Well, my dear, you wouldn’t believe it, but Santa is absolutely mad for taco salad. Yes, you heard that right—taco salad! It’s not just a summer treat around here; it’s one of those meals we enjoy all year round. In fact, it’s become something of a go-to recipe, especially when I’m feeling like I need a break from our more festive, hearty dishes.
A Simple and Easy Taco Salad Keeps Santa Happy
Let me tell you, Taco Salad Night is a lifesaver. I can wash up all the veggies at the start of the week—lettuce (we usually go with a spring mix), sweet peppers, and tomatoes. Then I brown up some ground beef and add my homemade taco seasoning (and don’t worry, I’ll give you that recipe before you go!). Sometimes, we’ll throw in refried beans or whole black beans, just depending on what we have handy.
Santa’s Secret Ingredient For His Taco Salad: Salsa Verde
But the real kicker? It’s Santa’s absolute favorite salsa—salsa verde! He swears by it. We top everything off with crunchy corn chips, a spoonful of that salsa, and a nice dapple of sour cream. It’s simple, fresh, and oh-so-delicious.
Taco Salad for Busy Weeks: How to Stretch It for Multiple Meals
Now, if I’m clever about it (and I usually am), I can stretch Taco Salad Night across two or even three meals in the same week. You know how busy things get up here in the North Pole this time of year, so having something ready to go makes my life a whole lot easier. Plus, Santa doesn’t mind one bit—it keeps him full and happy, and it means I have more time to bake treats for the elves.
Taco Salad Nights Frees Time For Other Cooking
The elves, bless their little hearts, they’re working harder than ever now that we’re heading right toward Christmas. I always feel a bit sorry for them with all that gift making and organizing, so I try to send some treats in with Santa to the workshop two or three times a week. The weeks I plan on a taco night, reaping the benefit of a few additional meals from it, frees me to make more goodies to send with Santa to the work shoppe.
Mrs. Claus’s Homemade Spicy Taco Seasoning Mix
But enough about that. Let me give you my taco seasoning recipe. Now, this one’s for the spice lovers! If you prefer your taco meat a little milder, you can always cut back on the crushed red pepper. But if you like it hot—well, this one’s for you.
Mrs. Claus’s Homemade Spicy Taco Seasoning Mix:
Mrs. Claus’s Homemade Spicy Taco Seasoning Mix:
- 1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
- 1 Tablespoon Paprika
- 1 Tablespoon Crushed Red Pepper (the kind you sprinkle on pizza)
- 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch (optional but helps the seasoning cling to the meat)
- 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
- 1 1/2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/2 Teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/4 Teaspoon Oregano
Now, mix all that together in a little bowl. If you’re not using it right away, pop it into an airtight container, and it’ll keep just fine. For Santa and me, this mix is perfect for 1 pound of browned ground beef. But let me tell you, we do like our taco salad spicy! If you’re not sure how much heat you can handle, start by adding half of the spice mix, then adjust to your liking.
Simmering Taco Meat for Maximum Flavor
When you’re ready to add the seasoning to the browned meat, pour in about 1/4 cup of water and let it simmer on low heat for a good 10 to 30 minutes—whatever works for you. If it simmers longer, you might want to add a bit more water as needed.
And there you have it—a simple, flavorful meal that’ll keep you and yours happy for days. Trust me, once you’ve tried this taco salad, you’ll see why it’s Santa’s favorite. Now, I must dash—those cookies won’t bake themselves, you know. But do try this recipe, and don’t be shy about tweaking it to your taste.
Until next time, my dear, and remember, the little things—like taco salad nights—are what keep the magic alive. With much love,
Mrs. Claus
Just had to share this selfie of Santa. He was playing with my phone and playfully posed imitating so many today…what a goof!
