Texas Taco Salad

I like salad. I like tacos. I love it when you mix up the two concepts and end up with a huge bowl of this sweet and tangy deliciousness. This is a perfect meal to throw together when you are short on time or when you need to feed a crowd without too much fuss. If you follow my ingredient amounts, you will easily have 8 servings...Big Man had 2 plate fulls, I had 1...and maybe another half *winks*, and the two big girls ate a half plate each...this left me with another full plate for the next day's lunch and there's still probably 3 more plates to dish!). There are many versions of a taco salad...here's mine...I'm a bit partial to it. Go figure. I promise...you won't be sorry with this one.

Ingredients
1 head of leaf lettuce
1 bag spinach leaves
1 pound browned hamburger
1 envelope taco seasoning
1 medium tomato
1 can black beans, drained
1 can corn, drained
white corn tortilla chips
Catalina dressing
1 C. Shredded cheddar cheese

First, chop the head of leaf lettuce and place in a large salad bowl. Empty the spinach into the same bowl. This is a good time to have your hamburger browning. It takes less than 5 minutes to get your hamburger all ready for the salad.

Next, dice the tomato and toss into the salad bowl. Pretty, huh? Very Christmas-y...

Hey, hey...Getting ready to toss in some more color! Open the cans of black beans and corn, drain and rinse with cold water. Allow to drain completely before adding to the salad.

By now, your hamburger is browned. There's really no way to take a picture of ground beef to make it look delicious. Don't you agree? Steak, now that is something you could show me and I'm salivating for a big 'ol sirloin. Medium rare. Please and thank you! Anyhow, back to the ground beef...add the envelope of taco seasoning and blend.

Dump...yes, I said "dump"!...your hamburger in with the salad. At this point, there are so many pretty colors layered on top of eachother, you're gonna want to give it all a little toss. Go ahead, thrill yourself, I won't tell!

Oh, this is my favorite ingredient! Catalina dressing...yum. *wiping the drool off my chin* How much you put in your salad is up to you and your taste preferences. Some people like a little dressing and others are like me and Big Man...you want a little salad with your dressing. *smirks* I usually use about 3/4 of the bottle. To be safe...add what you think you'll like...mix it up, and then take a taste. You can always add more to your liking!

Got kids? This is a great step for them. Have you ever been grocery shopping...the cart is full, and you wait to pick up the bread and chips last? Why do we mothers do this? You got it...we want them to arrive at home intact, with no dents or craters. Next time, have no worries about the kiddos smooshing the chips...you'll want them to for this recipe! Throw a few handfuls of crushed tortilla chips into the salad.

You're almost there. I know, your stomach is already growling at you, demanding you feed it. Mix in a cup of shredded cheddar...and..."ding, ding, ding!"...dinner's ready!



I like to make some grilled cheese triangles using tortillas and white American cheese to serve with this dish. Super simple. Top your salad with sour cream and guacamole if you like...and me likes! Enjoy!