Get all the flavor of a classic cheeseburger without the bun! This easy Cheeseburger Bowl recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep, featuring seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and a tangy homemade burger sauce.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:15 min
Total Time:25 min
Yield:4 servings
Category:Dinner
Method:Skillet Cooking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Low Calorie
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 slices cheddar cheese
4 cups shredded iceberg lettuce or mixed greens (for the base)
1/2 cup dill pickle chips
1/4 cup diced red onion
For the Tangy Burger Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup (use low-sugar if preferred)
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Burger Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Break the meat apart with a spoon and cook until browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Place the cheddar cheese slices directly on top of the cooked beef. Cover the skillet for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and gooey.
Assemble the Bowls: Divide the shredded lettuce or greens evenly among four serving bowls. This forms your healthy base.
Top the Bowls: Spoon the cheesy ground beef mixture over the lettuce in each bowl.
Add Toppings: Distribute the dill pickle chips and diced red onion evenly over the beef in each bowl.
Serve: Drizzle a generous amount of the homemade Tangy Burger Sauce over the top of each bowl. Serve immediately for a satisfying, high-protein dinner.
Notes
For meal prep, store the cooked beef mixture, sauce, and fresh toppings separately. Assemble just before eating to keep the lettuce crisp.
If you prefer a different base, substitute the lettuce with 1 cup of cooked cauliflower rice or regular white rice per serving.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option, adjusting seasonings as needed.
Add chopped tomatoes or crispy bacon bits for extra texture and flavor.