Imagine creating a mouth-watering Mexican-inspired meal with zero prep time and minimal effort - welcome to the game-changing Slow Cooker Forgot to Defrost Doritos Taco Salad! This recipe is perfect for those chaotic days when you're short on time but craving a delicious, satisfying meal. Whether you're a busy parent, a forgetful cook, or just someone who loves convenience, this recipe proves that culinary magic can happen even when you forget to take the meat out of the freezer.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 2 cups Doritos, crushed
Instructions
- Directly place frozen ground beef into the slow cooker without pre-thawing, breaking it into smaller chunks as it begins to soften.
- Sprinkle entire packet of taco seasoning over the frozen ground beef, ensuring even distribution.
- Add drained black beans and corn to the slow cooker, stirring gently to combine with the meat.
- Pour salsa over the mixture, covering the ingredients evenly and providing moisture for cooking.
- Cover slow cooker and set to LOW heat setting, cooking for approximately 4 hours until ground beef is completely thawed and thoroughly cooked.
- Stir meat mixture occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even heat distribution.
- Once cooking is complete, use a meat thermometer to confirm ground beef has reached internal temperature of 160°F for food safety.
- Drain any excess liquid from the slow cooker to prevent soggy salad base.
- In a large serving bowl, layer shredded lettuce as the base of the salad.
- Spoon the warm meat mixture over the lettuce.
- Top with diced tomatoes and shredded cheese.
- Immediately before serving, crush Doritos and sprinkle over the top for added crunch.
- Serve warm and enjoy immediately to maintain Doritos' crispy texture.
Tips
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure ground beef reaches 160°F for food safety.
- Break frozen ground beef into smaller chunks to help it cook more evenly and quickly.
- For extra flavor, consider using homemade taco seasoning instead of pre-packaged packets.
- To prevent a soggy salad, drain excess liquid after cooking the meat mixture.
- Add Doritos crushed just before serving to maintain their signature crunch.
- For a healthier version, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey.
- Experiment with different salsa types to customize the flavor profile of your dish.
- If you prefer a spicier salad, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat mixture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 65mg
