Quick Baked Ground Beef Salad

Ground beef salad? It might sound unusual, but this dish offers a delicious and surprisingly versatile way to enjoy ground beef. This quick baked ground beef salad is a flavor explosion, combining savory beef with crisp vegetables and a creamy dressing, all baked to perfection. It’s a complete meal in one dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Ground Beef Salad

This isn’t your average salad! It’s a warm, comforting dish that will tantalize your taste buds. Here’s why you’ll adore it:

• Easy and Quick: From prep to plate, this recipe comes together in under an hour. Ideal for busy weeknights.
• Versatile: Customize it with your favorite vegetables and seasonings. Get creative!
• Flavorful: The combination of savory ground beef, fresh vegetables, and creamy dressing is simply irresistible.
• Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is an affordable protein source, making this a wallet-friendly meal.
• Comforting: Warm and satisfying, this baked salad is a delightful change from cold salads.

Ingredients and Substitutions

The key to a fantastic baked ground beef salad lies in using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to minimize excess grease. Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute.
• Vegetables: A mix of diced onion, bell pepper (any color), celery, and corn provides a delightful crunch and sweetness. Frozen corn works well in a pinch. Other great additions include mushrooms, zucchini, or peas.
• Creamy Dressing: Mayonnaise forms the base of the dressing. Greek yogurt can be added for a tangier flavor and to reduce calories. Sour cream is another good option.
• Seasonings: Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper enhance the savory flavor of the beef and vegetables. Experiment with other spices like chili powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning.
• Cheese (Optional): Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack cheese adds a cheesy goodness. Sprinkle it on top before baking.
• Toppings (Optional): Chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, tortilla chips, or a dollop of sour cream add extra flavor and texture.

Tips for Substitutions:

• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based mayonnaise and omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or crumbled plant-based ground.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Baked Salad

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious baked ground beef salad:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.

3. Add Vegetables: Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Season the Mixture: Stir in the corn, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld.

5. Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if using), and any additional seasonings you like.

6. Combine and Bake: Spread the ground beef and vegetable mixture evenly in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the dressing over the mixture and spread it evenly. If using cheese, sprinkle it on top.

7. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the salad is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly (if using).

8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before garnishing with your favorite toppings. Serve warm.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when browning the ground beef. Brown it in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
• Adjust the seasonings to your taste. Start with the recommended amounts and add more as needed.
• For a crispier topping, broil the salad for a minute or two at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

This baked ground beef salad is incredibly versatile. Here are some creative variations and serving suggestions:

• Taco Salad Bake: Add a packet of taco seasoning to the ground beef mixture for a taco-inspired flavor. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa after baking.
• Cheeseburger Salad Bake: Use ground beef, cheddar cheese, diced pickles, and a ketchup-mustard dressing for a cheeseburger-inspired salad.
• Pizza Salad Bake: Add pepperoni, mushrooms, black olives, and pizza sauce for a pizza-themed salad.
• Mexican Fiesta Bake: Incorporate black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and a spicy dressing with chili powder and cumin. Top with avocado and cilantro.
• Buffalo Chicken Bake: Substitute ground beef with shredded cooked chicken and toss with buffalo wing sauce. Top with blue cheese crumbles.

Serving Suggestions:

• As a Main Course: Serve a generous portion of the baked salad as a complete meal.
• As a Side Dish: Serve smaller portions alongside grilled chicken, pork chops, or steak.
• With Crackers or Tortilla Chips: Offer crackers or tortilla chips for scooping up the salad.
• In Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the salad into lettuce cups for a light and refreshing meal.
• As a Potluck Dish: This baked salad is easy to transport and serve at potlucks or gatherings.

Tips for Storage and Reheating

Storage:

• Refrigerate: Leftover baked ground beef salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: While not ideal, you can freeze the baked salad. However, the texture of the vegetables and dressing may change upon thawing. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the salad in an oven-safe dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
• Microwave: Microwave individual portions on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
• Skillet: Reheat the salad in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Important Note: Ensure the salad is heated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. However, it’s best to add the dressing just before baking to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.

Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent substitutes for ground beef. You can also use ground sausage for a richer flavor.

What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?

If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce or a combination of ketchup and vinegar.

Can I add beans to this salad?

Yes, beans are a great addition! Black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans work well. Add them to the skillet along with the corn.

How can I make this salad spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or some diced jalapeños to the ground beef mixture.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Yes, this salad is perfect for meal prep! Prepare a large batch and portion it out into individual containers for easy lunches or dinners.