Midwestern Taco Salad

Name: Midwestern Taco Salad with Processed Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 1/2 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp granulated garlic; 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies; black pepper, to taste; salt, to taste; 1 lb processed cheese, cubed; 1 (9.25 oz) bag corn chips; 1 head lettuce, shredded, for serving; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, for serving; 1 cup sour cream, for serving; 1 (2.25 oz) can sliced black olives, drained, for serving

A Midwestern taco salad combines seasoned ground beef with melted processed cheese served over corn chips and crisp lettuce. This nostalgic comfort dish delivers cheesy, savory flavors with the satisfying crunch of fried chips.

🌍American 🏷️Taco salad 🏷️Midwestern 🏷️Comfort food 🏷️Cheesy Ground beef

🏷️

🏷️Weeknight dinner

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TikTok

Total

30 min

Servings

6

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$25–$41

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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TikTok

Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp granulated garlic
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies
black pepper, to taste
salt, to taste
1 lb processed cheese, cubed
1 (9.25 oz) bag corn chips
1 head lettuce, shredded, for servingoptional
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, for servingoptional
1 cup sour cream, for servingoptional
1 (2.25 oz) can sliced black olives, drained, for servingoptional

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Instructions

1
In a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion until the meat is cooked through.
2
If necessary, drain the excess grease from the meat.
3
Stir in the chili powder, granulated garlic, salt, and pepper.
4
Add the entire can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained) to the skillet and stir to combine.
5
Add the cubed processed cheese to the meat mixture.
6
Reduce heat to low and stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7
To serve, place a generous layer of corn chips in a bowl or on a plate.
8
Ladle the hot meat and cheese mixture over the corn chips.
9
Top with shredded lettuce, extra shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and sliced black olives.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Add the diced tomatoes and green chilies liquid gradually—drain some if you prefer a drier mixture to prevent chips from becoming soggy.
Cube the processed cheese into small, uniform pieces so it melts evenly and incorporates fully into the warm beef.
Chop lettuce and prepare all toppings before cooking the beef so assembly is quick and chips stay crispy.
Taste and adjust salt and black pepper after the cheese melts, as processed cheese adds sodium.

Substitutions

Processed cheese → sharp cheddar or American cheese slices (will have a firmer texture; melt over low heat)
Corn chips → tortilla chips or Fritos (similar crunch; adjust salt to taste)
Ground beef → ground turkey (use 1:1 ratio; lean meat may need 1–2 tbsp butter for moisture)
Canned diced tomatoes and green chilies → fresh diced tomatoes + 1 tbsp minced jalapeño (reduce liquid by half)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftover beef mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat. Assemble with fresh chips and lettuce just before serving.

Common Questions

Can I make the beef mixture ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the seasoned beef and cheese mixture up to 2 days ahead; store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop before assembling.

What can I substitute for processed cheese?

Use Velveeta, American cheese slices, or a sharp cheddar blend. Processed cheese melts smoothly; other cheeses may not achieve the same creamy texture.