Cheeseburger Bowls – A Low-Carb, Flavor-Packed Meal!

Name: Cheeseburger Bowls – A Low-Carb, Flavor-Packed Meal!
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: AMERICAN
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese slices, chopped); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ cup red onion, diced; 2 cups shredded lettuce (romaine or iceberg); ½ cup pickles, chopped; ¼ cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon ketchup; 1 teaspoon yellow mustard; ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; Sesame seeds; Crushed bacon bits; Avocado slices

Posted on March 2, 2025 · By Elisa

healthy loaded cheeseburger bowls in a bowl with french fries and pickles on the side

Main Dishes

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If you love juicy, flavorful cheeseburgers but want a healthier, low-carb option, these Cheeseburger Bowls are the perfect solution! Packed with seasoned ground beef, crisp veggies, melted cheese, and a tangy burger sauce, this dish delivers all the classic cheeseburger flavors without the bun.

These bowls are quick, customizable, and perfect for meal prep or a fun family dinner. Plus, they’re gluten-free and keto-friendly, making them a great option for a variety of dietary needs!

Ingredients for Cheeseburger Bowls

the Beef:

1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

the Cheeseburger Toppings:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese slices, chopped)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup red onion, diced
2 cups shredded lettuce (romaine or iceberg)
½ cup pickles, chopped

the Special Burger Sauce:

¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder

Garnishing (Optional):

Sesame seeds
Crushed bacon bits
Avocado slices

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Large skillet
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Cutting board and knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika.
Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked.
Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Make the Special Burger Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.

3. Assemble the Cheeseburger Bowls

Divide shredded lettuce among serving bowls.
Top each bowl with cooked beef, shredded cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and pickles.
Drizzle with special burger sauce.

4. Serve & Enjoy!

Garnish with sesame seeds, avocado slices, or crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
Serve immediately for a fresh and delicious meal!

Expert Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Bowls

Use high-quality ground beef – 85% lean beef has the perfect balance of flavor and moisture.
Customize your toppings – Add grilled mushrooms, jalapeños, or crispy onions for extra texture.
Make it meal prep-friendly – Store each component separately and assemble when ready to eat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not draining excess grease – If using fattier beef, drain it to prevent a greasy bowl.
Overcooking the beef – Cook just until browned to keep it juicy.
Skipping the sauce – The burger sauce ties all the flavors together—don’t miss it!

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Serve with a side of roasted sweet potatoes or cauliflower rice.
Add a fried egg on top for a protein boost.
Turn it into a lettuce wrap for a handheld option.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Storage:

Store ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

Stovetop: Reheat beef over low heat for 2-3 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Freezing:

Freeze cooked beef for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

Make it dairy-free – Use dairy-free cheese or avocado for creaminess.
Try different proteins – Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or bison.
Add a spicy kick – Use sriracha or chipotle powder in the sauce.

What to Serve with Cheeseburger Bowls

Garlic roasted Brussels sprouts
Sweet potato fries or zucchini fries
A refreshing cucumber salad

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a leaner option that still tastes great with the seasonings.

How do I make this meal keto-friendly?

This meal is already low-carb, but you can skip the ketchup in the sauce or use a sugar-free alternative to reduce carbs even further.

Can I meal prep Cheeseburger Bowls?

Absolutely! Store each component separately and assemble when ready to eat for the freshest flavor.

Conclusion

These Cheeseburger Bowls are a fun, flavorful, and healthy alternative to traditional burgers, offering all the deliciousness without the bun! Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or a quick and easy low-carb meal, this dish is versatile, satisfying, and packed with flavor.

Try it today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to subscribe for more healthy and delicious recipes!

Calories Per Serving

Approximate Calories: 450 kcal per serving (based on 4 servings)

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Serves: 4

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