Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it's browned and no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease.1 pound ground beef
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water into the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.1 pound ground beef, 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning, 1/2 cup water
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the Catalina dressing, sour cream, and lime juice until well combined and smooth. Taste and adjust lime juice if desired.1 cup Catalina dressing, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon lime juice
- In a very large serving bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, rinsed black beans, drained corn, diced red onion, diced tomatoes, and sliced black olives (if using).1 head romaine lettuce, chopped, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained, 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained, 1/2 cup diced red onion, 1/2 cup diced tomatoes, 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- Spoon the slightly cooled seasoned ground beef mixture over the salad ingredients.1 pound ground beef
- Just before serving, crush the Nacho Cheese Doritos and sprinkle them evenly over the top of the salad. This is key for that signature crunch!1 bag (9 to 11 ounces) Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed
- Drizzle the prepared Catalina dressing over the entire salad. You can also serve extra dressing on the side for those who prefer more.1 cup Catalina dressing, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Gently toss all the ingredients together to distribute the dressing and toppings. Serve immediately for the best crunchy texture.
Notes
For optimal freshness, store any Dorito Taco Salad with Catalina Dressing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s important to store the salad components separately if possible, especially the crushed Doritos and the dressing, to maintain their textures. The assembled salad will keep for 1-2 days. If you have already mixed everything but the Doritos, store the salad components (lettuce, meat, beans, etc.) with the dressing. Add the crushed Doritos just before serving if you plan to eat leftovers within 1-2 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the seasoned taco meat separately for up to 2-3 months; thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before assembling a fresh salad. The dressing can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
