Name: Taco Salad with Spiced Ground Beef, Fresh Salsa, and Avocado Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1.5 lbs ground beef; 1 cup white onion, diced; ½ cup red bell pepper, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 tablespoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon coriander powder; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin powder; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); Salt and ground black pepper to taste; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 medium tomatoes, diced; ¼ cup red onion, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1 teaspoon jalapeno, chopped (remove seeds for less heat); Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional); 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 1 small garlic clove, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; 4-6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped; Half avocado, sliced; Lime wedges, for garnish; Salt and pepper to taste; Cilantro for garnish

If you’re craving a vibrant, hearty salad that’s bursting with flavor, look no further! This Taco Salad with Spiced Ground Beef, Fresh Salsa, and Avocado Recipe combines savory spiced beef, bright fresh salsa, creamy avocado, and crisp romaine for a meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Whether you’re making a quick dinner or entertaining friends, this salad hits all the right notes with a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Bold flavors in every bite: The blend of warming spices with fresh salsa and avocado creates a symphony of tastes that keep you coming back for more.
Quick and easy to prepare: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome without the fuss.
Customizable and versatile: You can easily adjust the spice level, swap ingredients, or add toppings to suit your preferences.
Comfort food meets fresh and healthy: This dish satisfies your taco cravings while packing in fresh veggies and healthy fats.

A white bowl is filled with four main layers visible from top view. The bottom layer is chopped light green lettuce covering the whole bowl. On the left side, there are thin slices of light green avocado with a sprinkle of black pepper, laid over the lettuce. In the center, there is a layer of cooked brown ground meat garnished with green herbs. On the right side, a colorful mix of diced red tomatoes, green bell peppers, and white onions also with some green herbs is placed. Two lime wedges sit on top of the ground meat near the center-top edge of the bowl. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface with some pieces of fresh green herb scattered nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Taco Salad with Spiced Ground Beef, Fresh Salsa, and Avocado, easy taco salad, healthy taco salad recipe, quick dinner salads, flavorful beef taco salad, Mexican-inspired salads

Ingredients & Substitutions

The beauty of this Taco Salad with Spiced Ground Beef, Fresh Salsa, and Avocado Recipe lies in its basic yet essential ingredients. Each component contributes something special—from the juicy, tender ground beef infused with aromatic spices to the crisp romaine lettuce and the zesty freshness of the salsa and lime. These simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s anything but ordinary.

Flat lay of fresh diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, green bell pepper pieces, sliced avocado, bright lime wedges, vibrant chopped cilantro, crisp romaine lettuce leaves, and cooked seasoned ground beef with visible spices, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Taco Salad with Spiced Ground Beef, Fresh Salsa, and Avocado, easy taco salad, healthy taco salad recipe, quick dinner salads, flavorful beef taco salad, Mexican-inspired salads

Ground beef: Choose lean for a healthier option; the beef provides rich, meaty depth and is the heart of this salad.
White onion and bell peppers: They add sweetness and crunch while complementing the spices perfectly.
Spices (paprika, cumin, chili powder, etc.): These create the signature taco flavor that makes the beef irresistible.
Tomatoes, jalapeno, and cilantro: Key components of the fresh salsa, offering brightness and a mild kick.
Avocado: Adds creaminess and balances the heat with its cool, buttery texture.
Romaine lettuce: Provides the crisp, fresh base that holds all these delicious toppings beautifully.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Taco Salad with Spiced Ground Beef, Fresh Salsa, and Avocado Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef with Spices

Start off by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s completely browned, then set it aside. Next, reduce the heat to medium-low and sauté diced onions and red bell peppers until soft and translucent, about 5 to 8 minutes. Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds before mixing in all the spices. Finally, return the beef to the pot, stir everything together, add chicken broth, bring it to a boil, then simmer covered for 20 to 30 minutes. This slow simmer really lets those flavors meld beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Fresh Salsa

While the beef simmers, whip up your fresh salsa by combining diced tomatoes, red onion, green bell pepper, jalapeno, minced garlic, fresh lime juice, and optional chopped cilantro in a bowl. Season it with salt and pepper to your liking. Cover and refrigerate if you’re not using it right away — the flavors deepen and it stays fresh for up to five days, making it a great prep-ahead component.

Step 3: Assemble the Taco Salad

Grab a large salad bowl and pile in the chopped romaine lettuce, sliced avocado, half of your spiced cooked ground beef, and a generous scoop of fresh salsa. Give it a good squeeze of lime on top, season with salt and pepper if needed, and garnish with cilantro. Toss lightly if you want, and voilà — dinner is served!

How to Serve Taco Salad with Spiced Ground Beef, Fresh Salsa, and Avocado Recipe

A white bowl holds four main layers arranged side by side on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is shredded light green lettuce covering the whole bowl base. On the left, there are thin slices of ripe avocado with black pepper sprinkled on them, topped with a few cilantro leaves. Next to it are three lime wedges with a pale green color. The center layer shows cooked ground meat with small red bits, garnished with chopped cilantro. On the right side, there is a colorful mix of diced red tomatoes, green peppers, and finely chopped herbs. Some cilantro leaves are scattered over the whole dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Taco Salad with Spiced Ground Beef, Fresh Salsa, and Avocado, easy taco salad, healthy taco salad recipe, quick dinner salads, flavorful beef taco salad, Mexican-inspired salads

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro and lime wedges are classic garnishes that add brightness and a burst of citrusy aroma. For an extra touch, sprinkle some shredded cheese or crushed tortilla chips for crunch. If you love a little heat, a dash of hot sauce or sliced jalapeno on top is wonderful too.

Side Dishes

This taco salad pairs beautifully with simple sides like black beans, Mexican rice, or corn on the cob. For a lighter option, consider serving it alongside a chilled cucumber salad or grilled veggies for a colorful and balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving this dish in crispy tortilla bowls or on a bed of crunchy tortilla chips can add an exciting texture and presentation. You can also turn it into individual serving cups using small lettuce leaves or scoop the salad into avocado halves for a festive, Instagram-worthy touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the cooked spiced ground beef and salsa separately from the lettuce and avocado to keep everything fresh and crisp. This way, your salad ingredients don’t get soggy and stay vibrant for up to four days in the fridge.

Freezing

The spiced ground beef freezes well on its own, so feel free to portion it and freeze for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy. Avoid freezing the salad components themselves, as fresh veggies and avocado don’t freeze well.

Reheating

Reheat the ground beef gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to keep the texture just right. Add it back to fresh, crisp lettuce and salsa for a quick, delicious meal that tastes just like fresh.

FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work great as leaner alternatives. Just adjust cooking times as needed and use the same spice blend for that signature taco flavor.
How spicy is this taco salad?

The heat level is moderate but adjustable. The optional cayenne and jalapeno can be reduced or removed entirely if you prefer a milder salad.
Can I make the salsa ahead of time?

Yes! Salsa can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge. The flavors intensify with time, making it even more delicious.
What’s the best way to keep avocado from browning?

Slice the avocado right before serving for the freshest look. If prepping early, toss slices with a little lime juice or keep them separate until ready to serve to prevent browning.

Final Thoughts

This Taco Salad with Spiced Ground Beef, Fresh Salsa, and Avocado Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to meals when I want something full of flavor, easy to make, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s fresh, hearty, and endlessly versatile — perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your favorite too!

Taco Salad with Spiced Ground Beef, Fresh Salsa, and Avocado Recipe