Patriotic Taco Salad

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey or beef
  
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1-1/2 cups water
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1 envelope taco seasoning
• 6 cups tortilla or corn chips
• 4 to 5 cups shredded lettuce
• 9 to 10 pitted large olives, sliced lengthwise
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

Directions

• In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat
• is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the water, tomato paste and taco
• seasoning. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20
• minutes.
• Place chips in an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. dish. Spread beef mixture
• evenly over the top. Cover with lettuce. For each star, arrange five
• olive slices together in the upper left corner. To form stripes, add
• cheese and tomatoes in alternating rows. Serve immediately. Yield:
• 8 servings.

from Taste of Home