4th of July Taco Salad

I saw this cute idea on Pinterest.  It's just a taco salad with layered ingredients instead of mixed together.

4th of July Taco Salad
1 lb. ground beef
1 onion, diced
1 can tomato paste (or 1 can tomato sauce)
1 can water (don't add the water if you use the sauce)
1 package taco seasoning mix
Shredded lettuce
Grated Cheese
Sliced olives
Cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
Tortilla chips
Guacamole and/ or ranch dressing
Salsa
Tabasco Sauce

Brown the ground beef and onion together.  When browned, add the tomato paste, water, and taco seasoning.  Add about 1 teaspoon of sugar.  Simmer for a few minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients, stirring occasionally. 

In a tray or 13x9 pan or casserole dish, layer the ingredients.  First, the hamburger mixture, then completely cover that with the shredded lettuce.  Leaving a square in the corner for the stars, make stripes, alternating the tomatoes and cheese.  Put sliced olives in the square, representing the stars.  Put tortilla chips all around the edges.  You can make a layer of tortilla chips below the hamburger mixture if you would like, as well.  Serve with guacamole (mashed avocado mixed with salt and pepper and lemon juice), salsa and tabasco sauce.