Seven-Layer Taco Salad

A Seven-Layer Taco Salad is a fun, colorful, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a crowd. It’s made with layers of delicious ingredients that are easy to assemble and can be customized to your taste. Here’s a simple recipe to help you make your own Seven-Layer Taco Salad!

Seven-Layer Taco Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Salad:
  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning)
  • 1 (15 oz) can of refried beans
  • 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce (optional for extra crunch)
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup sour cream (for topping)
  • 1 cup guacamole (optional, for topping)
  • 1 cup salsa (optional, for topping)
  • Tortilla chips (crushed, for garnish)
  • Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Ground Beef:
   • In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until it’s fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
   • Drain any excess grease and stir in the taco seasoning (following the package instructions). Add a little water if needed to create a saucy mixture. Set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Refried Beans:
   • In a small saucepan, heat the refried beans over low heat, stirring occasionally. If they seem too thick, add a splash of water to thin them out slightly.
3. Layer the Salad:
   • In a large serving dish (a glass trifle bowl or clear casserole dish works well), start with the first layer:
     • Layer 1: Spread the refried beans evenly on the bottom of the dish.
     • Layer 2: Add a layer of ground beef, spreading it over the beans.
     • Layer 3: Add a layer of chopped iceberg lettuce.
     • Layer 4: Top the lettuce with halved cherry tomatoes.
     • Layer 5: Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
     • Layer 6: Add sliced black olives and chopped red onion.
     • Layer 7: Top with a generous layer of sour cream.
4. Garnish and Serve:
   • Optional: Garnish the salad with salsa, guacamole, and crushed tortilla chips on top.
   • You can also add fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
5. Serve Immediately:
   • Serve with extra tortilla chips on the side, or use the chips to scoop up the layers!

This Seven-Layer Taco Salad is full of flavor, texture, and colors, with a satisfying combination of crunchy, creamy, and savory elements. It’s perfect for a casual dinner, a potluck, or any taco-inspired meal. You can also customize the layers based on your preferences (e.g., add avocado, jalapeños, or swap out the ground beef for chicken or a vegetarian option).

Let me know how it turns out or if you want to add anything else to it!