Trash Bag Taco Salad Recipe

This crowd-pleasing Trash Bag Taco Salad is perfect for potlucks, camping trips, or summer picnics! Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, this make-ahead recipe requires minimal prep and cleanup. The secret? A sturdy plastic bag does the mixing for you! Get ready for rave reviews – this one disappears fast!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Calories 241.2 kcal
Protein 19g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
Trash Bag Taco Salad

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Trash Bag Taco Salad

  • Ground Beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • Lettuce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Chopped Tomatoes
  • Onions
  • Olives
  • Beans
  • Corn Chips
  • Catalina Dressing
  • Salsa

How to Make Trash Bag Taco Salad

  1. Brown 1 lb ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add 1 packet taco seasoning and 1 cup water to the browned beef. Simmer according to package directions, usually about 5-7 minutes, until heated through and slightly thickened.
  3. Remove from heat and let cool completely. This is crucial to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
  4. In a large, heavy-duty plastic bag (gallon size or larger), combine the cooled beef mixture with the following ingredients: 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained; 1 cup chopped tomatoes; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup chopped red onion; 1/2 cup chopped cilantro; 1 (1 ounce) packet ranch seasoning mix.
  5. Seal the bag tightly and toss gently to combine all ingredients. If making ahead, refrigerate until ready to serve. For best results, serve chilled.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Small additions can make a big impact! Try a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a dash of your favorite spice blend, or a squeeze of citrus just before serving to really enhance the flavors of your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

16 g

Sugar

12g

Fat

24g

Carbs

4g