Hot Meat Salad
A hearty hot meat salad featuring seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a creamy dressing, baked to perfection. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef and garlic in a skillet until browned.
- Add salt, hot sauce, lemon juice, and Miracle Whip; mix well.
- Add cooked rice, sliced celery, chopped green pepper, chopped onions, and tomato wedges; mix thoroughly.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
- Garnish with corn chips on top.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or substituting the hot sauce with a spicier variety. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can replace Miracle Whip with sour cream or Greek yogurt. To save time, use pre-cooked rice or leftover rice from a previous meal, making this dish even quicker to prepare. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover ground beef from dishes like Shepherd's Stew.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Hot Meat Salad warm, garnished with extra corn chips for crunch. It pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or some warm garlic bread on the side. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside baked beans or coleslaw. This dish is also great for potlucks, providing a comforting option for gatherings. Explore more American recipes for similar comforting flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the salad in a baking dish and cover with foil, then warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Meat Salad contains roughly 1071 calories, with 28g protein, 145g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (99% of the Daily Value), protein (55% of the Daily Value), and iron (35% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1568mg per serving (68% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just be sure to adjust seasoning as needed since different meats can have varying flavors.
What can I do if I don't have Miracle Whip?
If you don't have Miracle Whip, you can use mayonnaise mixed with a little vinegar or lemon juice for tanginess. Alternatively, a mix of sour cream and yogurt can also provide a similar creaminess with a different flavor profile.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
To prepare this dish in advance, complete the first four steps and then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate until you're ready to bake. When you're ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it's coming straight from the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).