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The Ultimate Low-Carb Cheeseburger Bowl Recipe

A close-up of a hearty cheeseburger bowl featuring seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and a drizzle of special sauce.

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Enjoy all the flavor of a classic cheeseburger without the bun in this easy, satisfying bowl. This recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or low-carb meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cups shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup dill pickle chips
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese (or preferred cheese)
  • For the Tangy Burger Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup (use low-carb version if needed)
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tangy Burger Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and onion powder until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Season the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix gently with your hands until just combined; do not overmix.
  3. Cook the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Place the cheese slices over the cooked beef. Cover the skillet for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
  5. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the shredded lettuce evenly among four serving bowls to create the base.
  6. Layer the Ingredients: Top the lettuce in each bowl with an equal portion of the cheesy ground beef mixture.
  7. Add Toppings: Distribute the cherry tomatoes, dill pickle chips, and chopped red onion evenly over the beef in each bowl.
  8. Serve: Drizzle a generous amount of the homemade Tangy Burger Sauce over the top of each bowl. Serve immediately for a hot meal, or cool completely for meal prep.

Notes

  • For a Keto Cheeseburger Bowl, skip the ketchup in the sauce or use a keto-approved substitute.
  • You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken if you prefer a lighter protein option.
  • If you are meal prepping, store the sauce separately and add it just before eating to keep the lettuce crisp.
  • Add sliced avocado or crumbled bacon for extra flavor and healthy fats.

Nutrition