Ingredients:

  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef (85/15 ratio)
  • 1 Tbsp Olive Oil (or neutral oil)
  • 1 packet Store-bought Taco Seasoning Mix (35 g)
  • ½ cup Water
  • 1 cup Full-Fat Sour Cream
  • ½ cup Mayonnaise
  • 2 Tbsp Canned Green Chilies, diced and drained
  • 1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar (or Lime Juice)
  • 1 tsp Granulated Sugar
  • ¼ tsp Fine Sea Salt
  • 1 large head Iceberg Lettuce, shredded finely
  • 1 ½ cups Cherry or Roma Tomatoes, diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) Black Beans, rinsed and thoroughly drained
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • 1 cup Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
  • ½ medium Red Onion, finely diced
  • 1 small can (4 oz) Sliced Black Olives, drained
  • 1 standard bag (9 oz) Nacho Cheese Doritos

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, canned green chilies, apple cider vinegar (or lime juice), sugar, and salt until completely smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow the flavors to marry.
  2. Cook the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up. Cook until fully browned (about 8-10 minutes). Transfer the cooked beef to a fine-mesh colander and drain off all excess fat. This draining step is essential.
  3. Season and Cool: Return the drained beef to the skillet (off the heat). Stir in the taco seasoning and water until evenly coated. Spread the seasoned beef onto a plate or tray and allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Do not add warm beef to the salad.
  4. Prepare Salad Base: Shred the iceberg lettuce and dice the tomatoes and red onion. Rinse and drain the black beans and olives. In a very large mixing bowl, gently toss the lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, black beans, olives, and both shredded cheeses.
  5. Final Assembly: Add the cooled, seasoned beef to the prepared vegetable and cheese base. If serving immediately, pour the chilled dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. If serving later, keep the dressing on the side.
  6. Add the Crunch: Just before serving (within 5 minutes), lightly crush the Doritos directly into the salad bowl. Give the salad one last, gentle toss to distribute the chips, and serve immediately.