#32 in my “100 30 Minute Meals” series is this Doritos Taco Salad. It’s made with browned, seasoned ground beef, black beans, shredded cheese, pico de gallo, and crushed Doritos, finished with your favorite taco sauce and a dollop of sour cream.
Why You’ll Love this Doritos Taco Salad:
- Quick and simple. Brown the beef, chop the lettuce, assemble — ready in about 20 minutes.
- Comforting but not heavy. Packed with seasoned beef and fresh veggies, with just enough Doritos for crunch and flavor.
- Fun and family-friendly. A playful twist on a classic taco salad that works for adults and kids alike.
Key Ingredients:
- Lean ground beef: Drains cleaner and is simmered with taco seasoning and a splash of broth for saucy flavor.
- Romaine lettuce: Crisp, crunchy, and mild — a great salad base.
- Doritos: Adds bold, taco-style crunch. Choose your favorite flavor.
- Taco sauce: Acts as the dressing — creamy chipotle or avocado ranch styles work great.
- Additional toppings: Black beans, shredded cheddar, pico de gallo, and sour cream.
Dietary Swaps:
- Gluten-free: Some Doritos may be cross-contaminated, so look for varieties labeled gluten-free and confirm the taco sauce is gluten-free.
- Dairy-free: Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative; use dairy-free sour cream and a compatible chip flavor.
- Vegetarian: Replace the beef with a plant-based ground substitute like Impossible or another seasoned meat alternative.
Recipe Variations:
- Try different Doritos flavors: Cool Ranch, BBQ, or other bold flavors all work well.
- Use another chip: Funyuns, Cheetos, or plain potato chips can make tasty variations.
- Switch the protein: Rotisserie or grilled chicken are excellent choices.
- Add more vegetables: Corn, avocado, or roasted bell peppers are great additions.
- Make it spicy: Use hot taco seasoning, spicy taco sauce, spicy Doritos, or add jalapeños.
Tips & Recipe Notes:
- Keep Doritos separate until serving: Add them at the last moment to preserve crunch.
- Drain watery pico: If the pico de gallo is very juicy, use a slotted spoon so the salad doesn’t get soggy.
- Meal prep: Combine everything except the Doritos and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Crush and add chips right before serving.
More 30 Minute Meals You Will Love:
- Cheesy Gordita Crunch
- Creamy Chipotle Shrimp
- Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 Salad
- Portillo’s Chopped Salad (Copycat)
- Crunchy Romaine Salad with Pistachios
- Stuffed Pepper Soup
Recipe
Doritos Taco Salad
Made with browned and seasoned ground beef, black beans, shredded cheese, pico de gallo, and crushed Doritos. Topped with taco sauce and sour cream.
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 20 mins
Course Salad
Servings 4
Calories 520 kcal
Ingredients
Taco Beef
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (cheesy taco recommended)
- 1/2 cup broth
Salad
- 1 romaine heart, chopped
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup pico de gallo
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 handfuls crushed Doritos
Toppings
- 1/4 cup taco sauce
- Sour cream, to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked.
- Drain most of the fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and broth.
- Simmer 2–3 minutes until saucy but not watery. Remove from heat and let cool 5–10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled beef, romaine, black beans, pico de gallo, cheddar, and crushed Doritos.
- Plate and top with taco sauce and sour cream. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Don’t add Doritos until serving: This preserves crunch.
- For watery pico: Use a slotted spoon to avoid extra moisture.
- Meal prep: Store assembled salad (without Doritos) in an airtight container up to 3 days; add chips just before serving.
- Nutrition values are estimates.
Nutrition
Calories: 520 kcal
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Protein: 28 g
Fat: 34 g
Sodium: 980 mg
Fiber: 6 g
Sugar: 5 g
If you try this Doritos Taco Salad, please leave a star rating and a short review in the recipe card. Your feedback helps others find this easy 30-minute meal. Enjoy!