Name: Cheeseburger Bowls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 cups shredded lettuce; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup pickled red onions; 1/2 cup sliced pickles; 2 tablespoons relish; 1/4 cup pickled jalapeño slices; 1/2 cup cooked crumbled bacon; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1 tablespoon pickle relish; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika

Jump to Recipe

Cheeseburger Bowls bring all the bold flavors of a classic burger into one satisfying, fork-ready meal. This easy dinner swaps the bun for a crisp bed of lettuce while keeping everything you crave—juicy beef, melted cheddar, tangy pickles, and creamy burger sauce. If you love a low carb burger but want something fresh and filling, this bowl-style version delivers every time. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, Cheeseburger Bowls combine simplicity and flavor in a way that makes dinner effortless and exciting.

Story

I first made Cheeseburger Bowls on a hectic weeknight when I wanted something hearty but lighter than a traditional burger. Instead of firing up the grill, I browned ground beef in a skillet and layered it over crisp lettuce. The result tasted just like a classic cheeseburger, but it felt fresher and easier to serve.

Since then, Cheeseburger Bowls have become a staple in my kitchen. They work beautifully for meal prep, quick lunches, or even a customizable family dinner bar where everyone builds their own bowl. Because this recipe skips the bun, it also fits perfectly into a low carb burger lifestyle without sacrificing flavor.

What makes Cheeseburger Bowls special is how flexible they are. You can treat them as a deconstructed burger, pile on your favorite toppings, and adjust the sauce to your taste. Every bite gives you that familiar cheeseburger comfort in a lighter, fresher format.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 cups shredded lettuce
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup pickled red onions (or raw red onions)
1/2 cup sliced pickles
2 tablespoons relish
1/4 cup pickled jalapeño slices
1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
1/2 cup burger sauce (see below)

Burger Sauce

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon pickle relish
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

Start by washing and shredding the lettuce, then halve the cherry tomatoes. Slice the pickles if needed and measure out the cheese, bacon, and other toppings.

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle relish, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set the burger sauce aside so the flavors meld together.

Cooking Instructions

Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Break the meat apart with a spatula as it cooks so it browns evenly. Cook for 7–10 minutes until fully browned.

Drain any excess fat, then remove the skillet from heat.

To assemble the Cheeseburger Bowls, divide shredded lettuce among four bowls. Spoon the warm ground beef over the lettuce. Add cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, red onions, pickles, jalapeños, bacon, and relish. Drizzle generously with burger sauce before serving.

Tips for Perfect Results

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this can cause the beef to steam instead of brown. Also, season the beef while it cooks so the flavor develops properly.

Do not overdress the bowl too early. Add the burger sauce just before serving so the lettuce stays crisp and fresh.

Pro Tips for Better Flavor

Use freshly shredded cheddar for better melting and texture. Additionally, warm the beef slightly before assembling if it has cooled, because the gentle heat softens the cheese perfectly.

If you enjoy a bit of heat, increase the jalapeños or add a dash of hot sauce to the burger sauce. This simple adjustment gives your salad burger bowl extra personality without changing the base recipe.

Serving and Storage

How to Serve

Serve Cheeseburger Bowls immediately while the beef is warm and the lettuce remains crisp. Arrange toppings in small bowls if hosting guests, creating a fun build-your-own family dinner bar experience.

You can also portion the ingredients into containers for easy meal prep beef lunches throughout the week.

How to Store Leftovers

Store cooked ground beef separately from lettuce and toppings in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat the beef gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before assembling fresh bowls.

Keep the burger sauce refrigerated in a sealed jar for up to 5 days.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger Bowls offer everything you love about burgers in a lighter, fresher format. Because they are quick to prepare and easy to customize, they fit seamlessly into busy schedules. Try this recipe tonight and enjoy a satisfying meal that delivers bold flavor in every bite.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Cheeseburger Bowls ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the beef and prepare toppings in advance. Store components separately, then assemble just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.

Are Cheeseburger Bowls keto-friendly?

They can be. Simply skip the relish if you want fewer carbs and confirm your ketchup fits your carb goals. Otherwise, this recipe already functions as a low carb burger alternative.

Can I substitute ground turkey for beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey works well in this deconstructed burger bowl. Season it well and cook thoroughly for the best flavor and texture.