Description
Cheeseburger Bowls are a delicious, low-carb twist on the classic burger that omits the bun while packing all the savory flavors you love. This easy-to-make recipe layers seasoned ground beef with fresh lettuce and vibrant toppings like cherry tomatoes, pickled onions, pickles, jalapeños, and crispy bacon, all drizzled with a smoky, tangy burger sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal that tastes like a cheeseburger without the carbs or mess.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cups shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup pickled red onions (or raw red onions)
- 1/2 cup sliced pickles
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeno slices
- 1/2 cup crumbled, cooked bacon
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp pickle relish
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the burger sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle relish, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to blend all the flavors. Set the sauce aside to let the flavors meld as you prepare the other ingredients.
- Cook the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and season it with salt and pepper to your preference. Cook, breaking the meat apart with a spatula for even browning, until fully cooked and no longer pink, about 7 to 10 minutes. Drain any excess fat thoroughly before moving on to assembling the bowls.
- Assemble the cheeseburger bowls: In four serving bowls, layer a generous amount of shredded lettuce as your base. Evenly distribute the cooked ground beef over the lettuce, then add the halved cherry tomatoes, pickled red onions, sliced pickles, pickled jalapeños, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese on top. Finally, drizzle each bowl with the prepared smoky burger sauce for a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and smoky flavors. Serve immediately and enjoy your deconstructed cheeseburger!
Notes
- For added texture and flavor, try tossing the lettuce with a light vinaigrette before assembling.
- Use cooked bacon for best flavor and texture in the bowl. You can cook bacon in the oven or skillet and crumble it once cooled.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add extra pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the burger sauce.
- Feel free to swap cheddar cheese for your preferred cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack to vary flavors.
- This recipe is naturally low-carb and gluten-free by skipping the bun.
