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Dinner’s Ready: Mandy Cauley’s Cheeseburger Salad

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Dinner's-Ready----MBP-feb25

There is truly no place like home, and that is exactly why a year and a half ago, the Cauley family moved from Paducah, Kentucky, back to the Gulf Coast. Joel grew up in Moss Point, Mississippi, and Mandy lived in Grand Bay. They have been married for 23 years and have always been in full-time ministry. Their ministries have moved them around the country quite a bit, but the family is glad to be back in the South.

“We currently have a nonprofit called Simple Hope,” Mandy shared. “This ministry has many different avenues, such as church coaching, pastor mentoring, speaking/preaching in churches, feeding the homeless, and so much more. We are so excited about what God holds for Simple Hope in 2025.”

Joel and Mandy have three children — Rylan (22), and he married his wife Ella (22) in 2023. They also have two daughters, Dailyn (20) and Mikayden (15).

“Our kids have always played sports and participated in club ball. Our son played soccer from the time he was old enough to be on a team, and our girls have both played volleyball for many years,” said Mandy. “Currently, the only one in sports is our youngest, but it still keeps us very busy and always on the go. We have always loved watching our kids play the sports they love, and watching them cheer each other on is just the best.”

Joel and Mandy are enjoying having their two girls at home but admit that it is challenging having their kids move out, marry and start college.

“As your kids get older, you really appreciate having everyone together at the same time,” Mandy reflected. “Our son and daughter-in-law live over three hours away, so having them with us is really special, and we savor every moment.”

As a family, the Cauley’s love just hanging out, laughing, and playing games. They all love to be on the water, whether that’s in their boat or at the beach.

“We try to have dinner together around the table as much as possible depending on practice and work schedules,” shared Mandy. “During volleyball season, we depend on crock pot meals to help us eat at home and not eat out as often for convenience. I do most of the cooking unless it’s something grilled; then my husband does that part.”

One meal that makes it into weekly rotation at the Cauley’s house is Cheeseburger Salad! According to Mandy, this recipe is simple, and customizable so everyone likes it. Plus, it makes eating cheeseburgers semi-healthy.

“The first time we had this recipe was many years ago when we lived in Charlotte, NC. We found a burger place called BT Burgers, and they had a burger salad on their menu,” Mandy shared. “We enjoyed it so much that when we moved, we decided to just make it part of our home menu.”

Joel and Mandy are soaking up all the time they can get with their young adults.

“Right now, I am really loving watching my kids grow and walk in the plans God has for them,” Mandy said, reminiscing. “I do miss the days of being able to hold them in my lap, but at the same time, my heart could just explode with how proud they make me. Who knows, maybe grandkids won’t be too far away.”

Cheeseburger Salad

Mobile-dinner

Ingredients:

  • Beef or Turkey Hamburger Patties
  • Montreal’s Steak Seasoning
  • American or Cheddar Cheese Slices
  • Head of Lettuce; Chopped (or premade salad mix of choice)
  • 1-2 Tomatoes, diced or sliced
  • 1 Cucumber, diced or sliced
  • Cheddar Cheese: shredded
  • 1 White or Purple Onion, diced or sliced
  • 1 jar of Dill Pickle Chips
  • Ranch Dressing, to drizzle

Directions:

  1. Season your hamburger patties with Montreal’s Steak Seasoning on both sides and let set.
  2. Prepare your grill, griddle, or skillet; whatever is your preferred method for cooking a hamburger. Preheat to medium-high.
  3. For medium to well-done burgers, cook each side for 3-5 minutes or the internal temperature of the burger is 145-160 degrees. Top with a slice of cheese.
  4. Set burgers aside while you prep your salad bowls. Outside of lettuce and cheddar cheese, your salad is customizable based on your favorite burger toppings.
  5. After prepping your salad, place a burger patty on top of each one. Drizzle with ranch dressing before serving.

Gabriele Jones
Author: Gabriele Jones

Gabriele has been married to her husband Daniel for 16 years. Together they have three incredible children - two boys, ages 15 and eight, and a sweet girl who joined the family last summer. She is a full time Pink Cadillac Sales Director for Mary Kay Cosmetics. When she isn’t spending time with family or building her business, she supports her husband who is the Lead Pastor and Planter of Forward Church in Foley.

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Gabriele has been married to her husband Daniel for 16 years. Together they have three incredible children - two boys, ages 15 and eight, and a sweet girl who joined the family last summer. She is a full time Pink Cadillac Sales Director for Mary Kay Cosmetics. When she isn’t spending time with family or building her business, she supports her husband who is the Lead Pastor and Planter of Forward Church in Foley.
Mobile Bay Parents
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