Delicious Dorito Taco Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 large bag of Doritos Nacho Cheese Chips, broken into bite-sized pieces (not crumbs)
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 red onion, diced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 head lettuce, shredded
• 6 tomatoes, chopped
• ½ cup Italian dressing
• 2 cups ranch dressing

Instructions:

1. Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbled, about 7–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Season It Up: Stir in the taco seasoning, Italian dressing, and ranch dressing. Mix well and let the beef simmer for 2–3 minutes until the liquid is mostly absorbed. This step ensures the flavors infuse beautifully into the beef.
3. Prep the Veggies: While the beef is cooking, shred the lettuce, chop the tomatoes, and dice the red onion. Place them in separate serving bowls.
4. Cheese and Chips: Shred the cheddar cheese if needed and break the Doritos into bite-sized pieces. Set them aside.
5. Assemble and Serve: You can serve this as a mixed salad or a build-your-own taco salad bar! Either:
   • Toss everything together for a deliciously messy, flavor-packed salad.
   • Serve the ingredients separately, letting guests customize their plate with as much crunch, cheese, and toppings as they like.

Helpful tips: 

For that lovely dressing: Instead of mixing all that Italian and Ranch right into the beef, how about we try a few other delightful options?

• The Classic Touch: You could whip up a traditional taco salad dressing with sour cream, salsa, mayonnaise, a pinch of taco seasoning, and a squeeze of lime. Voilà!
• A Little of This, A Little of That: If you like the Italian and Ranch idea, just use a tiny bit in the beef for a hint of flavor. Then, put the rest out so everyone can drizzle as much as their heart desires.
• Get Creative! You could even make a brand new dressing by blending Ranch with a touch of taco seasoning and some lime juice. Ooh la la!

And about that cheese: Feel free to use a little less cheddar, or let everyone sprinkle on their own perfect amount. It’s all about what makes you happy!

Chef’s Tips:

• Boost the crunch! For the best texture, add the Doritos just before serving so they don’t get soggy.
• A little heat goes a long way! If you like a spicy kick, add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the beef while cooking.
• Dressing matters! Mixing the Italian and ranch dressings into the beef instead of just drizzling over the salad helps create a more cohesive flavor.
• Protein swap! Ground turkey or chicken works just as well if you prefer a leaner option.

How to Store and Reheat:

• Storing Leftovers: Keep all ingredients separate in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This prevents the Doritos and lettuce from getting soggy.
• Reheating Instructions: Warm up the seasoned beef in a skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Food and Drink Pairings

To enhance the flavors of your Dorito Taco Salad, pair it with refreshing drinks like a classic margarita, fruit-infused water, or a chilled Mexican beer.

For a more complete meal, consider serving it alongside Mexican-inspired dishes such as grilled fajitas, cheesy enchiladas, or creamy guacamole with tortilla chips.

Delicious Dorito Taco Salad

Print Recipe

Ah, the beauty of this Dorito Taco Salad—crunchy, cheesy, zesty, and delightfully messy! It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, whether for a casual family dinner or a lively potluck. Plus, with its make-ahead components, it’s as easy as it is delicious.

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 large bag of Doritos Nacho Cheese Chips, broken into bite-sized pieces (not crumbs)
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 red onion, diced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 head lettuce, shredded
• 6 tomatoes, chopped
• ½ cup Italian dressing
• 2 cups ranch dressing

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Instructions

1. Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbled, about 7–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Season It Up: Stir in the taco seasoning, Italian dressing, and ranch dressing. Mix well and let the beef simmer for 2–3 minutes until the liquid is mostly absorbed. This step ensures the flavors infuse beautifully into the beef.
3. Prep the Veggies: While the beef is cooking, shred the lettuce, chop the tomatoes, and dice the red onion. Place them in separate serving bowls.
4. Cheese and Chips: Shred the cheddar cheese if needed and break the Doritos into bite-sized pieces. Set them aside.
5. Assemble and Serve: You can serve this as a mixed salad or a build-your-own taco salad bar! Either:

• • Toss everything together for a deliciously messy, flavor-packed salad.
  • Serve the ingredients separately, letting guests customize their plate with as much crunch, cheese, and toppings as they like.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes