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The Ultimate Low-Carb Cheeseburger Bowl with Tangy Burger Sauce

A close-up of a delicious cheeseburger bowl featuring seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and special sauce 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 low-carb meal prep, featuring juicy seasoned beef and a homemade tangy sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs 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 cups shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup dill pickle chips
  • 1/2 cup finely diced white onion
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese (or preferred cheese)
  • Optional base: 1 cup cooked cauliflower rice or regular rice
  • For the Tangy Burger Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup (use low-sugar for keto)
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish (or finely minced pickles)
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tangy Burger Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside.
  2. Season the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix gently with your hands until just combined; do not overmix.
  3. Cook the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is fully browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Place the cheese slices directly on top of the cooked beef. Cover the skillet for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
  5. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the lettuce (and optional cauliflower rice) evenly among four serving bowls. This forms the base for your Low Carb Burger Bowl.
  6. Top the Base: Spoon the cheesy ground beef mixture over the lettuce base in each bowl.
  7. Add Toppings: Distribute the cherry tomatoes, dill pickle chips, and diced white onion evenly over the beef in each bowl.
  8. Finish and Serve: Drizzle a generous amount of the homemade Tangy Burger Sauce over the top of each Cheeseburger Bowl. Serve immediately for a satisfying dinner.

Notes

  • For meal prep, store the cooked beef mixture, sauce, and fresh vegetable toppings separately. Assemble right before eating to keep the lettuce crisp.
  • If you want a Keto Cheeseburger Bowl, skip the optional rice base and ensure your ketchup has minimal added sugar.
  • You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken if you prefer a lighter protein option.
  • For extra flavor, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef while cooking.

Nutrition