Southwest Meatball Salad 🥗

Overview:

• Preparation Time: 45 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: 541.8 per serving
• Rating: Not available
• Reviews: Not available
• Keywords: Southwestern U.S., Kid Friendly, Weeknight, Stove Top, < 4 Hours
• Recipe Category: Meat

Description:

Indulge in the flavorful delight of Southwest Meatball Salad, a vibrant recipe that perfectly blends the zesty essence of Southwestern cuisine with the comforting appeal of homemade meatballs. This dish is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a celebration of simplicity, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or laid-back gatherings with loved ones. Bursting with wholesome ingredients and tantalizing flavors, this salad promises to be a hit at any dining table. Follow the steps below to create a culinary masterpiece that will leave everyone craving for more!

Ingredients:

• 3 onions
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped tomato
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 pound ground beef
• Bread crumbs (quantity not specified)
• 1/2 cup taco sauce
• Lettuce (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

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   • Begin by gathering all the necessary ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process.
   • Chop the onions finely and set aside. Also, chop the tomato and shred the Monterey Jack cheese.
   • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat, preparing it for the first step of cooking.

2. Cooking the Onions:

   • Add the chopped onions and chili powder to the heated skillet.
   • Sauté the onions for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until they turn tender and are well coated with the aromatic chili powder.
   • Once done, remove the skillet from heat and allow the cooked onions to cool slightly before proceeding to the next step.

3. Preparing the Meatballs:

   • Transfer the sautéed onions into a large mixing bowl, ensuring to wipe out the skillet and set it aside for later use.
   • To the bowl of onions, add the ground beef, eggs, salt, and bread crumbs (the quantity of bread crumbs is not specified, but you can add them according to your preference).
   • Thoroughly blend all the ingredients together until well combined, forming a cohesive mixture.

4. Shaping and Cooking the Meatballs:

   • With the meat mixture ready, shape it into evenly-sized 1-inch balls, ensuring uniformity for even cooking.
   • In the previously used skillet, add 2 tablespoons of oil and heat it over medium-high heat.
   • Carefully place the shaped meatballs into the hot skillet, allowing them to cook until they achieve a rich golden brown color on all sides.

5. Simmering with Sauce:

   • Once the meatballs are well browned, stir in the taco sauce and chopped tomatoes into the skillet.
   • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
   • Allow the flavors to meld together as you let the meatball mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes, ensuring a rich and savory outcome.

6. Assembling the Salad:

   • To serve, arrange a bed of fresh lettuce on individual plates, creating a vibrant base for the flavorful meatball topping.
   • Spoon the simmered meatball mixture generously over the bed of lettuce, ensuring each serving is packed with hearty goodness.
   • Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top, adding a creamy and indulgent finish to the salad.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

   • With the Southwest Meatball Salad beautifully assembled, it’s time to savor the fruits of your labor.
   • Serve the salad immediately while it’s fresh and hot, allowing everyone to indulge in the irresistible blend of flavors and textures.
   • Gather around the table with loved ones and enjoy the delightful experience of sharing a wholesome and delicious meal together.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 541.8 per serving
• Fat Content: 38.3g
• Saturated Fat Content: 14g
• Cholesterol Content: 154mg
• Sodium Content: 1321.4mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 16.4g
• Fiber Content: 3.2g
• Sugar Content: 9.2g
• Protein Content: 33.4g

Tips and Variations:

• Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of chili powder and taco sauce according to your spice preference, making the salad as mild or as fiery as you like.
• Creative Additions: Feel free to add extra ingredients such as black beans, corn kernels, or avocado slices to elevate the flavor and nutritional profile of the salad.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This time-saving tip is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and convenient meal solution.
• Gluten-Free Variation: Use gluten-free bread crumbs or almond flour instead of traditional bread crumbs to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegetarian Twist: Swap the ground beef for plant-based alternatives such as lentils or chickpeas to create a satisfying vegetarian version of the salad that’s equally delicious and nutritious.

Conclusion:

With its irresistible combination of juicy meatballs, crisp lettuce, and creamy cheese, the Southwest Meatball Salad is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply treating yourself to a cozy dinner at home, this recipe offers a delightful culinary experience that’s both wholesome and indulgent. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and embark on a flavorful journey to the heart of the Southwest with this mouthwatering salad sensation!