Looking for a delicious way to elevate your salad game? Say hello to the After Church Cheeseburger Salad—a mouthwatering fusion of classic cheeseburger flavors and fresh, crisp greens that will leave your taste buds dancing! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend treat, this recipe combines juicy ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and vibrant veggies, all tossed together in a zesty dressing. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up this satisfying dish that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Ready to dive into a bowl of burger bliss? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup pickles, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup mustard
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by washing and chopping the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Place the lettuce in a large serving bowl.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and slice the pickles, then set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the ground beef. Cook the meat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is fully browned and no pink remains.
- Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet to ensure the meat is not greasy.
- Allow the cooked ground beef to cool slightly for 2-3 minutes to prevent wilting the lettuce.
- Add the warm ground beef on top of the chopped lettuce in the serving bowl.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the warm beef so it slightly melts.
- Arrange halved cherry tomatoes and sliced pickles around the beef and lettuce.
- In a small bowl, mix ketchup and mustard to create a quick dressing.
- Drizzle the ketchup-mustard dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Toss the salad gently to combine all ingredients and ensure even coating with dressing.
- Serve immediately while the beef is still warm and enjoy your After Church Cheeseburger Salad.
Tips
- Quality Beef: Choose a good quality ground beef with a higher fat content (like 80/20) for richer flavor, but be sure to drain excess fat after cooking for a healthier dish.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite burger toppings! Avocado, crispy bacon, or red onion can all make delicious additions to your salad.
- Chill Your Lettuce: For an extra refreshing crunch, chill your romaine lettuce in the fridge for about 30 minutes before preparing the salad.
- Dress It Up: Experiment with different dressings! While ketchup and mustard work well, a creamy ranch or a tangy vinaigrette can give your salad a new twist.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This salad is great for meal prep! Cook the beef ahead of time and store it separately from the lettuce and toppings. Just combine before serving for a quick meal.
- Serve Warm: For the best flavor experience, serve the salad immediately after tossing to enjoy the warm beef and melted cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 110mg
