Saturdays in March we have asked a few of our friends to share their favorite recipes with our readers, we’re calling it ‘Dinner With Friends of Crumbs and Chaos’ – so let’s sit back, relax and see what they’ve got up their sleeves on their plates.
All 4 of us have known Carmen, well, forever – as long as I can remember, we went to Sunday School and then Youth Group together and eventually she and I (Becca) were roommates at Bible College. We live many miles away from each other now, so we depend on Facebook to stay in touch. Carmen and her husband spend their days raising three wonderful children. She loves a good deal and shares about how to make the most of every dollar on her blog, Budgetista.
I was so excited and honored when Becca asked if I would share a recipe for Crumbs and Chaos. Then the real work began. What recipe to share! I decided to go with my all time, favorite recipe that in my family we call ‘Grandma Spud’s Taco Salad‘. I’m sure she didn’t create the recipe, but she is the one that made it famous in our family. I cannot remember a single outdoor family gathering while growing up that did not include her taco salad.
It makes a large quantity, so it’s great for a family get together. The downside (to my husband) is the next day the lettuce is soggy. I personally enjoy the soggy factor the next day.
GRANDMA SPUD’S TACO SALAD
Here are the ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. garlic salt
1/2 head iceburg lettuce
3 oz. spinach
2 tomatoes
1 can red kidney beans
1 bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos
8 oz. cheese (whichever kind suits you)
Western Dressing
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. garlic salt
1/2 head iceburg lettuce
3 oz. spinach
2 tomatoes
1 can red kidney beans
1 bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos
8 oz. cheese (whichever kind suits you)
Western Dressing
First, I like to prep the veggies. It makes the whole process easier. So chop the lettuce and spinach. Grandma Spud always used only iceburg lettuce. I cut it in half and added spinach to make it somewhat healthier. Wash the lettuce and let it drain while you’re chopping tomatoes and draining the beans.
Brown the beef, adding the spices while it’s still pink. Once it’s done, drain the fat. We’ll have plenty in the other ingredients.
Let the beef cool while you mix together the other ingredients.
In a large (and I mean VERY large) bowl, add the lettuce, tomato (juice drained off), beans and cheese.
Mix it all up. Then take the bag of Doritos and open them. Look inside and try not to eat one.
Alright, go ahead and eat one. I did.
Crush them inside the bag and add them to the mix. Then add the cooled beef and half the bottle of western dressing. Mix it all together thoroughly and enjoy!
Carmen…this looks delicious! My friend Amber makes a similar salad but without the beans. Those look like a tasty and healthy addition! I can’t wait to try it!