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Easy Low-Carb Cheeseburger Bowl Recipe

Close-up of a delicious cheeseburger bowl featuring seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and special sauce over lettuce.

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Enjoy all the flavor of a classic cheeseburger without the bun in this satisfying, deconstructed bowl. This recipe is quick for weeknights and great for meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cups shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce
  • 1/2 cup chopped tomato
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/4 cup dill pickle chips
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese (or preferred cheese)
  • For the Tangy Burger Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup (use low-sugar if desired)
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
  • 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. 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 fully browned, 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 until the cheese is melted and gooey.
  5. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the shredded lettuce evenly among four bowls. Top the lettuce with the hot, cheesy ground beef mixture.
  6. Add Toppings: Arrange the chopped tomato, red onion slices, and pickle chips around the beef in each bowl.
  7. Serve: Drizzle a generous amount of the homemade Tangy Burger Sauce over the top of each bowl. Give yourself some kudos for making this delicious, quick dinner!

Notes

  • For meal prep, store the cooked beef mixture, sauce, and fresh vegetables separately. Assemble just before eating to keep the lettuce crisp.
  • Swap ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option.
  • If you prefer a non-low-carb meal, serve this over 1/2 cup of cooked white rice instead of lettuce.
  • Add crispy bacon bits or sliced avocado for extra flavor and healthy fats.

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