Trash Bag Taco Salad

Transform your taco night with this irresistibly fun and flavorful Trash Bag Taco Salad, a quick and crowd-pleasing recipe perfect for parties, potlucks, or an easy family meal. This creative dish combines seasoned ground beef, crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy Nacho Cheese Doritos, and zesty Catalina dressing—all tossed together in a fresh, unscented trash bag for ultimate simplicity and even coating. The result? A tangy, savory salad with bold Tex-Mex flavors and a satisfying crunch in every bite. Ready in just 25 minutes and customizable with add-ins like black beans, this playful recipe is as practical as it is delicious. Serve it straight from the bag or portion it out for an unforgettable culinary experience that everyone will love!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground beef
• 1 packet Taco seasoning
• 2 heads Romaine lettuce
• 2 cups Cherry tomatoes
• 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 family-sized bag Doritos chips (Nacho Cheese flavor)
• 1 cup Catalina dressing
• 1 bunch Green onions
• 1 can Black beans (optional, drained and rinsed)
• 1 item Large clean trash bag (unscented)

Directions

Step 1

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the grease if needed.

Step 2

Stir in the taco seasoning packet and follow the instructions on the packet to prepare the seasoned meat (usually involves adding water and simmering). Remove from heat and allow the meat to cool to room temperature.

Step 3

While the meat cools, chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and halve the cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice the green onions.

Step 4

Open the family-sized bag of Doritos, release the air, and lightly crush the chips while still in the bag. Do not pulverize; the chips should be bite-sized pieces.

Step 5

Place the clean trash bag on a large, flat surface. Begin layering in the ingredients: lettuce, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, Doritos chips, cooked taco meat, green onions, and black beans (if using).

Step 6

Drizzle the Catalina dressing over the contents of the trash bag.

Step 7

Seal the trash bag tightly by twisting the top and carefully shake the bag to toss and combine all ingredients thoroughly. Shake for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring everything is well mixed.

Step 8

Carefully open the bag and serve the taco salad immediately, either directly from the bag or by transferring portions into individual bowls or plates.

Step 9

Refrigerate any leftovers within 2 hours.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3515.6 grams (3515.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5398

Total Fat 299.40g	384%
Saturated Fat 99.30g	497%
Polyunsaturated Fat 11.00g
Cholesterol 563mg	188%
Sodium 12348mg	537%
Total Carbohydrate 507.10g	184%
Dietary Fiber 68.00g	243%
Total Sugars 80.40g
Protein 202.50g	405%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2706mg	208%
Iron 33mg	184%
Potassium 6414mg	136%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.7%

Protein: 14.6%

Carbs: 36.7%