Busy Night Taco Salad

Yesterday was one of those crazy days, so I decided to nix the pork meal that I had planned and make a speedy-but-delicious salad instead.  Can you ever go wrong with a taco salad?  I think not!

Ingredients:
Serves 3

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil 
• 1/4 c onion, minced 
• 1 clove garlic 
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning mix, recipe follows (or 1 packet store-bought)
• 3/4 c water 
• 1 head Iceburg lettuce, chopped
• 1 c corn
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• Tortilla chips, crushed (I used yellow corn tortillas)
• Shredded cheese (Shredded Monterey Jack, cheddar, queso, asadero, etc.)
• Sour cream
• Cilantro, for garnish

Directions:

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.  Add the onions and cook for 5 minutes.  Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute longer.  Add the ground beef, stirring and cooking until brown.  Stir in the seasoning mix and water and bring the mixture to a boil.  Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.  

Arrange your salad.  In a serving bowl, add lettuce and top with beef.  Spoon corn, tomato, tortilla chips and shredded cheese over the beef.  Dollop with sour cream and garnish with cilantro, if desired. 

Enjoy!

Taco Seasoning Mix

• 1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1/2 tbsp salt
• 1/2 tbsp paprika
• 1/2 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp crushed chicken bouillon
• 1/4 tsp dried cilantro
• 3/4 tsp onion salt
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Directions:

Combine the ingredients.  Store in an airtight container.