Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Drain any excess grease.
Add the taco seasoning and the amount of water recommended on the seasoning packet. Stir well and simmer for a few minutes until the beef is flavorful and the liquid has mostly evaporated.
Allow the beef to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients
While the beef is cooking, chop the tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, and olives.
Shred the lettuce and prepare the avocado if you’re using it.
For the freshest flavor, keep the vegetables chilled until you’re ready to assemble the dish.
Step 3: Build the Salad
Spread the shredded lettuce across a large serving platter or shallow bowl.
Add a generous layer of tortilla chips over the lettuce.
Spoon the seasoned ground beef evenly over the chips.
Step 4: Add the Toppings
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the warm beef.
Add the diced tomatoes, black olives, green onions, cilantro, and optional black beans and avocado.
For extra flavor, spoon small amounts of salsa or pico de gallo over the top.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Add dollops of sour cream or serve it on the side.
For the best texture, serve immediately so the tortilla chips stay crunchy.
You can also put all the ingredients on the table separately and let everyone build their own loaded taco salad.
The combination of crunchy chips, savory taco-seasoned beef, melted cheddar, juicy tomatoes, fresh vegetables, and creamy toppings makes this a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Make a big platter for game day, family dinner, potlucks, or weekend gatherings—but don’t be surprised when everyone asks, “When are you making this again?” 🌮🥗🔥
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