Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup Full-Fat Mayonnaise
  • 2 Tbsp Yellow Mustard
  • 2 Tbsp Sugar-Free Sweet Pickle Relish (or finely chopped dill pickles)
  • 1 tsp White Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Keto-Friendly Sweetener (e.g., Erythritol, Stevia, or Monk Fruit)
  • 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1/4 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 lb Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 1 Tbsp Olive Oil or Avocado Oil
  • 1 tsp Sea Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 medium head Iceberg Lettuce, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Sliced Dill Pickles
  • 1/4 cup Finely diced Red Onion
  • 4 slices or 1 cup shredded American or Medium Cheddar Cheese
  • 1 tsp Sesame Seeds (optional garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, pickle relish, vinegar, keto sweetener, smoked paprika, and onion powder until completely smooth.
  2. Taste and Adjust: Taste the Special Sauce and adjust the sweetener, vinegar, or salt as needed. Cover and refrigerate the sauce while preparing the rest of the meal to allow flavors to meld.
  3. Prep Vegetables: Shred the iceberg lettuce thinly (this is crucial for crunch). Finely dice the red onion and set aside the sliced pickles.
  4. Cook the Beef: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up quickly with a spatula.
  5. Season Heavily: Once the beef begins to brown, season generously with salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains (about 6–8 minutes).
  6. Drain Excess Fat: Carefully tilt the pan and drain off any excess cooking fat into a heatproof container to prevent the finished salad from becoming watery.
  7. Create the Base: Divide the shredded lettuce evenly among the four serving bowls.
  8. Layer the Beef and Cheese: Spoon the hot, seasoned ground beef over the lettuce in each bowl. Immediately distribute the sliced or shredded cheese over the hot beef to melt slightly.
  9. Add Toppings: Scatter the diced red onion and sliced dill pickles over the beef and cheese layer.
  10. Drizzle and Serve: Drizzle a generous amount of the chilled Special Sauce over the top of each bowl. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired, and serve immediately while the beef is still warm.