Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, or neutral oil
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (85% lean or higher)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder (mild or medium heat)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ cup beef stock or water
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon fresh black pepper
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt OR light sour cream
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1.5 limes)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin (for dressing)
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 large head Romaine lettuce, shredded or chopped
  • 1 can black beans (15 oz / 425 g), rinsed and well-drained
  • 1 cup sweetcorn (frozen or canned), thawed and drained
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium ripe avocado, diced
  • ¾ cup shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • ½ cup crushed tortilla chips
  • Salsa (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Brown the Beef: Heat the oil in the large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned.
  2. Drain Excess Fat: Once browned, carefully drain off any rendered fat using a colander. Return the beef to the skillet.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion and cook until softened (3–4 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Season and Simmer: Add all the spices (chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper) and stir for 30 seconds to toast them. Pour in the beef stock/water. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook gently for 5–7 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce and the flavours to meld. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
  5. Combine Wet Ingredients (Dressing): In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt/sour cream, lime juice, honey/maple syrup, and cumin.
  6. Whisk and Season (Dressing): Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using).
  7. Prep the Base (Assembly): Ensure all salad components (lettuce, beans, corn, tomatoes) are clean, dry, and chilled. Place the shredded Romaine lettuce in the large salad bowl.
  8. Layer the Toppings: Distribute the drained black beans, corn, and halved tomatoes evenly over the lettuce.
  9. Add Warmth and Protein: Spoon the warm (or slightly cooled) spiced ground beef mixture over the vegetables.
  10. Finish the Build: Top with the diced avocado and the shredded cheese.
  11. Serve: Just before serving, drizzle the zesty lime dressing over the salad. Add the crushed tortilla chips last to maintain their crunch. Serve immediately with extra salsa on the side.