Patriotic Taco Salad

Name: Patriotic Taco Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8 servings.
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1-1/2 cups water; 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste; 1 envelope taco seasoning; 6 cups tortilla or corn chips; 4 to 5 cups shredded lettuce; 9 to 10 pitted large olives, sliced lengthwise; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

One year, my daughter decided to celebrate her July birthday with a patriotic theme. This colorful and refreshing salad was the main dish on the menu. The kids gobbled it up! —Glenda Jarboe, Oroville, California

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1-1/2 cups water
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 envelope taco seasoning
6 cups tortilla or corn chips
4 to 5 cups shredded lettuce
9 to 10 pitted large olives, sliced lengthwise
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

Directions

In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the water, tomato paste and taco seasoning. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
Place chips in an ungreased 13x9-in. dish. Spread beef mixture evenly over the top. Cover with lettuce. For each star, arrange five olive slices together in the upper left corner. To form stripes, add cheese and tomatoes in alternating rows. Serve immediately.

Editor's Note: If you wish to prepare this salad in advance, omit the layer of chips and serve them with the salad.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 357 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 747mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.

Originally published as Patriotic Taco Salad in Holiday & Celebrations Cookbook 2002

Reviews

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Average Rating:

mrsh318

Jul 5, 2014

I added a can of refried beans on top of the beef mixture. It was very good. I also used gluten free tortilla chips as I am trying to cut down on my gluten. My guests really enjoyed it. I served it as a light dinner on July 4th as we had already eaten a big amount of food that day.
lollyx8x

Jun 18, 2014

To make it more 4th of July I'll use taco sauce for more flavor, white cheese and out line the casserole with blue tortilla chips. Ill serve it with grilled tequilla lime chicken and pineapple/coconut slushies.
TJHEAT

Jun 18, 2014

Cslowcookjw - you could use black beans instead of the olives. As Kristens198 suggested add a can to the meat mixture, reserving a few to sprinkle in the corner.
Cslowcookjw

Jun 18, 2014

Have not made this yet. Would like to know what I can use rather than olives.
Kristens198

Jul 4, 2013

This was a great idea but I customized it for my cooking style. I added a can of black beans to add more protein and make it a meal. I also put chips on the side instead of the bottom layer. I used taco sauce and salsa instead of taco seasoning and tomato paste. Lastly, I used shredded mozzarella cheese for more red/white effect. It was a crowd favorite!
bnrudy

Oct 27, 2012

I use a White Cheddar Cheese instead of yellow, also can of slice olives. Serve the chips on the side=^..^= Yummmmmmm
hillbillyhick

Jul 1, 2012

This Is SOOOO GOOOD. I will Make This Over and Over Again...
vickdn

Jul 7, 2011

see my blog post at http://steaknpotatoeskindagurl.blogspot.com/2011/07/patriotic-taco-salad.html
nikkione

Jul 1, 2010

nice and easy and budget friendly, great for a big crowd..