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Easy Low-Carb Cheeseburger Bowl Recipe for Quick Dinner

A close-up of a delicious cheeseburger bowl featuring seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, pickles, and red onion over lettuce.

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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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the shredded lettuce or greens evenly among four serving bowls. This forms your healthy base.
  5. Top the Bowls: Spoon the cheesy ground beef mixture over the lettuce in each bowl.
  6. Add Toppings: Distribute the dill pickle chips and diced red onion evenly over the beef in each bowl.
  7. 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.

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