Taco Salad Night

Due to conflicting schedules SideStreet won't be practicing tonight, so we are having a rare Wednesday night supper at our house.

I am married to a man who never complains about what I cook. As long as I stay away from cooked cabbage, greens or black eyed peas that he hates he is a happy camper. He doesn't require fancy food, just simple food makes him the happiest. After experimenting with many different taco salads over our 32 years he is convinced this is his favorite. He would eat this everyday if he could, at least until I fixed him soup beans.

Ronnie's Favorite Taco Salad

1 lb. ground chuck
2 packets taco seasoning mix (low sodium)
1 can black beans
1/2 tsp. sugar
1 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 small onion ~ chopped
1/2 head lettuce ~ chopped small
1 tomato ~ diced (I leave this off my salad, naturally)
1 avocado peeled and sliced
1 small can black olives ~ sliced
1/3 cup pickled jalapenos (or banana pepper rings)
1 bag tortilla chips
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1/2 cup taco sauce ~ medium (or to your taste)
Brown ground chuck and drain well.

Add 1 packet taco seasoning mix (with water according to the package direction) and sugar. Stir in black beans and heat through. Set aside to cool slightly.

In a large bowl, mix together chopped lettuce, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, avocados, onion, jalapenos, olives, and the second package of taco seasoning mix.
Add to cooled beef mixture; toss to combine.
Immediately before serving toss with the combined ranch dressing and taco sauce.
Serve over broken tortilla chips.

So, until tomorrow...........
S~~~