Treat yourself to Taco Salad done right. Spice things up without letting the fat and calories get out of hand.

ground beef  > extra lean (at least 90%) ground beef
1 package (1 oz) taco seasoning mix > 1 tablespoon chili powder plus 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin plus 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
added 1 can (15 oz) Progresso® pinto beans
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese > 3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat sharp Cheddar cheese
3/4 cup sour cream > 3/4 cup fat-free sour cream
6 oz tortilla chips > 3 oz tortilla chips

Nutritional Highlights

Prep Time:30 min

Start to Finish:30 min

makes:6 servings (3 cups each)

1 lb extra lean (at least 90%) ground beef
2/3 cup water
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
12 cups torn romaine or iceberg lettuce
1 can (15 oz) Progresso® pinto beans, drained, rinsed
2 medium tomatoes, chopped (1 1/2 cups)
3 medium green onions, sliced (3 tablespoons)
3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat sharp Cheddar cheese (3 oz)
3/4 cup Muir Glen® organic salsa (any variety)
3/4 cup fat-free sour cream
3 oz tortilla chips

1  In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until thoroughly cooked; drain. Stir in water, chili powder, cumin and ground red pepper; reduce heat to medium-low. Cook about 5 minutes or until most of liquid has evaporated.

2  Divide lettuce among 6 salad plates; top each with meat mixture and remaining ingredients except chips. Arrange chips around salad. Serve immediately. Want to bake your own tortilla chips? Cut corn or flour tortillas into wedges or strips. Brush lightly with oil and place on an ungreased cookie sheet; bake at 375°F for 8 to 12 minutes or until crispy. Slices of peeled avocado are the perfect garnish for this pretty salad. In a hurry? Just toss all of the ingredients except chips in a large bowl and serve family-style. Serve with chips.

Nutritional Information

3 cups each: Calories 380 (Calories from Fat 110); Total Fat 12g (Saturated Fat 3 1/2g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 50mg; Sodium 480mg; Total Carbohydrate 42g (Dietary Fiber 10g, Sugars 5g); Protein 27g % Daily Value Vitamin A 130%; Vitamin C 60%; Calcium 20%; Iron 30% Exchanges 2 Starch, 1 Other Carbohydrate, 3 Lean Meat, 0 Medium-Fat Meat, 0 Fat Carbohydrate Choices 3