Not bad! Although a good starting point for an EXCELLENT taco salad, I felt this needed some major tweaking to suit my tastes (or for this to resemble any taco salad I've ever had). To kick this up a notch, here's what I did: a) added a packet of reduced-sodium taco seasoning to my meat (followed package directions), a 15 oz. can of (rinsed & drained) dark red kidney beans, a small can of sliced (drained) black olives, a pint of (halved) grape tomatoes and a bunch of chopped green onions, b) subbed Mexican-blend and taco cheeses for the cheddar / mozzarella varieties called for and c) used nacho flavored Doritos in lieu of plain tortilla chips (hint of lime Tostito's, Frito's or cool ranch Doritos would also be good substitutes). To add a little zing, I used Kraft zesty Italian dressing. My last change was allowing my meat to cool slightly BEFORE mixing it with the other ingredients (warm meat will melt your cheese and turn your lettuce soggy!). While I felt the use of Italian dressing was ingenius AND unique, I will stick with a more traditional alternative next time (i.e. Thousand Island, French or Catalina) - but that's just me. I would certainly use Italian dressing if I didn't have anything else to use in its place (this was fine with it). All in all, this was well-received at my neighborhood block party and a GREAT way to feed a HUNGRY crowd! Thanks for sharing, JOHANNIB! :-)

It's close to my favorite taco salad my aunt used to make but way too bland as-is. It is MUCH better if you add taco seasoning while browning the meat (that's how my aunt made it)! The taco seasoning flavors do not clash with the italian dressing at all, in fact i think it's much better with italian than with ranch. Do yourself a favor and season the meat with at least a half a package of taco seasoning to really make this tasty! Cut the cheese in half, too. Please also add diced tomatoes and black olives if you like those for the best taco salad ever!

This was very tasty and fresh! My husband loved it too. I used other reviewers advice, and added the a bit of taco seasoning and garlic & onion to the ground beef. I actually left off the italian dressing alltogether and used salsa as a dressing. Umm Umm. My husband actually suggested mixing all the ingredients(besides the lettuce) and placeing them on full romain heart leaf lettuce--like a lettuce wrap-- so I am making this again tonight that way! Thanks for the recipe :)

Even my picky husband & kids will eat this. I don't mix the cheese or chips in. I make a salad & serve the taco ing. on the side. This way everyone can build their own style taco & if I have leftovers (rarely), the cheese , if mixed in, tends to make the salad mushy & yucky!

Not as flavorful as I wanted. I will make this again using taco seasoning and Doritos.

Kids LOVED it! I did add a pack of taco seasoning to the ground beef. I've made this numerous times now. I like it when it sits for a long time.(more flavor) Definitely a quick easy dinner.

This was tasty and quick! My husband and I both enjoyed it, but I felt it needed a little more, like maybe corn, olives, some bell pepper...but over all it was very good and I will make this again with my veggie add-ins.

have made this twice since i got this recipe last week. Sent it on to all my friends too. We only used 3/4 c of homemade italian dressing because we thought 8 oz would be too much. But this is going to made over and over again in our house!!

We make something similar. We brown chicken, then shred it and mix with taco seasoning. Then in a bowl, layer lettuce, black beans, grated Mexi cheese (not too much), the warm seasoned chicken, chopped red onions and crushed tortilla chips. For dressing, try the Hidden Valley spicy ranch dressing - fabulous!

My Mother has a similar recipe. Try using taco seasoning on the ground beef. It also tastes better if you use Doritos and sharp chedder cheese. You may also like garbonzo beans as well. Enjoy!