Ingredients:
- lbs Lean Ground Beef (85/15 blend)
- tsp Salt
- /2 tsp Black Pepper
- /2 tsp Onion Powder
- /2 tsp Garlic Powder
- slices Cheddar Cheese
- large Romaine Lettuce Hearts
- pint Cherry or Grape Tomatoes
- /4 cup Red Onion
- /2 cup Dill Pickles/Gherkins
- /2 cup Mayonnaise
- Tbsp Ketchup
- Tbsp Yellow Mustard
- tsp White Vinegar
- /2 tsp Smoked Paprika
- /2 tsp Granulated Sugar
- To drizzle Yellow Mustard (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dressing: Whisk together all Secret Sauce dressing ingredients (mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, vinegar, smoked paprika, sugar, salt, pepper) in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning. Cover and refrigerate.
- Prep the Salad Components: Wash and thoroughly dry the lettuce. Chop the lettuce, halve the tomatoes, chop the pickles, and thinly slice the red onion. Set aside.
- Season the Beef: In a bowl, lightly combine the ground beef with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Do not overmix.
- Cook the Beef: Heat the large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned beef. Break it up coarsely with a spatula into cottage-cheese-sized crumbles. Cook for 8-10 minutes until nicely browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess fat.
- Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Top the cooked beef evenly with the cheddar slices. Cover the pan briefly (about 1 minute) until the cheese is perfectly melted and gooey. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large serving bowl, toss the dried lettuce with most of the prepared Secret Sauce dressing, reserving a little for drizzling.
- Build and Serve: Divide the dressed lettuce among four plates. Top each salad portion evenly with the hot, cheesy beef mixture. Garnish with the chopped pickles, halved tomatoes, and sliced red onion.
- Final Touch: Drizzle any remaining dressing and a few stripes of yellow mustard over the top. Serve immediately while the beef is warm.