Taco Salad.... Ole'

We eat our fair share of Tex Mex food! However, I always think it's funny when we go to other places (outside the Houston, TX area) and we end up eating at a Mexican restaurant and we are sadly disappointed because it tastes nothing like at home. Tex Mex is a very different from traditional Mexican. 

Queso is a staple in this area of the US. Everyone knows what queso is. It is not that cheese substitute they serve at ball fields with chips. I have a friend who could survive alone on just queso (You know who you are)! 

Also, I have found that everyone rates Tex Mex restaurants based on their favorite thing there. For example, my mother-in-law bases her judgement based solely on their margaritas. My Mom bases her judgment based on their green sauce. My friend mentioned above bases her judgement on... you guessed it, queso. Me.... I'm a chicken fajita girl! Once the fajitas come I feel like Joaquin Phoenix in Gladiator holding my thumb out for approval. On the first bit it either goes up or down! Ha! 

Some Tex Mex food is easy to make at home. Most of our grocery stores have a nice selection of the ingredients so its not too hard to get. 

One of my favorites and easiest to make is Taco Salad. It goes a long way if you are cooking for a crowd or can be condensed if its just you plus one.

 


TACO SALAD

• 1lb ground beef
• 1 (15oz) can Wolf Chili (I use one with no beans but you can use any kind you prefer)
• 1 bag mix salad greens (you can cut up a lettuce head or use the pre-cut bag version, you can use iceberg or romaine greens) *See NOTE below.
•  1 cup shredded fiesta cheese blend *See NOTE below.
•  1 1/2 cups crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos chips *See NOTE below.
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing
• Optional: Olives, avocado, carrots, tomatoes

1. Cook ground beef in medium size skillet, add salt and pepper to taste. 
2. Add can of Chili. Heat and mix thoroughly. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In a large salad bowl combine lettuce, crushed chips, and shredded cheese.
4. Pour meat in same bowl and mix all together. I suggest a BIG spoon. Put salad dressing on top and mix again. I usually reserve some shredded cheese to put on top once mixed. The warm meat will melt the cheese that is already mixed in. 
5. Serve immediately.
6. You can also add other ingredients to taste such as black olives, avocado slices, tomatoes etc. You could also serve in a taco chip bowl if you really want to get festive. OLE'

NOTE: These items may be altered in measurement to meet your taste Enjoy!



Speaking of Tex Mex, we all know some dishes can be spicy along with beans on the side. So with that picture in your mind here is a treat for you.... (click on the "play" arrow on the bottom left)

=)