A terrific Tex-Mex-style taco salad, perfect for a casual buffet supper because each guest 'builds' their own personalized taco salad.

Taco Salad Deluxe

Meat Mixture:
2 pounds lean ground beef
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon oregano leaves
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (16-ounce) can pinto, black or kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Taco Dressing:
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup tomato-based salsa

Salad Accompaniments & Condiments:
1 (10-ounce) bag tortilla chips, slightly crumbled Shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce Diced tomato
Chopped onion*
Shredded cheddar cheese Diced avocado
Sliced black olives
Chopped fresh cilantro Sour cream An assortment of hot sauces
Lime wedges

For Meat Mixture: In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess grease.
To the meat mixture add the spices, salt, pepper and tomato sauce, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, uncovered for 10 minutes.
Stir in beans and heat thoroughly.
For Taco Dressing: Combine 1 cup mayonnaise with 1 cup bottled salsa and mix well.
To Serve Salad: Allow each person to build their own taco salad, starting with a bed of tortilla chips topped with the beef mixture, and then layered with the suggested condiments in the order given or as desired. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream, sprinkle with chopped cilantro and drizzle with the Taco Dressing. Pass the hot sauces and lime wedges for additional flavor.

Makes 8 servings.

*Tip: For the best flavor and crisper texture when using raw onion in foods, soak in a bowl of ice water for 15 minutes and drain thoroughly prior to using in foods such as salads and salsas or as a condiment.

Tip: 1 (1 1/4-ounce) package taco seasoning mix can be substituted for the spices, salt and pepper in the meat mixture.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1/8 of recipe; includes meat mixture, salad dressing and tortilla chips; does not include salad condiments): 664.8 calories; 58% calories from fat; 43.3g total fat; 92.7mg cholesterol; 1245.5mg sodium; 727.2mg potassium; 43.4g carbohydrates; 6.3g fiber; 4.6g sugar; 37.1g net carbs; 26.8g protein.