Discover this incredible Smashed Potato Salad with Crispy Beef recipe from www.podiumrecipes.com. This homemade potato salad combines perfectly smashed potatoes with savory crispy beef for an easy and delicious recipe that’s perfect for any occasion.
Smashed Potato Salad with Crispy Beef
Are you tired of the same old boring potato salad at every gathering? This Smashed Potato Salad with Crispy Beef will completely revolutionize your approach to this classic salad. This recipe combines the comfort of tender smashed potatoes with the bold, savory flavors of crispy beef, creating a hearty side dish that’s perfect for BBQ food gatherings, family dinners, or meal prep sessions.
What makes this potato salad extraordinary is its unique texture and bold flavors. Unlike traditional potato salad, this warm salad features perfectly smashed potatoes that absorb all the delicious seasonings and pair beautifully with the crispy beef. The ground beef adds protein and substance, transforming this from a simple side dish into a satisfying meal that everyone will remember.
This savory salad is incredibly versatile and works wonderfully as a hearty side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a standout recipe that’s both comforting and exciting. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time while delivering maximum flavor impact.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
For the Smashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds small red potatoes (or Yukon Gold)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For the Crispy Beef:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For the Salad Assembly:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving (serves 6):
- Calories: 385
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Calories from fat: 198
- Protein percentage: 23%
- Carbs percentage: 29%
This recipe provides an excellent balance of protein and carbs, making it a nutritious and satisfying dish. The protein content from the ground beef helps create a filling meal, while the carbs from the potatoes provide sustained energy.
Preparation Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by washing and scrubbing 2 pounds of small potatoes thoroughly. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water by about 2 inches. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes until they’re fork-tender but not falling apart.
Step 2: Smash the Potatoes
Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. Preheat your oven to 450°F. Place the potatoes on a large baking sheet and use a potato masher or fork to gently smash each potato until it’s flattened but still holds together. This smashed potatoes technique creates the perfect texture for absorbing flavors.
Step 3: Season and Roast
Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss gently to coat evenly. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the edges are golden brown and crispy. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your Smashed Potato Salad.
Step 4: Prepare the Crispy Beef
While the potatoes are roasting, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, for 5-7 minutes until it starts to brown. Add the diced onion and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
Step 5: Season the Beef
Add the minced garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and crispy. The meat should be well-browned and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 6: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This creamy dressing will bind all the ingredients together perfectly.
Step 7: Assemble the Salad
In a large serving bowl, combine the roasted smashed potatoes with the crispy beef. Add the chopped parsley and green onions. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to combine. The warm salad is best served immediately while the potatoes are still warm and the beef is crispy.
Serving Suggestions
This Smashed Potato Salad with Crispy Beef is incredibly versatile and works beautifully as a dish for various occasions. Serve it as a hearty side dish alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a complete meal. It’s also perfect as a standalone dish for lunch or a light dinner.
For BBQ food gatherings, this recipe pairs wonderfully with coleslaw, corn on the cob, and grilled vegetables. The bold flavors complement smoky barbecue meat perfectly. Consider serving it in individual bowls for a more elegant presentation at dinner parties.
This salad also works great for meal prep. You can prepare the components separately and assemble them when ready to serve. Store the smashed potatoes and crispy beef separately in the refrigerator and combine them just before serving to maintain the best texture.
Pro Tips
Here are some essential tips to help you create the perfect Smashed Potato Salad with Crispy Beef:
Choose the right potatoes: Small red potatoes or Yukon Gold work best for this recipe. They hold their shape well when smashed and have a creamy texture that absorbs flavors beautifully.
Don’t overcook the potatoes: Cook them until just fork-tender. Overcooked potatoes will fall apart when smashed and won’t hold the proper texture for this salad recipe.
Get the beef extra crispy: Take your time browning the ground beef. The crispy texture is what makes this recipe special, so don’t rush this step. Let the meat develop a nice crust before stirring.
Serve warm: This Smashed Potato Salad is best enjoyed warm. The contrast between the warm potatoes and crispy beef creates an amazing eating experience that’s much more satisfying than cold potato salad.
Season at every step: Don’t forget to season the potatoes before roasting and the beef while cooking. Building layers of flavor is key to making this recipe truly exceptional.
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, and there are many ways to create your own variation:
Vegetarian Alternative: Replace the ground beef with crispy mushrooms or seasoned lentils. Dice 1 pound of mushrooms and sauté them until golden brown and crispy. Season with the same spices for a delicious vegetarian substitute.
Spicy Variation: Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or include hot sauce in the dressing. This variation adds a nice kick that complements the bold flavors of the dish.
Mediterranean Alternative: Substitute the ground beef with seasoned ground lamb and add feta cheese, olives, and fresh herbs like oregano and basil. This variation transforms the dish into a Mediterranean-inspired salad.
Breakfast Variation: Add crumbled bacon instead of ground beef and top with fried eggs. This alternative makes an excellent brunch dish that’s both hearty and satisfying.
Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your ingredients labels, especially for seasonings and condiments, to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this potato salad ahead of time? A: While this recipe is best served fresh and warm, you can prepare the components separately up to a day ahead. Store the smashed potatoes and crispy beef separately in the refrigerator, then reheat and combine just before serving.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? A: To maintain the crispy texture, reheat the smashed potatoes in a 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes and the beef in a skillet over medium heat. Combine them warm and add fresh dressing if needed.
Q: Can I use different types of meat? A: Absolutely! Ground turkey, pork, or even crispy chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly and ensure the meat reaches the proper internal temperature.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover potato salad in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the texture will change slightly, but it’s still delicious cold or reheated.
Q: Can I make this dish dairy-free? A: Yes! Substitute the sour cream with dairy-free yogurt or additional mayonnaise (if using vegan mayo). The recipe will still be delicious with these alternative ingredients.
Conclusion
This Smashed Potato Salad with Crispy Beef recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire. The combination of perfectly seasoned smashed potatoes and savory crispy beef creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re serving it at a BBQ food gathering, preparing it for meal prep, or enjoying it as a hearty side dish for dinner, this recipe delivers bold flavors that will impress everyone at your table.
The beauty of this salad lies in its versatility and the way it transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The warm salad concept adds a unique twist to traditional potato salad, making it perfect for year-round enjoyment. With its excellent balance of protein and carbs, plus the satisfying calories and nutrition it provides, this recipe is both delicious and nourishing.
We encourage you to try this Smashed Potato Salad with Crispy Beef recipe and make it your own. Experiment with different variations and alternatives to suit your taste preferences. Don’t forget to share your experience and any creative modifications you discover.
For more incredible recipes like this one, visit www.podiumrecipes.com, where you’ll find hundreds of easy and delicious recipes to elevate your cooking. From savory salads to hearty side dishes, we have everything you need to create memorable meals for your family and friends. Try this recipe today and discover why www.podiumrecipes.com is your go-to source for exceptional homemade recipes that bring people together around the table.
