1. Begin by browning your ground beef over medium heat in a skillet, breaking it up as it cooks like you’re playing a tune on the piano until it’s nicely crumbled and browned. Drain any excess grease and stir in the taco seasoning mix, following the package instructions.
2. While the beef cools a tad, take a moment to lay your lettuce as a green bed in a large serving bowl. Lettuce is more than just a salad base, it’s where all your ingredients will snuggle up together.
3. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the lettuce, just like the first snow in winter, followed by your rinsed kidney beans and sweet corn. Add the tomatoes, green peppers, and red onions to create a quilt of color.
4. Before it’s time to serve, toss in the seasoned ground beef and give your salad a good, gentle mix, like you’re folding the family laundry with care and attention.
5. Right before you’re ready to call the folks to the table, add the crushed Doritos and pour the ranch dressing over the top. Toss it all together once more for a perfect blend of textures and tastes.
6. Serve it up in generous portions, and garnish if you like with black olives, a dollop of sour cream, or green onions, the way you’d add a sprinkle of love to your letters home.
Variations & Tips
– If you’re keen on making this ahead of time, keep your Doritos and dressing separate until it’s ready to present. This keeps your greens and chips from getting soggy.
– Vegetarian folks in the family? Swap out the ground beef for black beans or a meat substitute so everyone’s plate is full and happy.
– Mix up your cheese choices with a little pepper jack if you’re after a lively kick, or a sprinkling of cotija cheese for authenticity.
– And don’t be shy about tucking in your own garden’s produce—fresh jalapenos or a handful of cilantro could make this dish sing a new tune.
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