Cheeseburger Bowl

The Cheeseburger Bowl is a flavorful and lighter twist on the classic American cheeseburger. Instead of being served on a bun, all the iconic burger elements—seasoned beef, pickles, onions, cheese, and a tangy burger sauce—are layered over a bed of crisp romaine lettuce. It’s a satisfying, protein-rich, and low-carb meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for lunch or dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cheeseburger bowl offers all the nostalgic flavors of a traditional burger without the heaviness of bread. It’s quick to assemble, highly customizable, and packed with textures—from juicy ground beef to crunchy pickles and fresh lettuce. The homemade burger sauce elevates the dish, adding a creamy, zesty kick that ties everything together beautifully. Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle or simply looking for a fresh take on comfort food, this bowl is a delicious and convenient option.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the burger sauce:

• ¼ cup mayo or Greek yogurt

• ¼ cup ketchup

• 1½ tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon hot sauce

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• ½ tablespoon dill pickle juice

• ¼ teaspoon dried dill

• ¼ teaspoon sweet paprika

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the bowl:

• 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)

• 1 teaspoon avocado oil

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon chili powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 8 cups chopped romaine lettuce

• ½ cup diced onion

• 1⅓ cups diced tomatoes

• 4 chopped dill pickles

• ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all the burger sauce ingredients until well combined. Set aside.

2. Cook the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the avocado oil. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a heat-safe spatula. Season with paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the meat is no longer pink, then drain the excess grease using a slotted spoon.

3. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the chopped romaine lettuce evenly among four shallow serving bowls. Top with the cooked ground beef, followed by shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, chopped pickles, and diced onion.

4. Finish and Serve: Drizzle the desired amount of burger sauce over each bowl just before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Make it dairy-free: Use a dairy-free mayo and omit the cheese or replace it with a plant-based version.

• Swap the protein: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative for a different flavor profile.

• Add more veggies: Try including avocado slices, cucumbers, or grilled onions for extra freshness and nutrition.

• Spice it up: Add jalapeños or increase the amount of hot sauce in the burger sauce for more heat.

• Low-fat version: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo and reduce the amount of cheese.

Storage/Reheating

Store each component of the cheeseburger bowl separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the ground beef in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Assemble the bowls just before serving to maintain freshness and texture. The burger sauce can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to one week.

FAQs

Can I make this cheeseburger bowl ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the components in advance and store them separately. Assemble just before eating to keep everything fresh.

What type of ground beef should I use?

Use lean ground beef, such as 90% lean, to keep the dish lighter and reduce excess grease.

Is there a substitute for dill pickle juice in the sauce?

Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar can work in a pinch, though the pickle juice adds a distinct flavor.

Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Yes, you can use iceberg, spinach, or a mixed greens blend as an alternative to romaine.

Is this dish keto-friendly?

It can be made keto-friendly by using a sugar-free ketchup and ensuring the other condiments contain no added sugars.

Can I use store-bought burger sauce?

Yes, but homemade sauce allows better control over ingredients and flavor. Choose a cleaner store-bought version if needed.

How can I make this bowl vegetarian?

Use plant-based ground meat and ensure any condiments and cheese used are vegetarian-friendly.

Can I freeze the cooked ground beef?

Yes, the cooked beef can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.

What kind of cheese works best?

Cheddar cheese is classic, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or even blue cheese crumbles can be used for variation.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double all ingredients to serve more people. Make sure your pan is large enough to accommodate extra ground beef.

Conclusion

The Cheeseburger Bowl is a modern, wholesome approach to enjoying the flavors of a traditional cheeseburger without the bun. It’s quick to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and perfect for those looking for a nutritious and satisfying meal. Whether you’re meal prepping or making a fresh weeknight dinner, this dish brings all the comfort of a classic burger with a healthy twist.