Ground Beef Salad Recipe
This Ground Beef Salad is the ultimate fusion of hearty and fresh, delivering loads of flavor and texture in every bite. Imagine juicy, seasoned beef mingling with crisp romaine, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a burst of cheese, all crowned with a whisper of tangy salsa or the coolness of Greek yogurt. It’s a quick, vibrant meal that’ll make you feel both satisfied and refreshed, whether it’s a busy weeknight, meal prep for later, or a fun gathering with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Ground Beef Salad lies in its simple yet colorful ingredients, each playing a key role in building bold flavors and delightful textures. With just a handful of staples, you’ll layer savory, creamy, crisp, and tangy elements in under 30 minutes!
- Lean ground beef: The heart of the dish, bringing satisfying richness and protein.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the beef and adds a subtle, fruity note.
- Garlic powder: Permeates the beef with gentle, aromatic warmth.
- Onion powder: Sweet depth enhances every bite of the salad.
- Salt and pepper: Heightens all the other flavors and ensures perfect seasoning.
- Chopped romaine lettuce: Provides crisp, cooling crunch as the foundation for your salad.
- Cherry tomatoes (halved): Juicy pops of color and fresh sweetness in every mouthful.
- Cucumber (sliced): Brings refreshing coolness and an extra layer of crunch.
- Red onion (thinly sliced): Offers zesty sharpness and a little bite.
- Avocado (diced): Creamy and buttery, it rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds melty richness and a touch of sharpness (or swap for your favorite cheese).
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional): Gives a cool, tangy finish—choose whichever you prefer.
- Salsa or dressing of choice: The finishing touch, adding either zest or creaminess.
How to Make Ground Beef Salad
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, and use a spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Let the beef sizzle until it’s browned and cooked through—just seven to nine minutes is perfect. Remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes so it doesn’t wilt your salad base.
Step 2: Build the Salad Base
While the beef is cooling, grab your biggest salad bowl and load in the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, creamy avocado, and shredded cheddar cheese. Each ingredient should be as fresh and vibrant as possible for maximum crunch and flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Ground Beef Salad
Scoop your warm, seasoned ground beef right over the salad base. The heat of the beef slightly softens the cheese and infuses the entire bowl with that savory aroma, making every forkful irresistible.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Top with dollops of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a few generous spoonfuls of salsa or your favorite dressing. Gently toss everyone together until the salad is just mixed—being careful not to squish the avocado too much. Dive in while the beef is still warm!
How to Serve Ground Beef Salad
Garnishes
Sprinkle with extra shredded cheese, sliced green onions, or a handful of crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy twist. A dash of hot sauce or a light squeeze of lime adds pops of flavor and color that guests always love.
Side Dishes
If you want to round out your meal, serve this Ground Beef Salad alongside fluffy rice, grilled corn, or roasted sweet potato wedges. For a lighter touch, a side of fresh fruit or a citrusy cucumber salad would be just right.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling the salad into crisp lettuce cups or taco shells for a portable, party-ready presentation! You can also layer it in glass jars for meal prep lunches that look as good as they taste. Arrange everything family-style for a build-your-own salad bar experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the beef and salad components separately when possible, to keep everything crisp. Pack the ground beef in a small airtight container and keep the veggies in another; they’ll stay fresh in your fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
The seasoned ground beef freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll be just as tasty for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or reheat straight from frozen if you’re in a hurry.
Reheating
To reheat your beef, simply warm it in a skillet on medium heat or pop it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until steaming. Once it’s hot, spoon over your salad and you’re good to go—the fresh veggies and creamy elements will bring it right back to life.
FAQs
Can I substitute another protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken work perfectly in this Ground Beef Salad if you prefer lighter or different flavors. Even plant-based ground meat would taste great and bring a new twist to the salad.
Is this recipe low-carb or keto friendly?
Yes—it’s naturally low in carbs! To keep things extra keto, skip the cheese or swap in a very light dressing, and avoid store-bought salsas that contain added sugars.
How can I make this dairy-free?
Just leave out the cheese and swap the sour cream or yogurt for a dairy-free version. The salad is still bright and delicious, packed with all those fresh, savory notes.
Can I prep this salad ahead of time?
You can absolutely prep most elements ahead: cook the beef, chop the veggies, and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble the Ground Beef Salad just before serving for the freshest texture and flavor.
What dressings pair best with Ground Beef Salad?
Salsa is a classic, but creamy ranch, zesty vinaigrette, chipotle aioli, or a squeeze of fresh lime with olive oil are all fantastic choices. Let your taste buds (and maybe your fridge contents) guide you!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a fast, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dinner, this Ground Beef Salad has your name on it. Give it a whirl tonight and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new kitchen go-to—there’s just something magical about the way those lively flavors come together!
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Ground Beef Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Ground Beef Salad is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a quick and easy dinner. With a hearty base of romaine lettuce and topped with flavorful seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and creamy avocado, this salad is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Salad:
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup cucumber (sliced)
- ½ red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 avocado (diced)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
- ¼ cup salsa or dressing of choice
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and add ground beef. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7–9 minutes.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, avocado, and shredded cheese. Top with the warm ground beef.
- Finish and Serve: Add sour cream or Greek yogurt and salsa or dressing just before serving. Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a low-carb version, skip the cheese or use a light dressing.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef.
- Great served in taco shells or as a lettuce wrap.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
