Description
This Cheeseburger Bowl recipe offers a flavorful, low-carb alternative to the classic cheeseburger. Ground beef seasoned with garlic, onion powder, and smoked paprika is cooked to juicy perfection and layered over a fresh bed of romaine lettuce. Topped with cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, dill pickles, and an optional tangy cheeseburger sauce, this bowl captures all the delicious components of a cheeseburger without the bun. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a quick, satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Beef
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 for a juicy texture)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
For the Bowl
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup dill pickle slices
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or American cheese)
For the Cheeseburger Sauce (Optional)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice (from the pickle jar)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and use a spatula to break it apart evenly.
- Brown the Beef: Cook the beef for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
- Season the Meat: Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika over the beef. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Make the Cheeseburger Sauce (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and well blended.
- Prepare the Base: Divide the chopped romaine lettuce evenly into four serving bowls as the base layer.
- Add the Beef: Spoon a generous portion of the seasoned ground beef atop the lettuce in each bowl.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the hot beef, allowing it to melt slightly from the residual heat.
- Add Fresh Veggies: Arrange halved cherry tomatoes, dill pickle slices, and red onion (if using) on top of the cheese.
- Drizzle Sauce: Drizzle the prepared cheeseburger sauce or your favorite condiments such as ketchup or mustard over each bowl.
- Serve: Serve the bowls immediately for a fresh, flavorful meal that captures the essence of a cheeseburger without the bun.
Notes
- Use 80/20 ground beef for best flavor and juiciness.
- Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth but is optional.
- Cheeseburger sauce is optional but enhances the classic burger flavor.
- Feel free to customize the toppings to your preference, such as adding avocado or jalapeños.
- This recipe is low-carb and can be made gluten-free by ensuring condiments are gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; add fresh toppings before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
