Haystacks

Easy do-ahead meal.

One of the best things about Haystacks is that you can make it as healthy or as hearty was you want. This recipe is basically a layer-on taco salad with the addition of rice. For the younger folk who need more carbs, they can pile on the rice and chips. For those who prefer to go lean, they can go heavy on lettuce and tomatoes and skimp on the chips and rice.

The great part about this recipe is that almost all of it can be prepared a day ahead. I suggest you cook the rice the day of, but your meat/taco seasoning and beans can be done ahead and then warmed before serving.

Haystacks ingredients

You might prefer additional ingredients to ours, but these ingredients are what we use in our haystacks: Hamburger/taco seasoning; beans (black or others if you prefer); rice; lettuce; dorito chips (you choose the flavor); tomatoes; shredded cheese; sour cream.

You choose the type of beans you use. I prefer black beans, but some folks prefer pinto or kidney beans. The dorito chip flavor is also your preference. I often serve two different kinds – hot and spicy with another type. Often I serve ranch and cheese when there’s no one in the house who likes spicy chips.

For the taco seasoning, you can buy the packets or make your own seasoning. The recipe I like and keep ready-to-go on hand is on my blog and you can find it on this link. Make a big batch of it and store it in an air tight container in your pantry. It’s ready for use any time!

You can add other veggies to your lettuce, such as diced cucumbers or slivered carrots. This adds a different flavor and healthy nutrients. Some folks prefer serving the hamburger/taco mixture and beans separate. I usually put them together for convenience.

Great for convenience and a crowd

This meal works great served cafeteria-style. I usually put the ingredients in this order: chips, rice, hamburger/beans, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream.

Haystacks work great when you’re serving a crowd. Adding rice and beans to the menu stretches the meal further, especially if you add the beans to the hamburger mixture. One of the best things about this meal is that you choose the types of ingredients. You also choose how far to stretch the meal by adding more rice or beans. Your guest get to choose how heavy or how healthy to fix their plate. It’s a win-win for everyone.

The recipe