilla chips over the lettuce.
10. Spoon the hot seasoned beef evenly on top.
    triggers slight melting.
11. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously while meat is still warm.
12. Scatter tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, olives, corn, beans, and onions over the top.
13. Finish with green onions and fresh cilantro.

How to Serve

• Serve immediately for maximum crunch
• Add sour cream, salsa, or guacamole on top or on the side
• Can be eaten as a salad, scooped with chips, or wrapped in tortillas

Tips & Variations

• Swap beef for ground chicken or turkey
• Make it spicy with hot salsa or extra jalapeños
• For a lighter version, reduce chips and cheese
• Perfect for parties, game night, or a quick dinner