Name: Burger Bowls
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-489776H5M55S
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken); 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper, to taste; 4 cups romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup pickles or pickle slices; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 avocado, diced (optional); 1/2 cup burger sauce or dressing (mayo, ketchup, mustard mix or ranch)

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Burger Bowls are a fresh, low-carb twist on the classic burger, served without the bun and loaded with all the best toppings in one bowl. Juicy ground beef, crisp veggies, creamy sauces, and crunchy toppings come together in a customizable, protein-packed meal that satisfies every burger craving without the mess. I love how quick they are to make and how easily I can mix and match ingredients depending on what I’m in the mood for.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how burger bowls deliver all the flavor of a traditional burger, but in a lighter, fork-and-bowl style. They’re fast, flexible, and great for meal prep or busy weeknights. I get to enjoy the savory beef, melty cheese, and tangy sauces, but also load up on fresh vegetables and skip the heavy bread. It’s also easy to make them keto-friendly, gluten-free, or dairy-free—just by adjusting a few toppings.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken)
Onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Salt and pepper
Romaine or iceberg lettuce, chopped
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Pickles or pickle slices
Red onion, thinly sliced
Shredded cheddar cheese
Avocado, diced (optional)
Burger sauce or dressing (mayo, ketchup, mustard mix or ranch, etc.)

Directions

I cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it browns. I season it with salt, pepper, garlic, and onions, cooking until fully done.
While the beef cooks, I prep my toppings—chop the lettuce, slice the tomatoes and pickles, and get everything ready in bowls.
Once the beef is cooked and slightly cooled, I build the bowls by starting with a base of lettuce.
I add a generous spoonful of ground beef on top, then layer with tomatoes, pickles, onions, shredded cheese, avocado.
I drizzle the burger sauce over everything or serve it on the side for dipping.
I serve it immediately, while the beef is still warm and the toppings are fresh and crisp.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 bowls. It takes about 10 minutes to prep the ingredients and another 10–15 minutes to cook the beef, so I can have dinner ready in around 25 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I use ground turkey or grilled chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. For a spicy version, I add jalapeños and use pepper jack cheese. When I want it more filling, I serve it over a scoop of cauliflower rice or quinoa. I’ve also made a breakfast-inspired version with a fried egg and hash brown base instead of lettuce.

storage/reheating

I store the cooked beef separately from the fresh ingredients in the fridge for up to 4 days. When I’m ready to eat, I reheat the beef in the microwave or on the stovetop and assemble a fresh bowl. If the whole bowl is already assembled, I keep the sauce on the side to prevent sogginess and enjoy it cold or slightly warmed.

FAQs

What kind of sauce works best for burger bowls?

I usually mix mayo, ketchup, mustard, and a splash of pickle juice for a classic burger sauce. Ranch or Thousand Island also work great.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I prep the toppings and cook the beef in advance, then assemble the bowls just before serving for the best texture.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

It can be. I skip the ketchup or use a sugar-free version, avoid sweet dressings, and keep the base low-carb (like lettuce or cauliflower rice).

Can I use plant-based meat?

Absolutely. I’ve used meat alternatives like ground Beyond or Impossible meat, and they work really well in this recipe.

What are some good toppings for kids?

For kids, I keep it simple—cheese, ketchup, chopped pickles, and maybe some shredded carrots or cucumbers on the side.

Conclusion

Burger Bowls are quick, tasty, and endlessly customizable. I love how they give me all the satisfaction of a juicy burger without the heaviness of a bun. Whether I’m looking for a lighter dinner, a meal prep option, or just something fun to throw together on a weeknight, these bowls always come through. They’re a fresh way to enjoy an old favorite—one forkful at a time.