This retro favorite is a blast from the past! If you're a child of the 80's, then you've definitely enjoyed this Dorito taco salad on a number of different occasions!
Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until meat is no longer pink. Drain and return to skillet. Stir in taco seasoning mix and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered for 3-4 minutes (stirring often), until thickened. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Place lettuce in a large bowl. Add onion, beans, corn, tomatoes, and cheese. Toss.
Add ground beef, Doritos, and dressing. Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.
Notes
Iceberg lettuce works best in this retro classic (thanks to its cool crunch!), but you can substitute with romaine lettuce or other mixed greens if you prefer.
CreamyFrench dressing pairs so nicely with the zesty meat and salty chips, but you can substitute with Catalina, Ranch, Salsa Ranch, Italian, or any other dressing that you prefer.
Swap out the ground beef and use ground chicken or ground turkey.
ClassicNacho Cheese flavored Doritos are delicious in this recipe, but Cool Ranch Doritos also work well.
Instead of kidney beans, use black beans, pinto beans, pink beans, garbanzo beans, chili beans, or ranch-style beans.
If using a homemade taco seasoning blend instead of a store-bought packet of seasoning mix, omit the water called for in the recipe. Water is necessary with the store-bought seasoning mix because the seasoning packet includes thickening agents that you don't typically find in a homemade spice blend.
Add any of your other favorite taco ingredients, such as diced avocado, fresh cilantro, or sliced olives.
The chips and lettuce will get soggy as the salad sits in the dressing, so wait to stir everything together until right before serving.
Cooking for a smaller family? Cut all of the ingredients in half! The rest of the cooking instructions remain the same. If you prefer to cook a full 1-lb. of taco meat, you can save half of the cooked taco meat in the freezer for another meal.