Ingredients:

  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 2 tbsp Taco Seasoning Mix
  • ½ cup Water
  • Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup Mayonnaise (full fat preferred)
  • ½ cup Sour Cream or Plain Greek Yogurt
  • 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Granulated Sugar
  • ½ tsp Dried Onion Powder
  • ¼ tsp Cumin Powder
  • 1 large head Iceberg Lettuce, rinsed, dried, and chopped
  • 3 medium Roma Tomatoes, diced
  • ½ medium Red Onion, finely diced
  • ½ cup pitted Black Olives, sliced
  • 2 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
  • 10 oz bag Nacho Cheese Doritos

Instructions:

  1. Brown and Season the Meat: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef/turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned (5–7 minutes).
  2. Drain Excess Fat: Drain the cooked meat thoroughly using a colander. Return the meat to the skillet.
  3. Simmer the Seasoning: Add the taco seasoning and water to the meat. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3–5 minutes until the liquid has mostly evaporated and the meat is coated and thick.
  4. Cool Completely: Transfer the seasoned meat to a separate shallow dish and spread it out. The meat must cool completely to room temperature or below (approx. 20-30 minutes) before assembly.
  5. Whisk the Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream/yogurt, cider vinegar, sugar, onion powder, and cumin. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  6. Prep Vegetables: Ensure the iceberg lettuce is very dry. Place the lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced red onion, and sliced olives in the large serving bowl.
  7. Layer the Salad: Once the meat is completely cool, layer it over the vegetables. Top with the shredded cheese.
  8. Dress (Optional Premix): If serving immediately, pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss. For transport or later serving, keep the dressing on the side.
  9. Crush the Doritos: Place the Doritos in their bag and gently crush them into coarse, crunchy pieces.
  10. Final Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the crushed Doritos liberally over the top of the salad. Serve immediately while the chips are at their crunchiest peak.