Ingredients:

  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef (85/15 ratio preferred)
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil or Neutral Cooking Oil
  • 1 large onion, diced finely
  • 1 packet (35g) Commercial Taco Seasoning Mix, or homemade equivalent
  • ½ cup Water
  • ¾ cup Mayonnaise (full-fat)
  • ¾ cup Sour Cream (full-fat) or Plain Greek Yoghurt
  • ¼ cup Mild or Medium Taco Sauce (or thin Salsa)
  • 1 tsp Cumin, ground
  • ½ tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tbsp Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 large head Iceberg Lettuce, shredded (approx. 8 cups)
  • 2 medium Roma Tomatoes, diced
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar or Colby Jack Cheese
  • 4 oz Can Black Olives, sliced (optional)
  • 2-3 Scallions (Spring onions), thinly sliced for garnish
  • 1 standard family-size bag (approx. 9.75 oz) Nacho Cheese Doritos

Instructions:

  1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef, break it up, and cook until fully browned. Transfer the cooked beef to a colander and drain off all excess grease thoroughly. Return beef to skillet, add the taco seasoning and water. Stir well and simmer for 2 minutes until the liquid has reduced and the meat is fully coated. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly (at least 15 minutes).
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or yoghurt), and taco sauce until smooth. Add the lime juice, cumin, and smoked paprika. Whisk again until fully incorporated. Cover and refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld and the dressing to thicken slightly.
  3. In the large mixing bowl, gently combine the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and sliced olives (if using). Add the cooled seasoned beef to the salad components. Pour approximately ¾ of the prepared dressing over the mixture. Fold the ingredients together gently until everything is lightly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the assembled salad for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  4. Just 5 minutes before serving, open the bag of Doritos and crush the chips directly inside the bag into medium-small pieces. Sprinkle the crushed Doritos over the top of the chilled salad. Add the remaining dressing (if needed) and the sliced scallions for garnish. Toss lightly one last time and serve immediately.