Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (full-fat)
  • 1/4 cup Sour Cream or Greek Yoghurt
  • 1/4 cup Buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp white vinegar)
  • 1 Tbsp Fresh Lime Juice
  • 1 tsp Chipotle in Adobo Sauce (finely minced)
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Dill or Chives
  • Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper, To Taste
  • 1 lb Ground Beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1/2 cup diced Yellow Onion
  • 1 Tbsp Chili Powder (medium heat)
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 2 cloves fresh Garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup Beef Stock or Water
  • 8 cups chopped Romaine Lettuce or Iceberg
  • 1 cup halved Cherry or Grape Tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) Black Beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup Sweetcorn (frozen or canned, thawed/drained)
  • 1 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar or Monterey Jack
  • 2 cups lightly crushed Tortilla Chips

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl (or food processor), whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, lime juice, chipotle paste, garlic powder, dill, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  2. Adjust Consistency: If the dressing is too thick, add buttermilk a teaspoon at a time until it drizzles easily off a spoon. Cover and refrigerate for chilling to allow the flavors to meld.
  3. Brown the Beef: Heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned (5–7 minutes). Drain off excess rendered fat.
  4. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion and cook until softened (3 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add Seasoning: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook the spices for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to 'bloom' them and deepen the flavor.
  6. Simmer: Pour in the beef stock or water. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, or until the liquid has mostly evaporated and the beef is intensely flavored. Taste and adjust salt/pepper. Set the beef aside to cool for at least 5 minutes.
  7. Prep the Base: In a very large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, halved tomatoes, rinsed black beans, and sweetcorn. Toss gently.
  8. Layer and Serve: Place a generous layer of the lettuce mixture onto individual plates or shallow bowls. Spoon the slightly cooled seasoned beef over the greens. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese. Drizzle the chilled Chipotle-Lime Ranch dressing over the top. Finish with a final flourish of crushed tortilla chips and any optional garnishes.