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Crispy Rice Cheeseburger Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 118 reviews

This Crispy Rice Cheeseburger Salad combines the beloved flavors of a cheeseburger with a fresh, vibrant salad base and a delightful crunch from oven-baked crispy rice. Featuring seasoned ground beef, shredded cheddar, cherry tomatoes, pickles, and a tangy dill pickle ranch dressing, this salad is a satisfying and easy-to-make dish perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Crispy Rice

  • 2 cups (372 g) cooked white rice, cooled
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Ground Beef Mixture

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 pinch kosher salt
  • 1 pinch black pepper

Salad

  • 2 heads romaine lettuce, about 8 cups, chopped
  • 1 cup (113 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup (149 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 6-8 baby dill pickles, sliced
  • ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 recipe (1 ½ cups) dill pickle ranch dressing

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Rice: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Season and Bake Rice: In a large bowl, toss the cooled cooked rice with melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and kosher salt until evenly coated. Spread the rice mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, tossing halfway through to ensure even crisping, until the rice is golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye near the end to prevent burning. Remove from oven and break into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
  3. Cook Ground Beef: Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef along with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until beef is fully browned with no pink remaining, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain any excess grease and let the beef cool slightly.
  4. Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, lay down a bed of chopped romaine lettuce. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced baby dill pickles, thinly sliced red onion, cooked ground beef, and the crispy baked rice pieces.
  5. Add Dressing and Serve: Drizzle the dill pickle ranch dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients. Serve immediately for the freshest texture and flavor.

Notes

  • It’s important to use cooled, cooked rice to achieve the best crispy texture when baking.
  • Watch the rice closely during baking to prevent burning, especially in the last 5 minutes.
  • You can prepare the ground beef mixture ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to assemble.
  • For a lighter version, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey.
  • Make sure to toss the salad just before serving to maintain the crispy texture of the rice.