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High-Protein Low-Carb Cheeseburger Bowl with Tangy Burger Sauce

A close-up of a delicious cheeseburger bowl featuring seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, special sauce, pickles, and red onion over lettuce.

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Create a satisfying, deconstructed cheeseburger in a bowl. This recipe delivers all the classic flavor of a cheeseburger without the bun, making it perfect for low-carb lifestyles, meal prep, or a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85/15 recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese
  • 4 cups shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce
  • 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • Optional toppings: Diced tomatoes, cooked bacon crumbles, sliced avocado
  • For the Tangy Burger Sauce: 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon pickle relish (or 1 teaspoon pickle juice)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Prepare the burger sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish (or juice), and smoked paprika. Mix well 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 lightly with your hands until just combined; do not overmix.
  3. Cook the beef: Form the meat mixture into four equal patties or simply crumble the meat directly into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. Melt the cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Place one slice of cheddar cheese on top of each portion of cooked beef. Cover the skillet for 1 minute until the cheese melts.
  5. Assemble the bowls: Divide the shredded lettuce among four serving bowls to form the base. Top the lettuce evenly with the seasoned ground beef and melted cheese mixture.
  6. Add toppings: Distribute the chopped pickles and diced red onion over the beef in each bowl. Add any other desired toppings like tomatoes or bacon.
  7. Serve: Drizzle a generous amount of the prepared tangy burger sauce over each cheeseburger bowl. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For meal prep, store the cooked beef mixture, sauce, and fresh toppings separately. Assemble just before eating to keep the lettuce crisp.
  • Swap ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter protein option.
  • If you prefer a warmer base, use 1 cup of cooked cauliflower rice or regular rice per bowl instead of lettuce.

Nutrition