Trash Bag Taco Salad

Brown ground beef, turkey or chicken in a large skillet. Break down any big lumps and let it cook for at least 20 minutes. You don’t want to rush this process; it gives the dish depth of flavor. (I add a dash of salt and pepper, but that’s it at this point.)

Once the meat is brown, add the salsa and combine well. Simmer for about 10 minutes more. Taste it and add salt if necessary.

Set pan aside. You don’t want cold meat, but you do need the meat mixture to cool down a bit.

Now for the easy part. Open the lettuce and cheese bags and dump them into two separate serving bowls. Chop the tomatoes and place in a serving bowl as well. Set out extra salsa and sour cream.

Gather your family, and guests and get a kitchen trash bag (I invert it and wash it with warm water and soap, then dry it), or you can also serve this on a plates or give each person their own gallon zip top bags. I use the trash bag when we have a party and I like to have each person say something nice about the special guest as they add their ingredient to the salad.

Layer the lettuce in the bag, making sure it lines the bottom. Then add the meat mixture. Next, toss in the cheese and tomatoes.

Close the bag up and give it a good shake so all the ingredients combine.

Serve the salad with crushed Doritos on top and add extra salsa and sour cream.

Note: you can use taco seasoning if salsa is too spicy. Feel free to add any favorite toppings, like black olives, scallions, etc.