Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Cheeseburger Bowl is everything you love about a classic cheeseburger, minus the carbs from the bun. It’s customizable to your liking with fresh ingredients like lettuce, tomato, and pickles, while still providing the juicy, savory flavors of a cheeseburger. The ground beef is seasoned perfectly, and the melted cheese brings everything together in a delicious and satisfying way. Whether you’re doing low-carb, gluten-free, or just want a fun twist on a traditional cheeseburger, this bowl is an easy, quick, and flavorful meal!

Ingredients

For the beef mixture:

1 lb ground beef (80/20 for the best flavor)
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

For the bowl:

4 cups lettuce (romaine, iceberg, or mixed greens), chopped
1 large tomato, diced
1/4 cup sliced pickles (dill or sweet, based on preference)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
1/4 cup ketchup (optional, for drizzling)
1 tbsp mustard (optional, for drizzling)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat the ground beef over medium heat. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Season the beef: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, mustard, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, making sure everything is evenly seasoned and combined.
Prepare the bowls: While the beef is cooking, prepare your bowl. Layer the chopped lettuce as the base, followed by the diced tomato and sliced pickles.
Assemble the Cheeseburger Bowls: Once the beef is cooked and seasoned, spoon the mixture over the lettuce and veggies in each bowl. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, allowing the heat from the beef to melt the cheese.
Add optional toppings: If desired, top with thinly sliced red onion, a drizzle of ketchup, and mustard, or any other cheeseburger toppings you prefer.
Serve: Serve immediately while the beef is warm, and enjoy your delicious Cheeseburger Bowl!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Total time: 20 minutes
Active time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 5-7 minutes

Variations

Low-Carb: Serve the Cheeseburger Bowl with extra leafy greens or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative like lentils or veggie crumbles.
Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Swiss, pepper jack, or mozzarella for a unique twist on the classic cheeseburger flavor.
Add More Veggies: Add roasted or sautéed mushrooms, avocado slices, or even shredded carrots to enhance the flavor and texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover Cheeseburger Bowls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the beef mixture in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. When reheating, be careful not to wilt the lettuce, so you may want to add it fresh after reheating the beef.

FAQs

Can I make this Cheeseburger Bowl ahead of time?

You can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the beef and assemble the bowl with fresh veggies and cheese.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to make this dish dairy-free.

Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner version. Be sure to add extra seasonings as turkey can be milder in flavor than beef.

Can I add other sauces to the bowl?

Absolutely! You can drizzle your favorite sauces like ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for a unique twist on the flavor.

How do I prevent the lettuce from wilting?

To prevent the lettuce from wilting, keep the beef and veggies separate until serving. You can even chill the lettuce before assembling the bowl to keep it fresh longer.

Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Yes, you can use any type of lettuce, such as arugula, spinach, or kale. Romaine and iceberg work best for a crisp, crunchy texture, but feel free to use what you have on hand.

Conclusion

The Cheeseburger Bowl is a fun, flavorful, and healthier take on the classic cheeseburger. With juicy seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings, this dish offers all the deliciousness of a cheeseburger without the bun. It’s quick to prepare, customizable, and perfect for anyone looking for a low-carb or gluten-free option. Whether you enjoy it with traditional toppings or get creative with your own, this Cheeseburger Bowl is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation!