Crockpot Dorito Taco Salad

This fun and flavorful Crockpot Dorito Taco Salad combines seasoned taco meat, beans, and corn with fresh vegetables, cheese, and crunchy Doritos for an easy family meal or potluck favorite.

Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

For the Crockpot Taco Meat

• 2 lb (900 g) lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet (1 oz / 28 g) taco seasoning
• 1 (10 oz / 285 g) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel), undrained
• ½ cup (120 ml) beef broth or water
• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can whole-kernel corn, drained

For the Salad

• 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup diced cucumber (optional)
• ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
• 1 (9–10 oz / 255–285 g) bag Nacho Cheese Doritos, lightly crushed

Dressing

• 1 cup Catalina dressing (or French dressing)
• ½ cup sour cream (optional, for a creamier dressing)

Optional Toppings

• Diced avocado
• Sliced jalapeños
• Chopped cilantro
• Salsa
• Guacamole

Instructions

1. Brown the beef
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
   • Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes.
   • Stir in the garlic for 30 seconds.
   • Drain any excess fat.
2. Slow cook
   • Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker.
   • Add the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, beef broth, black beans, and corn.
   • Stir well.
   • Cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1½–2 hours.
3. Assemble the salad
   • In a large serving bowl, combine the lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, and olives.
   • Add the warm taco meat mixture.
4. Finish
   • Drizzle with the Catalina dressing (or the dressing mixed with sour cream).
   • Gently toss to combine.
   • Fold in the crushed Doritos just before serving to keep them crunchy.
5. Serve
   • Top with avocado, jalapeños, cilantro, salsa, or guacamole, if desired.

Tips

• Add the Doritos at the last minute so they stay crisp.
• Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the ground beef.
• If serving at a party, keep the salad, dressing, and Doritos separate until ready to eat.
• Leftover taco meat can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Store the lettuce and Doritos separately to maintain their texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3–4 hours (LOW) or 1½–2 hours (HIGH)
Total Time: About 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6–8