Description
A quick and flavorful Cheeseburger Bowl recipe that brings all the classic cheeseburger flavors in a healthier, low-carb bowl format. Juicy ground beef seasoned with savory spices, layered over fresh romaine lettuce, topped with melty cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, pickles, and a creamy homemade cheeseburger sauce. Perfect for a satisfying meal in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 for a juicy texture)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Cheeseburger Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice (from the pickle jar)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or American cheese)
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup dill pickle slices
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula, cooking it evenly.
- Brown the Meat: Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Season the Beef: Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika over the cooked meat. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed and flavorful.
- Prepare the Cheeseburger Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the sauce is smooth and fully blended for a creamy dressing.
- Assemble the Bowls: In each serving bowl, start by layering the chopped romaine lettuce as the fresh base of your bowl.
- Add the Beef: Place a generous scoop of the seasoned ground beef over the lettuce layer.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the warm beef to allow it to melt slightly, enhancing the texture and flavor.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Top the beef and cheese with halved cherry tomatoes, dill pickle slices, and red onion slices if using, adding brightness and crunch.
- Drizzle Sauce: Drizzle the prepared cheeseburger sauce over the bowl or substitute with your preferred condiments like ketchup, mustard, or relish.
- Serve: Serve the assembled cheeseburger bowls immediately to enjoy the combination of warm, savory beef, melted cheese, and fresh vegetables in a healthy presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for leaner protein options.
- Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- For a low-carb or keto-friendly meal, skip the ketchup in the sauce or use sugar-free ketchup.
- Adding red onion is optional but provides a nice sharp contrast; you can also use pickled onions for extra tang.
- This recipe serves as a great base for customization—try adding avocado, bacon bits, or shredded lettuce variations.
